We have all heard the unfortunate story about people coming home from vacation or an event only to find that their home catastrophically flooded. They never knew that days and days had passed by before anyone knew that there was even an issue and everything within their home had been destroyed. This unfortunate situation is all too common for many people every year. Luckily, there are super handy devices called flood sensors to help people be better prepared in flood situations. Even better – they’re wireless!
How Can a Wireless Flood Sensor Help Me?
Wireless flood sensors are one of the most simple, easy to install and beneficial devices for accident-preparedness in your home. No matter if you are home, on vacation, at school, out and about shopping or at the office, you can be alerted on your phone or smart home screen to flooding happening in your home in real time. The sensors are immediately activated when flooding is detected and some can be programmed to fit your specific needs.
How do Flood Sensors Work?
Flood sensors work by using a little bit of simple science. The wireless flood sensor device has small, metal pins on the bottom that act as components to a circuit. The feet of the device create a small air gap underneath, exposing the circuit pins. When the air gap created by the feet is bridged by water, electricity, powered by the device batteries, can be conducted through the pins via the water, thus setting off the alarm. Wireless flood sensors are a foolproof way of solving a major issue. It is very rare to have soft water in a home, but if you do have incredibly soft water, the device may not be able to conduct the electricity to set off the alarm. Very clean, pure water is not as conductive as water that is harder and contains minerals. This would be a very rare case if it were to happen, but it is good information to have.
Where Should I Place My Flood Sensors?
Sensors can be placed in any area of your home and are relatively small in size. Sensors will be most helpful if placed in areas where you have running water or where potential water hazards can occur. These places include bathrooms, utility rooms, kitchens, garages, basements or any other room where piping runs through out. If at all possible, place the device on a hard, flat surface. Waterlogged carpet from spilling a drink could trigger some sensors accidentally.
Activation of My Flood Sensor
Follow the setup guidelines for the sensor you choose and then just set it wherever you like. These sensors very small and can be placed discreetly so that animals and young children do not find them easily.
Popular Brands and Where to Buy Them
There are many brands of wireless flood sensors available on the market today. You can purchase various brands at stores like Lowes, Home Depot and Amazon. Some of our favorites include Gove, YoLink and Ring. Each brand brings its own unique features to their device, so it is best to research which one is best for you and your household. Some wireless flood sensors even measure for freezing temperatures to hopefully catch pipes freezing before they burst.
Helpful Tips
Remember to create an action plan for flood emergencies in your home. Flooding can occur due to natural disaster or from failed plumbing within your home or surrounding buildings. There is typically no way to predict such a disaster, so it is best to always be prepared ahead of time by mapping out a course of action.