Even small water leaks can cause serious damage to your home. It is also not uncommon for leaks to go undetected for an extended period of time. This is especially the case with leaks that occur inside walls, in concrete slabs or crawlspaces. Often you only realize you have a leak after the damage has already been done. Instead of waiting for a leak to make itself known, wouldn’t it be nice to get notified right away?
Water alarm systems offer just that. They are designed to alert homeowners to a leak as soon as it happens. Whether you are at home, at work, or on vacation, you receive instant notification when a leak is detected. These systems allow you to resolve a plumbing issue before it has the chance to do extensive or long-lasting damage.
How Do Water Alarms Work?
Water alarms, also called plumbing alarms, are relatively simple. They have a built-in sensor that monitors the water flow in your plumbing system. What makes them so effective is that they are calibrated to know the difference between turning on a faucet and a plumbing leak or burst pipe. They do this by assessing the speed at which water flows through the system. If they detect uncommonly slow or uncommonly fast water flow, they will alert you to a leak.
These systems are incredibly sensitive and can detect incredibly small leaks as well as large-scale problems like a flood. Additionally, some models have built-in emergency shut-off valves and can turn the water off in your home when it detects a leak.
Smart Water Alarms
Smart leak detection alarms are an advanced type of water alarm and can notify you through your smartphone when they detect a problem. This means that you do not have to be at home to get notified of a plumbing problem. Smart water alarms are incredibly popular with people who spend a lot of time away from home, whether at work or traveling.
Smart alarms are also great for:
- Vacation properties
- Guesthouses
- Workshops
- Outbuildings, like garages and barns
Are Water Alarms Worth the Investment?
In a word, yes. Water alarms are incredibly affordable, and some models can be purchases for as little as $50. Repairing water damage can be incredibly expensive, especially if you also have to deal with mold remediation. Water alarms can help you avoid extensive damage caused by a leak, and many people find them worth the cost for peace of mind alone.
Water alarms can be incredibly beneficial to homeowners, but they need to be placed carefully and thoughtfully. You also want to consider what type of water alarm you are getting. For example, suppose your primary concern is being notified of a plumbing issue while you’re away from home. In that case, you will want to make sure that you purchase a smart water leak detector that will send you text or email alerts instead of a water alarm that only sounds an alarm.
Do I Need a Plumber?
While water alarms can be purchased and installed yourself, it is recommended that you work with a skilled plumber to install them. For example, suppose you’re placing a water alarm in a remote part of the house or outbuilding. In that case, you may be best with a model that alerts you via text. Meanwhile, a water alarm that sounds an audible siren might be sufficient for your kitchen or bathrooms. A plumber, like ours at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, can use their experience to help you select the best products for your needs and help you determine the best placement for them.