Chances are you already have “smart” devices and appliances installed throughout your home without even knowing it. If you can control 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 becoming “smart” these days. Smart plumbing products may include smart water heaters, smart leak detectors, and smart water monitors.

Installing smart plumbing devices and appliances can add an extra layer of convenience and security to your home, as well as lower your daily water usage and monthly water bills. Continue reading to learn more about the perks of installing smart plumbing products. And if you’re looking into adding one to your plumbing system, be sure you have the help of a trusted plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

You may already have “smart” devices and appliances installed in your home without knowing it. If you can control your thermostat from a 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 may include smart water heaters, smart leak detectors, and smart water monitors.

Installing smart plumbing devices and appliances can add an extra layer of convenience and protection to your home, as well as optimize your daily water usage and monthly water bills. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of installing smart plumbing products. And if you’re thinking of adding one to your plumbing system, see to it that you have the help of a trusted plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

Plumbing Leak Smart Detectors

When a pipe breaks or your basement or crawlspace floods thanks to heavy rain, it’s fairly obvious that your home is experiencing a major water leak that can cause severe damage. But some leaks aren’t as noticeable. Even small water leaks from appliances or plumbing pipes can add up, contributing 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 supervise home water usage and alert you through your smartphone if there is irregular water usage in your home – which can point to a leak someplace. They will also notify you if they find a leak, or a running toilet.

If you’re on vacation and your water heater suddenly starts leaking, you’ll be informed immediately via your smartphone so you can contact a professional to get the leak resolved and minimize further damage to your home.

Energy-Saving Smart Water Heaters

Did you know the traditional 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 consumption in order, try upgrading to a smart water heater. Smart water heaters are equipped with energy-saving features and remote controls.

So how do smart water heaters differ exactly? Equipped with smart technology, a smart water heater can evaluate your home’s water-usage patterns and even estimate usage and make recommended adjustments. Conventional tank water heaters, for example, must continuously heat water throughout 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, help lower water bills, boost safety, and give you more control over your appliance. While we're talking about control, if you have a shower at 7 a.m. each day, you can schedule your water heater to start at 6:45 so you’ll have hot water waiting for you. Smart water heaters also notify you of any leaks or system malfunctions using your smartphone. If a leak is detected, for example, the smart water heater can automatically shut off. This limits damage to the appliance and your home.

Smart Monitors for Water Quality

Most of us probably have no clue how much water we’re using up. Smart water monitors are highly 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 shows how much water you’re using in your home or business and how much each appliance or fixture is using. Most water monitors include a web-based interface that allows you to supervise water usage in real-time. This type of information can help you find out if you have an inefficient toilet that needs to be upgraded, or if someone in your family is routinely taking 30-minute showers in the upstairs bathroom–allowing you to make any needed adjustments.

Aside from saving money on your water bills, smart water monitors help homeowners improve their carbon footprint to ensure there is enough water for future generations to come.