What to Know About Water Leak Detection

A small water leak can turn from a minor annoyance into a much bigger disaster in a matter of hours -- sometimes sooner. Oftentimes, water leaks also go unnoticed for a long time, and by the time they are noticeable, the damage is a costly fix. Water leaks can lead to flooding, which can put some homeowners in financial ruin as well as put their safety at risk. 

This is why a water leak detection system is very important to have.

But, how does water leak detection work? Let’s find out. 

What is a Water Leak Detection System?

Just like a smoke detector works to detect smoke and alert you in an emergency (or, before), a water leak detection system helps detect water leaks and notifies you when there’s a problem. 

How Does a Water Leak Detection System Work?

A water leak detection system works by monitoring the flow of water through the pipes. It does this by monitoring water flow via ultrasonic wavelengths or a mechanical turbine. These systems then can pick up on water flow patterns and determine if something is out of the ordinary. Some detection systems are very sophisticated and actually will have a valve that will stop water flow if a leak is detected.

Others -- like smart water leak sensors -- let you know when there’s a problem, at a much lower cost and with less installation headaches. These water sensors work by either being connected to the water supply line or being placed in an area of the home at risk to flooding by alerting the homeowner when the water flow is abnormal. 

Why Do Water Leaks Occur?

Water leaks occur for a number of different reasons, and they’re generally most common in the pipes leading into the kitchen and bathroom. This is because it’s easy for these pipes to get clogged up, and that clogging eventually leads to more strain on the pipes to allow the water to get through -- increasing the pressure and the damage that comes with it. 

Of course, water leaks can also come from old pipes, broken water heaters, or even leaks from excessive rain/flooding. A water leak detection system can usually help protect your home from all water dangers.

Why is a Water Leak Detection System Important?

A water leak detection system is important if you want to prevent damage to your home and avoid costly and time-consuming repairs, that may also require you to vacate your home while they’re completed. It may also take a long time. Leaks can waste water, damage your home or business critical equipment, and encourage unwanted organic growth. Without a water leak detection system, oftentimes a problem goes undetected until the damage isn’t fixable without costly and time-consuming repairs. 

That doesn’t include damage to any items in your home that may be impacted by the water leak, or long-term impacts, like an increase in home insurance rates. In fact, flood damage is the most time consuming home insurance claim and one of the most expensive. Wouldn’t it be better to just avoid all that?

What Else to Know About Water Leak Detection

Now that you know the basics of water leak detection, what else is there to know? Well, while nearly all water leak detectors or sensors serve the same purpose, they don’t necessarily function all the same way. 

For instance, SimpliSafe’s Water Sensor triggers the alarm to notify you every time it picks up water. And, all you have to do is place the sensors in areas of your home that could be at risk of a water leak, like the washing machine, the dishwasher, the bathroom sink, basement, the toilet, the kitchen sink, etc. If water comes in contact with the sensor, you’ll be notified.