Flood & Water Damage Prevention for a Modern Smart Home - A Smart Device Guide
Flooding and water damage are among the most expensive issues a Homeowner can experience. Aside from costing a small fortune, water damage can also be a pain to fix. This is why prevention, detection and fast action are crucial to reducing destruction and keeping costs low.
For prevention tips, check out our Smart flood prevention guide.
A smart way to prevent water damage is to implement, well, smart technology. Our Smart Flood Prevention Guide outlines three basic levels of smart water leak detection and flood protection:
- Water leak sensors placed strategically to sound a built-in alarm to notify residents
- Water sensors attached to an alarm system, dialer or Internet-based system send an alert to the homeowner
- A water flow meter or water sensor combined with a water valve that automatically turns the water supply off when a leak has been detected. This may be combined with a local alert and/or remote notification.
Today, smart devices can go beyond basic sensing - Why just sense a leak when you can stop one? Ask the experts here at Aartech. Modern systems can go beyond just standard moisture detection, offering automation, automatic shut-off capabilities, shut-off power and more.
If the idea of "automatic shut-off" caught your eye, then you're in luck - there are generally three different types of automatic shut-offs:
- Point-of-use systems like that are connected locally to hot water tanks, dishwashers, washing machines or sinks - These have local water sensors and a water valve that turns off the water supply only to that specific system or section.
- Whole house flood and leak detection systems with a water valve that attaches to the main supply line - These may use wired sensors, but wireless water sensors are usually more practical. When any of the water sensors detect water, the water valve is shut off to the whole home.
- Smart Home Automation system with water sensors and an automated water valve. This third category is similar to 2nd option but includes a smart home hub or home automation system that can take multiple steps, including turning off the water supply, sounding an alarm, sending email or text alerts, as well as turning on lights. This system, or one connected to an alarm, can also automatically turn off the water when going away or on vacation.
Of course, there are a variety of devices, systems, and protocols involved with building the best flood & water damage prevention system for your home - You just have to decide what coverage you want. Trying to figure out what to use can be a major headache! So we asked our experts for input and recommendations so you can pick the best smart devices for your home.
As always, feel free to reach out to us for help if you can't find what you're looking for in this guide:
THE BASICS
Modern systems can go beyond just standard moisture detection, offering automation, shut-off power and more. But if you're looking for something reliable with no automation, FloodStop would be the way to go. There are a variety of devices to choose from and something or almost any project. They can be used throughout a home for fast action or even installed at the main shut-off point, with additional sensors in potential problem areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, hot water tanks, ice maker machines, etc.
SMART HOME SYSTEM FRIENDLY
Some devices don't play well with others or work well within other systems, but you don't have to worry about any of them with these sensors. They can connect to your system and work with your alarm if you wish.
SHUT OFF CONTROL
Along with working with your new water sensor, many alarm systems also have PGM outputs that can be used to activate a shut-off valve like this ELK-brand shut-off valve.
Econet offers a similar part, but it conveniently works with ZWave, making it a viable option if your smart home system runs on the ZWave protocol
WORKS WITH WIFI
Econet also offers a shut-off valve with sensors for WiFi systems. The device contains an automatic meter shut-off and three sensors. It works without a smart hub and can send users alerts and provide remote open/close options.
BEST FOR AUTOMATION
If you're looking for something a little hands-off or want something to fit into your home automation system, you could use this or one of these bulldog sets. Bulldog can work with security and automation systems without ZWave by using a direct relay contact closure connection, taking advantage of the security system's water sensors and control
LARGE INSTALLS
For larger installs, you may need to look at our Pro site for more info, but our expert recommends Watchnet Internet-based Environmental Sensors for commercial or industrial jobs. Please note: These are available to dealers only. There are also additional fees associated with this item. Learn more
