Water leakage sensors are a common form of protection against damage to water pipes, unexpected leaks, and everyday troubles associated with a malfunction of the water supply system in an apartment or industrial premises.
- How water leakage sensors work
- The principle of operation of the anti-leakage system
- What is included in leak protection?
- Scope of application of liquid leakage control devices
- Which sensor is better to choose for monitoring water leaks?
- Classification of leakage protection systems
- Types of models by notification method
- Wired and wireless sensors
- Types of sensors, their design and operating principle
- Float devices for monitoring liquid levels in tanks
- Ultrasonic Water Leak Sensor
- Electrode water leak sensor
- Capacitive sensor for monitoring liquid parameters
- Radar water leak detection sensors
- Hydrostatic action sensor
- Rules for installing an anti-flood system
- Ball valve insert
- The best places to install water leak sensors
- Controller installation rules
- Checking the system operation
- How to make a water leakage sensor with your own hands
- Wired homemade sensor
- Wireless homemade sensor of the simplest design
- A more complex circuit with a sensitivity regulator
- Homemade alarms
- General principles for placing leakage sensors
- The most critical points of water breakthrough
- Typical configuration of the protective system
- Electrical safety of water leakage systems
- Review and comparison of popular flood protection devices
- "Stop Flood Rainbow"
- Aquawatch (aquastop)
- Neptune
Competent protection against leaks is available to anyone who is able to install a simple circuit with their own hands to protect against water leaks. It uses parts that are familiar to everyone, even a novice radio amateur or electrician. Low cost, simple circuit and reliability - these are the basic principles of such a homemade device.
How water leakage sensors work
Despite the huge number of devices available for sale, for people who are able to work with simple parts and circuits, a do-it-yourself water leakage sensor is the best way out. Cheap components mounted on a simple principle into a stationary system not only do not make a noticeable gap in the family budget, but also work much more reliably.
Interesting fact . The idea is borrowed from the design of yacht equipment, which allows you to instantly detect a leak in the hold. In it, resourceful inventors cleverly used knowledge from a school physics course - water and air naturally have different electrical conductivities. Leakage can be detected using two electrodes that signal the closure of the electrical circuit.
The principle of operation of the anti-leakage system
Devices that can inform about the presence of water leaks in the system, regardless of their functionality, appearance and method of placement, are built on a general principle. The natural difference in the electrical conductivity of the air and water environments, when liquid from the emergency pipe gets onto one of the installed electrodes, causes an instant closure of the electrical circuit. Next, the action scheme provided by a specific device is launched:
- after an alarm signal arrives at the controller, the solenoid valve located at the input is simply closed;
- the signal is set to sound or light, or both types of alarm are sent at once;
- an automatic device for pumping water starts;
- Water sensors in the apartment are installed in problem areas and allow you to instantly determine the location of the emergency segment.
- the device will take from 2 to 30 seconds to shut off the flow of water, and this time depends on its type;
- if such a device is mounted on a hot water supply system in heating pipes, it cannot block the water flow, but will still signal an accident.
Tip: The number of options available for sale is significant. In order to make a water leakage sensor with your own hands, it is better to choose the simplest scheme: the apartment will be safe, because in a simple device the likelihood of errors during assembly is minimal. If we are talking about a more complex device, it is better to trust professional manufacturers.
What is included in leak protection?
A typical installation may contain a variable number of elements, which is determined by the type of system chosen. A wireless water leak sensor is a must - it monitors liquid loss; you will also need sensors with wires. Some devices are equipped with power sources that ensure that water is turned off in the event of a leak, even if there is no voltage in the electrical network.
Scope of application of liquid leakage control devices
Leakage and seepage of liquid is a common phenomenon from which residents of an apartment with a centralized water supply or a private house with an autonomous water supply system are not insured. Installing a sensor when moving in or replacing pipes during a major renovation will allow you not to worry about an emergency situation, even if the owners of the home are away.
A water leak sensor in an apartment is not the only area of application: it is necessary to monitor the liquid level in engineering systems installed in basements, underground utilities, and in places with access that is difficult for visual inspection. Such a device on water heating pipes will not hurt, even if it simply signals a malfunction. On an industrial scale, using various operating principles, it is possible to control tanks, tank cars, tanks for storing raw materials or finished products, containers of various sizes, and water supply systems located at a considerable distance.
