Most homeowners don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their sewer system until something goes wrong, and they’re dealing with noxious odors, slow-draining showers, or other problems. Fortunately, plumbing technology has evolved, and it’s now possible to stay ahead of sewer problems before they disrupt your home or budget. Whether you’re building a new home, or you want to add some protective features to your existing one, these smart sewer upgrades are great options for you.
Install a Smart Sewer Backflow Sensor
One of the most common and most problematic sewer problems is backflow, which happens when wastewater moves in the wrong direction and re-enters your home. A smart backflow sensor can detect changes in pressure and the direction that water is flowing to alert you immediately through an alarm system or via an app.
These alerts give you a chance to act quickly, whether that means shutting off your water supply, calling a professional plumber, or activating a backflow prevention device. Some of the more advanced models work in conjunction with water shutoff valves that provide an automatic response.
Add Flow and Blockage Detectors
Smart flow sensors are devices that are placed into your sewer line to monitor the movement and volume of wastewater. If the devices detect the signs of a blockage, such as slow drainage or abnormal pressure buildup, they’ll alert you before a clog appears. Clogs in your sewer line can quickly grow, place added stress on the inside of your pipes, and eventually break, resulting in a plumbing emergency.
Most of these systems connect to Wi-Fi and pair with an app, so they send you an alert when readings fall outside of normal parameters. These smart devices are especially helpful in older homes with outdated plumbing systems and in properties with large trees that can penetrate the sewer lines.
Integrate With a Smart Home System
If you already have a smart home ecosystem in place, it’s easy to connect your sewer monitoring device to it to create a more streamlined experience. Sync systems like Google Home or Amazon Alexa to receive verbal alerts, automate responses, or set routines based on what your sensors detect.
For example, when your smart monitor detects a blockage, it can trigger a routine that shuts off your water to the affected area or your whole house. Some systems will even contact a preferred plumber for you.
Smart sewer monitoring allows you to identify problems with your plumbing system before they turn into something more inconvenient and expensive. By catching problems early, you can bring in a professional plumber to remedy the issue for you. When you have problems with your Durham, NC sewer lines, call the skilled team at Harmon Plumbing Services, Inc.