Do I Need a Smart Water Meter?
Many cities, counties, and insurance companies in California now require residences to install devices to detect leaks and monitor water usage. A detection system can help avoid fines from the city or county and cancellation of your homeowner insurance.
What Types of Smart Water Meters Are There?
Water Leak Detection Valves
A water leak detection valve automatically shuts off the water supply when it detects a leak in plumbing pipes, fixtures, or appliances to prevent further leakage. Alerts are sent through smartphone apps or other monitoring systems.
Flow Monitor Devices
Flow monitor devices are similar to a water leak detection valve. These devices monitor your home’s water use by tracking how much water passes through a pipe over a length of time. Once it passes a threshold, the valve automatically closes and shuts off the water supply.
Smart Water Monitoring
A “smart water monitoring” system measures the pressure and flow rate of water moving through your home’s pipes, offering water monitoring, leak detection and shutoff capabilities all in one device.
Expertise Plumbing is part of the Moen Plumber Network and a registered vendor/installer.
How Do Smart Water Meters Notify Me?
Smart water detectors connect to your smartphone, tablet, or other smart devices via Wi-Fi or another wireless protocol. When the detector senses water or high moisture levels, it sends an alert.
- Audible Alarms: A loud sound emitted from the device.
- Smartphone Notifications: Push notifications sent to your phone via an app.
- Emails or Text Messages: Alerts sent directly to your email or phone number.
If you have a broader smart home system, many smart water detectors can offer additional functionalities after installation. Some systems can automatically shut off the water supply when a leak is detected, and others can integrate with systems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit for voice control and more advanced automation.
Some even allow you to monitor your home if you’re away. If a leak is detected, you can receive alerts and take action.
Recent data on smart home technology finds that “[w]ater leak detection devices can help reduce water leak claims frequency by as much as 96% and severity by as much as 72%.”
Other Incentives to Installing a Smart Water Meter
Water Leak Detection Valves
Incentives include residential rebates on qualifying devices. Find out if you’re eligible.
Flow Monitor / Smart Monitoring Devices
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has launched a pilot program with a base incentive of $100 for qualifying flow monitor devices. Get information on qualifying models and rebate estimates.
Contact Us
Ready to save money and avoid water waste? Call Expertise Plumbing at 888-807-7069 or fill out our online contact so we can help you start right away with leak detection and flow monitoring.