Types of water level meters
Wired modifications require wiring from the meter to the control unit. Advantages of flood sensors:
- no extra costs for sensor assembly;
- no need to use auxiliary power supplies.
One of the disadvantages is the presence of wires. They need to be hidden. It is better to hide the wires on the floor so as not to constantly touch them. The control device can be glued to the wall.
Many are afraid to use homemade sensors in order to be safe from a possible short circuit or, even worse, a fire. Therefore, they choose the more expensive option and buy ready-made controllers from manufacturers.
Wireless models do not require wiring from the sensitive component to the central unit. The flood controller can be installed in any place, as long as it is within the radius of influence of the wireless signal transmitter (300 m). Among the disadvantages: high price, the need to check batteries and change them (frequency - 1-2 years).
There are sensor models that can connect to the main security system.
The water flow regulator consumes almost no electrical energy to operate. The operating voltage of the devices does not exceed 9V. Therefore, there is no risk of electric shock.
DIY water flood regulator: materials and installation
Thanks to a simple device, you can design a wired controller at home. The water sensor consists of common components. Even if you have to buy some materials, it will still be cheaper to make a control device yourself than to buy it.
The sensor that you make at home only serves as a signal about a problem that has arisen. The device will not be able to stop the water.
Basic materials:
- 3 V battery (device CR1632).
- Transistor BC816.
- 1-2 MOhm resistor.
- Piezo emitter included with generator.
- An ordinary plastic bottle.
Step-by-step process for installing a flood regulator:
- The first thing to do is study the design diagram.
- Next, solder the resistor to the piezo emitter.
- Then connect the transistor.
- The circuit is connected to the batteries using blue electrical tape.
- Then we proceed to the construction of the body. We take a large bottle from which we cut off the neck. The bottom is made on one side of the bottle, which is fixed with glue. We make two holes to insert the housing. You need to make holes in the lid for the piezo. Screw the cap onto the neck.
- Now you can control the operation of the structure.
Wireless water leakage controller WD-102
The regulator is designed to establish the flooding of water or other electrically conductive, chemically inactive liquid.
The device consists of two parts. The plate itself, which is considered a sensitive component, and the control unit, which in case of an alarm sends a wireless signal to the GSM control panel. One battery will be enough to power the sensor. The duration of permanent work can be up to a year or more. Battery marking is 23A.
Inside the device there is an antenna for transmitting a signal over a distance of up to 100 meters of line of sight. This device is capable of transmitting a signal, including through walls. That is, the central unit can be in the next room. There are several jumpers inside the device, the so-called black jumpers. With their help, the alarm code is dialed when it is on the rear panel.
Then the code is typed using jumpers. They are black in color. Comes with a sensor. If there is no code on the rear panel, then you need to install at least one jumper in the same order as here. The jumper can be located anywhere, but one needs to be placed. The need for the jumper is that the sensor must have a code.
If the jumper is not installed, then the device will not be able to bind to the main GSM alarm unit.
An important element of the control device is a sensitive plate, which should be placed on the floor or any other surface where it is necessary to control water leakage. The sensitive component can be secured using a piece of double-sided tape. The plate is secured with a sensitive component to the bottom, and can be attached to the top with a plate of double-sided tape.
The sensitive component will be secured when you accidentally step on it. The control unit itself is also secured with double-sided tape on a wall or any other surface inaccessible to water. An exclusively sensitive plate comes into contact with water.
The flood sensor can be used to monitor the levels of different containers: aquariums, barrels and notify about their overflow.
A sensitive plate is installed at the required height and if it is overfilled, the contact closes and the sensor sends a red alarm.
Which sensor is better to choose for monitoring water leaks?
In this case, expert advice can be found in a variety of ways, but attention should be paid to each of the elements of the scheme. It is better to choose a controller that operates autonomously and is properly protected from external influences, with a minimum response time to danger. There are devices that are able to work with different components of the system and at the same time have backup power. You need to think about how to combine such recommendations with the simplicity and convenience required when installing the device yourself. Don’t buy the first one you come across, but carefully weigh all the parameters. The requirements for cranes are similar - compact, easy to install in the right place, with a suitable wire cross-section and the required length. Sensor – battery-powered or receiving energy from the controller. It is often recommended to buy a wireless water leak sensor - even an amateur can install it in the required location, which cannot be said about sensors with wires.
