The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Water Leak Detectors
Did you know that about 10% of the Australian daily water supply is lost through leaks? And it doesn’t seem like it’s coming to a halt anytime soon either. In fact, water damage claims have virtually doubled down on the number of fire and break-in complaints in recent years. They’re normally caused by a faulty pipe system, changes in water pressure or high temperatures, all of which may lead to extensive damage in your household.
Once a leak happens, there’s no telling how long it’ll take to fix it or how much resources you’ll need to do so. Seeing as they’re difficult to predict, prevention seems like a challenging prospect. In any case, prompt detection seems like the safest route to take in that scenario, which is why a water leakage detector should be an essential item in your plumbing tool box.
Contents
What Is a Water Leak Detector?
Basically, leak detectors monitor the water flow throughout the pipes. They’re normally set up at the water’s point of entry into the household. Once they pick up on abnormal circumstances, there are two things that can happen, depending on the type of device you have.
Some water leak detectors sound an alarm immediately after taking note of water in places where it shouldn’t be. This gives you a head start and a bit of extra time to run to your home’s water supply and switch it off before it does any more damage.
On the other hand, other models of leak detectors have a built-in capability of switching off the water supply themselves. This is especially useful if you just so happen to be away from home at the time of the leak, which would certainly put you at a disadvantage otherwise.
Either way, these devices are easily programmable, allowing you to adjust the settings based on your home’s water plan. Some models can even be paired to your smartphone to give you real-time updates and alerts on your supply system. It doesn’t matter if a pipe has burst or if it’s something as simple as the toilet getting jammed or the tub overflowing, an advanced water leak detector will take note of the problem and let you know on the spot.
How Does a Water Leak Detector Work?
Leak detectors monitor the regular water flow patterns of your household, either by counting the gallons that run through the sensor or sonically recording potential time delays. Whenever water seeps through the pipes or reaches the floors in your home, the device becomes alert and begins to take safety measures, whether it’s in the form of an alarm or a water shut-down.
Features to Consider when Buying a Leak Detector
Several factors determine the effectiveness and longevity of your detection system. These features can significantly improve your home’s safety and functionality.
Detection Sensitivity
It’s important to know the amount of water it takes to trigger the device. Some models are set off when the liquid touches the sensor whereas others detect it when it’s less than a centimetre away. More expensive alternatives offer full customisation features, letting you decide when or how things get out of hand.
Temperature Monitoring
This feature is particularly beneficial during wintertime since cold temperatures cause the water in the pipes to freeze. If those conditions persist, the pipes could burst and cause a whole lot of headaches and repair costs that no one wants to deal with.
Power Source
Perhaps the most convenient option is to get a battery-powered device because it doesn’t require any wires. In this way, it’ll remain powered up during power outages as well, ensuring continuous security and monitoring.
Price
Water leak detectors come in a range of prices in accordance with their extra features and functionality. Those on the lower end of the scale lack in several departments whereas the frontrunners tend to be overpriced given their service. Either way, your best bet is to get a mid-range model, which will yield the desired results and maintain optimal performance levels.
Benefits of Using a Leak Detector
These devices are entirely non-invasive and as such, they come with a handful of benefits to present-day households.
Cost-Effective
Do you know how much it costs to dig up your entire water supply system every time there’s an issue? Not to mention the fact that it’s a real hassle and messes up your whole schedule. Having a detection device installed will help you pinpoint the exact location of the leak, giving workers accurate instructions on when and where the drainage is coming from.
Time-Saving
One of the major problems that occur is not dealing with water leaks as soon as they happen. Any and all delays may prove even more expensive to deal with later on as minor leaks may turn into considerable sprouts over time. Detection devices allow you to take control of the situation before it gets out of hand and causes even more damage than it already has.
Reliable Water Supply
Not only does this refer to a constant influx of drinking water as a vital part of human life, it takes other aspects of everyday operation into account as well, such as washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances. An inconsistent water supply may hinder their performance and cause them to fail when you least expect it.
