Chances are you already have “smart” devices and appliances installed throughout your home without being aware of it. If you can control your thermostat from your smartphone or switch your lights on and off while you’re on the other side of town – those are typical smart devices. Even plumbing products are increasingly “smart” these days. Smart plumbing products might include smart water heaters, smart leak detectors, and smart water monitors.
Installing smart plumbing devices and appliances can establish an extra layer of convenience and security to your home, as well as reduce your daily water usage and monthly water bills. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of installing smart plumbing products. And if you’re considering adding one to your plumbing system, make sure you have the help of a trusted plumber in Reinholds.
Smart Leak Detectors
When a pipe leaks or your basement or crawlspace floods thanks to heavy rain, it’s quite obvious that your home is experiencing a serious water leak that may result in extensive damage. But some leaks aren’t as noticeable. Even minor water leaks from appliances or plumbing pipes can accumulate over time, contributing to higher bills and the potential for damage to your home.
That’s where a smart water leak detector can help. Leak detectors are installed in bathrooms, basements, underneath the kitchen sink, and close to water-using appliances. Smart leak detectors supervise home water usage and alert you through your smartphone if it notices irregular water usage in your home – which can mean there's a leak someplace. They will also notify you if they notice a leak, or a running toilet.
If you’re on vacation and your water heater suddenly begins to leak, you’ll be notified right away with your smartphone so you can take the needed steps to get the leak patched and minimize further damage to your home.
Smart Water Heaters
Did you know the typical water heater accounts for about 12% of a family’s energy consumption, second only to your heating and cooling system? To keep your hot water heater’s energy use in check, try upgrading to a smart water heater. Smart water heaters come with energy-saving capabilities and remote controls.
So how do smart water heaters help exactly? Furnished with smart technology, a smart water heater can evaluate your home’s water-usage habits and even anticipate usage and make appropriate adjustments. Conventional tank water heaters, for example, must continually heat water during the day so hot water is ready when you need it. With a smart water heater, though, you can keep your water heater off during the workday when you’re out of the house or when you’re away for work or vacation.
This can save energy, lower water bills, boost safety, and give you more control over your appliance. Speaking of control, if you have a shower at 7 a.m. every day, you can set your water heater to turn on at 6:45 so you’ll have hot water ready. Smart water heaters also alert you of any leaks or system errors via your smartphone. If leaks are detected, for example, the smart water heater should automatically turn off. This reduces damage to the appliance and your home.
Smart Water Monitor
Most of us probably have little idea how much water we’re using up. Smart water monitors are particularly useful if you'd like to decrease your water consumption and save money on your monthly water bills.
Smart water monitors can record helpful data that illustrates how much water you use in your home or business and how much each appliance or fixture needs. Many water monitors are equipped with a web-based interface that helps you to monitor water usage in real-time. This type of information can help you learn if you have an inefficient toilet that should be upgraded, or if someone in your family is regularly taking 30-minute showers in the upstairs bathroom–allowing you to make any needed adjustments.
Along with saving money on your water bills, smart water monitors help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint to ensure there is plenty of water for future generations to come.