Preface
Life on planet Earth originated in water - this is what modern scientists say. But this same water can greatly ruin the life of a modern person, appearing from where it was not expected, and even at the most unexpected moment. Several times we ourselves were participants in such events... Once, at 1 o’clock in the morning, the water pressure ruptured the housing of the filter installed in the riser. It’s good that Olya was still awake at that moment and we managed to quickly turn off the water...
Most often, accidents occur in the area of “risers” where water distribution units are usually located. In this case, when a pipe ruptures or leaks, water begins to flow down the “riser”. After all, it is in the “riser” that we have interfloor holes for laying pipes and the water rushes down in a stream. This can happen completely unnoticed by the residents of the underlying floors, since if the flow is small, the water goes down and does not flood into the apartment. Well, a large flow of water when a pipe ruptures can cause significant damage to property.
Therefore, in order to promptly detect a water leak, I decided to make an alarm device that would give a signal when the first signs of a flood appeared.
Classification of leakage protection systems
There is no single differentiation that includes all characteristics. Many protective systems have been developed, using different principles, warning systems, with wired and wireless sensors, using ultrasound. Even the body of the water sensor, based on the material of manufacture and reliability, can also become the main selection criterion when drawing up a classification.
Types of models by notification method
The signals can be noise, or they can be duplicated with light (this system is more reliable, especially under modern conditions - listening to music, TV, computer with headphones). The indication may appear on the display of the device that controls the operation of the device. You can even purchase a device that combines sound signals, indicator pulses and sending a message to the home owner on a mobile device, but this requires a GSM transmitter.
Wired and wireless sensors
Wireless water leakage sensors are equipped with a transmitter that can not only detect changes in the electromagnetic field, but also respond to them, providing a signal to the controller. The signal can be modulated differently from different manufacturers, but the principle of operation is common. A wired sensor sends such a signal to the controller via wires. This complicates the installation process, especially if the device is installed independently.
A more complex circuit, with a sensitivity regulator
The cost of such a scheme is also minimal. Performed on the KT972A transistor.
The operating principle is similar to the previous version, with one difference. The generated signal about the presence of a leak (after opening the emitter junction of the transistor), instead of a signaling device (LED or sound element), is sent to the relay winding. Any low-current device, such as RES 60, will do. The main thing is that the supply voltage of the circuit matches the characteristics of the relay. And from its contacts, information can be sent to the actuator: smart home system, alarm system, GSM transmitter (to a mobile phone), emergency solenoid valve.
An additional advantage of this design is the ability to adjust sensitivity. Using a variable resistor, the collector-base transition current is regulated. You can adjust the response threshold from the appearance of dew or condensation to the full immersion of the sensor (contact plate) in water.
Types of sensors, their design and operating principle
Water is the most important element of human life support. It is not surprising that many safety and protective systems have been developed, and the principles used vary. Even for use at home or at work, there are also separate models. There are also different ways to obtain energy - power supplies, accumulators, batteries, shapes and types of structures, connection location, number of standard elements, etc.
Float devices for monitoring liquid levels in tanks
Not particularly reliable in apartment conditions. They are much more often used in maritime affairs, on yachts or river fleets, although it is believed that this is a cheap and reliable way of signaling in places where water is constantly added from the central water supply system. However, they control only the upper level of liquid, so in everyday life they are usually used in toilet flush tanks.
Ultrasonic Water Leak Sensor
Sends sound waves of a certain frequency and receives a signal reflected from the walls of the container or the controlled thickness of the liquid. The peculiarity of the work is that the obtained value is constantly compared with the standard value; if discrepancies are detected, other devices that provide protection and transmit messages begin to work.
Electrode water leak sensor
The popularity of electrode devices is quite understandable - they work on the difference in electrical conductivity of water and air. It is enough to place the electrodes at the required distance to obtain a guaranteed signal if the electrode falls from air into liquid. Then everything depends on the reliability of the warning system.
Capacitive sensor for monitoring liquid parameters
Several variable electrodes can be installed for the container, allowing you to control the level of different parameters. Such sensors are good if you need to monitor not only leakage, but also several operating modes.
