Chances are you already have “smart” devices and appliances installed in 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 can include smart water heaters, smart leak detectors, and smart water monitors.

Installing smart plumbing devices and appliances can establish 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 benefits of installing smart plumbing products. And if you’re considering adding one to your plumbing system, make sure you have the help of a trusted plumber in Kankakee.

Chances are you already have “smart” devices and appliances installed in your home without even knowing it. If you can control your thermostat from your smartphone or switch your lights on and off while you’re on the other side of town – those are considered to be smart devices.

Even plumbing products are becoming “smart” these days. Smart plumbing products can include smart water heaters, smart leak detectors, and smart water monitors.

Installing smart plumbing devices and appliances can establish an extra layer of convenience and security 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 considering adding one to your plumbing system, see to it that you have the help of a trusted plumber in Kankakee.

Smart Leak Detection Systems

When a pipe leaks or your basement or crawlspace floods due to heavy rain, it’s fairly obvious that your home is dealing with a major water leak that may cause extensive damage. But some leaks aren’t as noticeable. Even small water leaks from appliances or plumbing pipes can accumulate over time, contributing to higher bills and potential damage to your home.

That’s where a smart water leak detector comes in. Leak detectors are installed in bathrooms, basements, under the kitchen sink, and near water-using appliances. Smart leak detectors track home water usage and alert you through your smartphone if it detects abnormal water usage in your home – which can point to a leak somewhere. They should also notify you if they find a leak, or a running toilet.

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

Energy Efficient Smart Water Heaters

Were you aware that the typical water heater accounts for about 12% of a family’s energy use, 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 come with energy-saving features and remote controls.

So how do smart water heaters work exactly? Equipped with smart technology, a smart water heater can evaluate your home’s water-usage preferences and even estimate usage and make automatic adjustments. Standard tank water heaters, for example, must continually heat water during the day so hot water is ready when you need it. With a smart water heater, though, you can turn your water heater off during the workday when you’re not home or when you’re away for work or vacation.

This can save energy, reduce water bills, boost safety, and offer more control over your appliance. While we're talking about control, if you take a shower at 7 a.m. every day, you can set your water heater to start at 6:45 so you’ll have hot water waiting for you. Smart water heaters also inform you of any leaks or system malfunctions via your smartphone. If a leak is detected, for example, the smart water heater should automatically switch off. This reduces damage to the appliance and your home.

Smart Water Monitoring Systems

Many of us probably have no clue how much water we’re using on a daily basis. Smart water monitors are incredibly useful if you'd like to decrease your water consumption and save money on your monthly water bills.

Smart water monitors can capture helpful data that illustrates how much water you use in your home or business and how much each appliance or fixture is using. Many water monitors include a web-based interface that helps you to track water usage in real-time. This sort of information can help you find out if you have an inefficient toilet that should be upgraded, or if someone in your household is regularly 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 lower their carbon footprint to make sure there is plenty of water for future generations to come.