Chances are you already have “smart” devices and appliances installed throughout your home without even knowing it. If you can access your thermostat from your smartphone or flip your lights on and off while you’re on the other side of town – those are considered smart devices. Even plumbing products are going “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 apply an extra layer of convenience and protection to your home, as well as reduce your daily water usage and monthly water bills. Continue below 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 Kowality Plumbing.
Smart Leak Detectors
When a pipe bursts or your basement or crawlspace floods because of heavy rain, it’s obvious that your home is dealing with a serious water leak that can lead to extensive damage. But some leaks aren’t as noticeable. Even minor water leaks from appliances or plumbing pipes can add up, leading to higher bills and potential damage to your home.
That’s where a smart water leak detector comes in. Leak detectors should be installed in bathrooms, basements, underneath the kitchen sink, and near water-using appliances. Smart leak detectors monitor home water usage and alert you with your smartphone if there is irregular water usage in your home – which can indicate a leak someplace. They can also notify you if they detect a leak, or a running toilet.
If you’re out of town and your water heater suddenly starts leaking, you’ll be alerted right away through your smartphone so you can take the needed steps to get the leak resolved and avoid further damage to your home.
Smart Water Heaters
Were you aware that the standard water heater accounts for about 12% of a family’s energy expenditure, second only to your heating and cooling system? To keep your hot water heater’s energy usage 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 work exactly? Designed with smart technology, a smart water heater can analyze your home’s water-usage habits and even estimate usage and make appropriate adjustments. Traditional tank water heaters, for example, must constantly heat water over the course of the day so hot water is available when you need it. With a smart water heater, though, you can keep your water heater off during the workday when you’re gone or when you’re away for work or vacation.
This can conserve energy, reduce water bills, increase safety, and supply more control over your appliance. Speaking of control, if you shower at 7 a.m. every day, you can schedule 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 through your smartphone. If leaks are detected, for example, the smart water heater will automatically turn off. This minimizes damage to the appliance and your home.
Smart Water Monitor
Some of us probably have little idea how much water we’re using up. Smart water monitors are particularly useful if you want to decrease your water consumption and save money on your monthly water bills.
Smart water monitors can record helpful data that indicates 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 allows you to monitor water usage in real-time. This kind of information can help you find out if you have an inefficient toilet that needs to be upgraded, or if someone in your household is routinely taking 30-minute showers in the upstairs bathroom–allowing you to make any needed adjustments.
In addition to saving money on your water bills, smart water monitors help homeowners lower their carbon footprint to make sure there is plenty of water for future generations to come.
Kowality Plumbing is your quality source for Reverse Osmosis, Water Filter Systems, Water Softeners and Phyn Plus – Moen Flo – Stream Labs, (smart water monitoring and auto shut off devices) throughout the East Valley.
