A pro shares the secret to catching plumbing leaks early, before you even notice a problem.
There are few things more stressful, or expensive, than walking into your basement and noticing water on the floor. Whether it’s from a failed sump pump, a leaky water heater, or a burst pipe, basement flooding is a nightmare all homeowners dread. Thankfully, a simple, affordable hack could help you stop a flood in its tracks before serious damage sets in.
The trick? A water alarm. These budget-friendly gadgets detect moisture and emit a loud alarm when water is present. (Like a smoke detector, but for water leaks instead of fire.) When placed strategically around your home, they can give you the precious time you need to respond before a small leak becomes a full-blown flood. We spoke to a plumbing expert about where they should be placed for optimal effect, so read on if you’ve been thinking about investing in one (or more!).
What Is a Water Alarm?
You can think of a water alarm as your first line of defense against water damage. They sit directly on the floor and contain sensors that trigger a loud alert when water comes into contact with the device. And, did we mention they’re affordable?
Paul Abrams, director of public relations and spokesman for Roto-Rooter Services Company, uses multiple alarms around his home. “There are several inexpensive water alarms available on Amazon [in the $3.50 to $10 range] that work very well,” he says.
If you’re willing to invest a bit more, smart versions of these alarms are also available. These models will notify your phone immediately if moisture is detected, no matter where you are. “There are some high-tech models that will send alerts to a smartphone in case you are away from home when a leak occurs,” Abrams says. “They aren’t expensive either—starting around $39, which is a lot cheaper than paying for water damage.” These are especially helpful for vacation homes, rental properties, or when you’re gone on a long trip.
Some advanced systems can even automatically shut off the water supply when a leak is detected, though they usually cost more and require professional installation.
Where to Put Water Alarms for Maximum Protection
Water alarms are most effective when placed in the correct spots throughout your home. “Water alarms should be positioned wherever there is a risk of water leaking and causing damage,” advises Abrams. This includes more locations than you might expect.
Here are some plumber-approved locations to install your water alarms:
- Near your water heater. “I keep one next to my water heater in the overflow pan,” says Abrams. “That way, if water gets in the pan, I’ll be alerted to check out the situation.”
- By your washing machine. “Since we have a second-floor laundry room, I have a water alarm attached (with Velcro) to the side of the washing machine,” Abrams shares. This helps catch leaks from the machine or water supply hoses, two common culprits of indoor flooding.
- In the sump pump pit. One of Abrams’ most proactive placements is on the vertical pipe coming out of the sump pump pit, which he attaches via zip ties. “It is positioned high in the pit and will sound an alert if water reaches a high level, beyond that of the sump pump’s float switch,” he explains. “That way I’ll know if my sump pump has failed and water is abnormally high in the pit.”
Those aren’t the only trouble spots he recommends placing water alarms near. Essentially, any area with plumbing or water connections is a good candidate for a water alarm. Here are some additional locations to consider.
- Under kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room sinks.
- Behind toilet bowls.
- Next to bathtubs or shower stalls.
- By basement floor drain covers.
- Near dishwashers.
- On the floor beside or behind refrigerators with ice makers.
How to Install and Maintain a Water Alarm
One of the best things about water alarms (besides their small price tag) is that they are incredibly easy to install. Most models come ready to use right out of the box. Simply insert the battery, place the unit on a flat surface near a water source, and walk away with peace of mind. Some models include adhesive strips or mounting brackets, which are helpful if you plan to attach the alarm to a wall, appliance, or pipe (much like Abrams does with zip ties on his sump pump). The only maintenance needed is the occasional battery replacement, which will typically be signaled with a beep from the device.
It’s wise to test your water alarms periodically to ensure the sensors and batteries are still functioning. Once every few months should do the trick. Your future self (and flood-free home) will thank you!
