Leaks in your home can be a major problem. This is especially the case if leaks occur while you’re away from home or happen in places that you can’t easily access. While some leaks can be prevented before they happen with proper maintenance, there is always a possibility of a leak even if your sinks and pipes are kept in good shape.

One option is to have a water leak detector that can pick up the leak when it occurs. If you’ve never heard of these or aren’t sure how they work, we have the basics here for you. You may find that a leak detector is just what you need to give yourself a bit more peace of mind when it comes to your home’s plumbing.

What is a Water Leak Detector?

As the name suggests, a water leak detector is a device that can detect water leaks in your home. There are a few different types of detectors out there, but they all provide the same basic function of keeping your home safe in the case of leaks. They do this not only by detecting leaks, but by doing something when they find one. Modern detectors include sensors to identify the leaks and valves connected to your home’s plumbing. The central unit closes the valve when something is detected, preventing the flow of water and stopping the leak until it can be repaired. Many detectors also provide you with some sort of alert when this occurs, with some models even syncing with smart home devices to send a notice to your phone and even perform other actions like turning on lights in the affected area.

Types of Leak Detectors

There are a few different types of water leak detectors that you can install in your home. The most common ones feature moisture sensors, allowing them to trigger the system if an area that’s supposed to be dry suddenly has an increase in moisture. In-line sensors can determine when changes in water pressure occur, with abnormal pressure readings suggesting that water is escaping the line and that a leak has sprung somewhere. Temperature sensors can detect frozen pipes, helping you reduce pressure before the pipes burst. Some leak detectors even use acoustic sensors to listen for the sound of leaks or running water; this can be especially useful in crawl spaces or slabs where it might be difficult to find leaks using other sensor types.

Regardless of the type of sensors you have in your home, the core unit of your water leak detector will determine how big of an installation job is required. Basic detectors can send you alerts to your phone, or sound and audible alarm but take no other action beyond that; these can often be installed as DIY projects and provide basic protection against leaks. Larger systems that use in-line sensors and have the ability to shot off that water automatically are much more complicated and typically require professional installation, but they also provide better protection and more sensor options as well.

Do You Need a Water Leak Detector?

Deciding whether you need a water leak detector and what type you might want comes down to a few factors. The most obvious is how much of a risk you think leaks are in your home. If you’ve got old plumbing or are worried about leaks in hard-to-reach places, you’re more likely to want a leak detector than someone who just moved into a new construction with easily accessible pipes. The type of detector also comes down to personal preference, since some people would prefer simple alerts while others like fully automated responses.

Regardless of the type you choose, we are here to help you find the right person to install it for you or answer any questions you might have.