How Water-Leak Sensors Protect Your Home

Ever wonder how a water leak sensor actually works?

• Water comes into contact with the sensor. The sensor makes an electrical contact and sends a signal.
• The sensor transmits a signal to a central station of sorts (kind of like how if extreme heat or a needle comes in contact with your skin, your sensory nerves will send a signal to your brain).
• Once the signal reaches the "brain" of the water leak sensor, an alarm will sound.
• A more advanced system includes a phone call from a base monitoring center to alert you to the leak.

Where might water leaks occur?

• Appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine are among the many sources of potential leaks.
• Obviously, a hot water heater can leak.
• A leak can also emanate from the plumbing of a toilet.
• Roofs leak all the time.
• Your neighbor in your apartment/condo may spring a leak.

Though a water leak may sound like a minor nuisance, it can actually be very costly if unchecked. A worst-case scenario is an untreated leak causing mold to proliferate on the house's walls and floors. This mold can cause serious health problems. Water leaks could ruin wood and carpet as well.

Placement of Water Sensors

• High-quality water sensors can be placed anywhere you'd like. The device may be only three inches long, depending on make and model.
• Beneath the dishwasher
• Floor of the basement
• Under the bathroom sink
• Drip pan of the washing machine
• Drip pan of the water heater

These are just suggestions; review your house for any possible location where there could be a water leak.

Water damage is never to be underestimated. It's the No. 1 reason for insurance claims. We've all heard about basements getting flooded-not from storms but from pipes that burst.

And it goes without saying that sooner or later, an appliance is going to have a puddle of water forming nearby it.

For further protection, there are ways to waterproof homes starting in the basement where water tends to enter. 

It's smart to get water leak sensors set up in your house for yet another reason other than prevention of damage: a lower rate on your homeowner's insurance. See if your insurance will offer you a discount if you have water leak sensors.