Radar water leak detection sensors
The operating principle is similar to ultrasonic ones. they also produce periodic signals at a certain periodicity and analyze the reflected vibrations. Even aggressive chemical compounds present in liquid form do not pose any obstacles to the installation of such devices.
Hydrostatic action sensor
Often used on an industrial scale, where constant monitoring of changes in liquid level is required. With the help of such sensors, it is possible to automate the supply of ingredients during the synthesis of chemicals or food preparation. The basis of the hydrostatic sensor is an element that is sensitive to changes in fluid pressure.
Device diagram
There is an incredible variety of device circuits for detecting water leaks: from very simple ones - on a single transistor, to complex devices on microcontrollers that send you an SMS in the event of a flood.
A device for detecting water leaks can be assembled using almost one transistor.
Despite its simplicity, such a device copes with the task perfectly. But I decided to assemble the device using CMOS chips, assigning to it the function of generating an intermittent sound signal.
In this scheme, two loops are controlled by inverters. When water appears (the sensor is triggered), a high level (logic “1”) appears at the input of the microcircuits, which in turn triggers two sequential tone generators. This circuit can be slightly upgraded by using a single 4093 chip.
Rules for installing an anti-flood system
May differ when using different types of sensors - for example, wired and wireless. However, the basic rules remain the same - careful marking of points, sequence of arrangement processes, connection for verification after assembly.
Ball valve insert
After the water is turned off and the water meter is removed, the water supply is cut next to the blocked valve. This is the most difficult stage of the installation process and requires special tools and fasteners. Fasteners and tools depend on the diameter of the pipes and the material they are made of - locknuts or split couplings may be required.
The best places to install water leak sensors
The owner of the apartment probably already knows where in the communications system an emergency situation is most likely. The leak locations do not change, even if new plumbing is installed. If this is a new room, then the optimal place would be the transition between pipes or at the lowest point of the room, where the floor is sloped.
Controller installation rules
A zero and a phase must be connected to the device, and in order not to confuse which terminals the wires are connected to, it is better to use the instructions for use from the manufacturer, or number them for the convenience of the worker.
Checking the system operation
After the green signal lights up on the control module, the sensor plate is moistened with liquid from the tap. If all components of the sensor are correctly connected, an alarm will sound, a red light will light up and the water supply will stop. You can return the device to standby mode by removing the water from the plate and rebooting the device.
Standard configuration
Any leakage protection system, as already noted, has the same elemental base, which consists of:
- ball(s) electric crane(s);
- controller;
- sensor(s).
Ball Valves
An electric faucet for anti-leakage systems has several parameters, of which the most important are the closing speed, dimensions and material of manufacture.
The time it takes for the electric crane to close has the most significant effect on the overall response time of the protection. The speed of closure directly determines how much water will have time to leak before the causes of the emergency are eliminated.
The dimensions of the electric faucet determine its capabilities in terms of implementation in a particular plumbing installation. Usually indicated in the characteristics of the set (on the box, in the product description on the online store page).
The material of the electric crane frame greatly affects its durability. The most reliable and safe taps are those made of stainless steel and brass with nickel plating.
Controller
The controller must be autonomous so that the system does not depend on periodic (or emergency) power outages. In modern leakage protection devices, sometimes even 2 backup power supplies are installed, which continue to supply the controller with electricity after the main one (220 volt network) is turned off and the autonomous (battery) power supply is discharged. In Aquawatch sets, the 3rd power element is connected via a USB interface.
Controllers that support wireless sensors are doubly valuable, as they can be used where laying wires is simply not possible.
The response to the bay should be minimal. The controller is not required to mechanically interact with the water pressure, unlike an electric faucet, so the response time of the system should be reduced to the maximum possible to the closing speed of the latter.
Sensors
Any good flood protection system is not least assessed by the maximum number of connected sensors. Very often, a sufficient condition for ensuring reliable protection against pipe leaks is the installation of 4 sensors. But this applies to apartments and houses. The use of a system in a production environment, for example, is fraught with the need for a much larger number of them, which is duly taken into account by its designers.
Taking into account the operational characteristics, namely the length of the sensor wire, the ease of replacing failed sensors, the presence of an anti-oxidation coating on their contacts, will help in the future to avoid many difficulties during installation and actual leakage monitoring.
