Water is used in a variety of ways in our daily life, making it a precious resource. It is also a fact that water leaks are one of the major causes for damage in an urban living environment, mostly because of aging infrastructure. The water is often lost through leaks and cracks in pipes and their fittings, causing expensive water damage to the property.
Water related damages are expensive both to the insurance company and property owner irrespective of the type of property - multi-residential or single family homes. Further minor leaks go unnoticed for months before they present themselves as a major health issue such as a mold on the walls or a flood condition in a kitchen or a bathroom. Either way these damages result in expensive repairs and medical costs, and are potentially life threatening.
Tantiv4’s home automation technology can identify these leaks using cost effective water leak sensors and take appropriate actions to prevent, or at the very least minimize, the damage.These devices are installed in key areas of your house and plumbing equipment and can instantly detect water leaks. When a water leak is detected, a notification is sent to you on your phone and desktop, requesting immediate action.
The water sensors are connected over the cloud through the Shield Home Automation system, which in turn is connected to devices you authorize.
Let’s evaluate common causes of water leaks and how installing smart sensors can help detect them.
Water Heaters
A leaking water heater may seem like just a minor nuisance, but it can quickly turn into a big problem. Even a small amount of water can cause damage to your floors, sub-floors, and walls.
In extreme cases, a catastrophic and complete water heater failure can cause a significant flood that could lead to hefty repair bills and damaged personal property.
Detecting the leak: The best way to prepare against this threat is to install water sensors and shut off valves where the pipes connect. When the sensor detects water, a notification should be sent right away for remedial action in addition to closing the valve
HVAC Equipment
It is quite common for the HVAC equipment’s condensate pan to overflow with water if the drain line clogs up. Moisture buildup due to the air conditioner is a common cause of water damage that must be controlled and mitigated.
Detecting the leak: Smart sensors detect the build-up of water and humidity levels near the condensate. If the level of humidity or water level increases over a certain threshold, an alert is immediately sent to the homeowner to take action.
Kitchen/Bathroom Sinks and Showers
It’s relatively easy for water damage to take place behind bathroom pipes because it is usually hidden and isn’t spotted until it’s too late. Common causes include holes in the water supply lines and worn out caulking.
It can be challenging to detect leaks in sinks and showers because they are buried in a wall surrounded by tiles. But you can install a long-lasting water sensor that is connected to the cloud and will detect water leakage.
Detecting the leak: The water sensor regularly checks for signs of water or water humidity in these areas and notifies the user via SMS when a leak is detected.
Toilets
There are several causes of toilet leaks including rusted pipes, worn out tank-to-bowl connections, and condensation on the bowl. It is also possible for the pipes running behind the toilet to leak and damage the drywall.
Detecting the leak: Water sensors near the toilet plumbing regularly check for signs of water leaks and send alerts as and when necessary.
Summary
The scenarios described above utilize sensors and IoT technology such as from Tantiv4 Inc. to detect and communicate the need for repairs, and even schedule appointments before the water leak becomes a problem. This adds value for the homeowner and saves both time and money.