Vivint Authorized Retailer Sacramento
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville & Surrounding Areas

How does a water sensor work and why connect one to your Sacramento smart home?

April 21, 2025
Mobile app warns homeowner of a water concern

One tiny leak at your house can result in significant problems and thousands of dollars in damage. You have to defend against this danger; thankfully, there’s a simple way to accomplish this. A water sensor is an effective, simple, and economical solution. Explore how they work and why you should integrate water sensors into your Sacramento smart home.

How water sensors safeguard Sacramento your home

Water enters homes in various ways, whether from a plumbing failure, storm-related incident, appliance malfunction, or just human error. No matter how it happens, you need to know immediately, and this is why water sensors are important. But how do they really work? 

Most water sensors are conductive and function with two electrodes. When water invades the space between the electrodes, an electrical connection is created, setting off your alarm. You’ll also discover capacitive sensors that emit an electrical field. When water touches the conductive surfaces of these components, the field is interrupted, and your alarm activates. Optical sensors utilizing infrared LED light are another possibility.

Get more protection from water sensors

Some advanced water sensors provide even more defense as they use integrated temperature sensors. This is an excellent tool in preventing frozen pipes. If there’s a drastic decrease in temperature, you’ll know at once. Taking action before pipes burst will protect you from flooding and exorbitant repair costs.

Why incorporate water sensors into your Sacramento smart home? 

When water emergencies arise, you have to be alerted at once. You can attain this goal by integrating water sensors into your smart home. Whether you’re on site to hear the alarm or somewhere else, you’ll receive an instant alert on your smartphone. As an additional backup, your 24/7 monitoring agents will be alerted. Each second counts in a water emergency to limit the damage and disruption to your household.

Where should you install water sensors?

Any area prone to an influx of water is an appropriate place for water sensors. Consider installing in these areas:

  • Bathrooms: Place behind toilets or close to tubs.
  • Basements: Water commonly infiltrates lower levels through cracked walls or due to heavy rain or malfunctioning sump pumps.
  • Near water heaters or appliances: Any water-connected appliance could leak over time.
  • Under sinks: Water sensors are perfect for discovering leaky pipes in areas you can’t see.
  • Attics: Detect roof leaks quickly and avert costly damage.

Install water sensors with your Vivint smart home

Give your residence the complete protection it needs with modern tools from Vivint. Our water sensors in Sacramento link to your Vivint smartphone app to send you immediate alerts when your alarm is triggered. You also enjoy integrated temperature sensors to avert frozen pipes. Explore the smart home devices available in Sacramento by dialing (916) 914-8674 today.