Learn all about water leak detectors for your basement.
Basement flooding. It is the worst feeling in the world. Trust me. I've been there. Here's proof.
A few years ago, we had just moved into our home. With a toddler and newborn in tow, we basically moved everything downstairs to the basement. We literally shoved 75% of our belongings in the basement without a second thought. Most of our items were NOT in plastic tubs. My precious scrapbooks were sitting out on the floor among our other valuables. This was only because we were just trying to survive daily parenthood with two kids after quickly moving in. Decorating and putting things in its rightful place could wait. Or so we thought.
I just so happened to be home when a freak storm of the decade happened. If you take a look at this post, you can see that my little town got 33 inches of rain that year - and it was only the end of May! When I went downstairs, I was mortified. There were inches of water on the ground. It was the most gut wrenching feeling in the world.
While this hasn't had a repeat occurrence, we've worked on a few mitigation projects like this shelf.
With the Lyric™ Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector by Honeywell, we are able to get peace of mind that we've been wanting ever since our incident. This amazing device allows us to not have to run downstairs to check on the basement whenever there is a big storm. If we would have had the Lyric™ Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector a few years ago, I might have had a chance to save my wedding bouquet that I preserved!
This device will allow you to monitor not just the basement, but anywhere where water leaks can occur - like water heaters, washing machine, dishwashers, toilets, sump pumps and under sinks. It is super easy to install along with the app that comes with it. It is very simple to set up, as the guide walks you through just a few easy steps.
It will trigger a noise to the device as well as your email (which is optional) when a leak has been detected.
This weekend, one of our two AC units quit working. Well, the detector which is downstairs, sensed it. It sent my husband and I a humidity warning. How smart is that?!
Save yourself from what I had to go through with my basement dilemma by reading more about the Lyric™ Wi-Fi Water and Leak detector at the Honeywell website, watching the video below or purchasing one from the Home Depot. Not only that, the Lyric™ Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector allows us to begin evolving our home into a smart home.
If you haven't taken the step to making your home "smart", this is an easy first step. Check out their awesome Lyric Round Wi-Fi Thermostat as well - which allows you to set the temperature at home or on your phone!
It can also do geo-fencing, which means it can sense how far you are away from your home to change the temperature to your own creature comforts before you enter the door. This saves you time (from setting the temperature) and money (from not heating/cooling when you are not there).
I wanted to also share my five things you should do every spring as maintenance for your home.
ONE - CHECK THE SUMP PUMP
Make sure your sump pump is in good working order, especially during the spring. Better yet, have a backup.
TWO - INSPECT CONCRETE
Inspect the concrete on your driveway, front door leading to your home and your basement walls. Cracks could be signs of movement.
THREE - CHECK OUTDOOR FAUCETS AND GARDEN HOSE DRY ROT
Make sure there wasn't any freeze damage and your garden hoses for rotting. This will make it easier on you when summer hits and its time to water!
FOUR - SERVICE AC UNIT
I did not realize that the recommendation is that every 6 months you get it serviced by a professional. They also say that these units only last 8-12 years. Who knew?! I didn't.
FIVE - CHECK WATER LEAKS
You guys know my story. I don't have to harp on this anymore. Especially now that there is a device to make it easy on you!
Pin the image below to share the knowledge that there are awesome new devices like this in the market!
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Laurie
These are great tips. I have known many that have experienced some flooding, so it is essential that you are prepared just in case. Thanks for sharing!