How to make a water leakage sensor with your own hands
The assembly principle will differ depending on the model planned for installation. In any case, this is an alarm system that works according to one of three principles - wired, wireless, or more complex, with sensitivity adjustment.
Wired homemade sensor
Can be done using a simple electrical circuit and a signal wire connected to the control unit. The circuit works by closing the contact with water.
Wireless homemade sensor of the simplest design
Wireless works on the same principle, only the signal is supplied by energy coming not through a cable, but from an autonomous reservoir.
A more complex circuit with a sensitivity regulator
It can include several sensors and is used when it is necessary to monitor a larger area. In any case, the components of the design can be purchased separately at a radio store, and the diagram can be drawn up independently or looked at by specialists.
Homemade alarms
They are always much cheaper than factory-made products; it is not necessary to make them powered by electricity - for certain needs you can use float ones, or use someone else’s homemade developments.
General principles for placing leakage sensors
Wireless water leak sensors can be placed in the most problematic areas of an apartment or house, since they are not connected to a cable. With wired ones it’s more difficult - in hard-to-reach places you may need a long cable, the signal from which is weaker. For a small room, 1-2 sensors are typically used.
The most critical points of water breakthrough
In the bathroom, toilet, combined bathroom and kitchen, potentially emergency places depend on the method of fastening the pipes and the presence of household appliances. These are mixers, shut-off taps, connection points - couplings, tees, hoses, water meters. In old houses, heating radiators can also become problem areas. How to properly place sensors:
It is correct to place the device in areas of potential leakage, for example, under a sink, bathtub, washing machine or dishwasher. The faster the water gets to the sensor, the faster the shut-off device will operate and the water supply will stop.
What to consider in a flood sensor
It is worth knowing the important aspects when choosing a water leakage sensor. When choosing a protective device, it is necessary to take into account its characteristics:
- Method and place of attachment. The system should be located where there will be no erroneous signals about the occurrence of an emergency if water accidentally gets on the sensors or if there is a high humidity level in the room.
- Power supply. Are there any requirements for the installation of the system when using industrial voltage? It is better to buy devices that run on batteries.
- Sensitivity threshold. You can adjust the sensors for sensitivity or not.
- Manufacturer. When a device is purchased in a store, it comes with a warranty. In case of breakdown, technical assistance is provided.
- Time to close the tap. The lower it is, the less chance of flooding.
- Availability of battery. If wired equipment is installed, provision should be made for the system to operate autonomously when the power supply is turned off.
- Model type. A wireless system costs more.
Water sensors are widely used in household appliances. If connected correctly, the device will last much longer than a homemade circuit. Water flood regulators are in demand among the population, because the low quality of pipe connections and cheap Chinese taps leads to more frequent accidents recently. When the device hits a sensitive water sensor, it raises an alarm in time.
Currently reading
- Choosing the best drain and overflow system for a bathtub
- Comparison of drain blockage removers
- Simple reasons for hot water meters fogging
- Features and advantages of types of water meters
Review and comparison of popular flood protection devices
"Stop Flood Rainbow"
An excellent domestic development with an electronic control unit, sensors and electric shut-off valves.
Aquawatch (aquastop)
It is considered a non-analog protective device that is triggered when the inlet hose breaks. Its installation will not interfere with the operation of the washing machine, but will avoid serious troubles if it breaks down. The manufacturer positions it as absolutely three: reliable, autonomous and safe.
Neptune
Automatically shuts off the water when there is a leak, can be controlled via a smartphone, and is sold as a ready-made kit or individual components.
Did you know that there are more than five hundred types of electrode water leakage sensors alone? Some of them are absolutely affordable in cost and will save you from more significant expenses that are inevitable when a pipe breaks, a household appliance breaks down, or a plumbing joint is damaged. All that remains is to make the right choice.
How to choose flood protection
The main characteristics of the complex's operation include the speed at which the valve is blocked. In the budget Neptune system, this figure is 0.5 minutes, while the technical capabilities of its analogue, Aquawatch, allow you to close the valves in 2-3 seconds. You can buy these products in Tyumen. When choosing a protective circuit, you should take into account that 20-25 liters of water can pour out of the pipes within 30 seconds after a rupture.
The cost of the kit increases when using wireless control sensors and additional taps.
