The latest trends in smart plumbing technology

​(Courtesy of cover wallet 2021-08-21)

Light fixtures today can be controlled by smartphones, heating and cooling systems and can be set to adjust automatically depending on the weather, motion-activated security cameras, and internet controlled doors. These are just some of the most common smart home automation systems that are gaining popularity right now due to their luxurious appeal and ease of use.

In recent years, smart home technology has also been implemented into pipes and plumbing fixtures, promising to save your consumers money and help avoid water-damage related disasters, one of the leading causes of home insurance claims. All these new trends provide benefits for your consumers who can lower risk and costs, and it provides opportunities for your plumbing business as the demand for high-tech plumbing upgrades increases.

Brain Pipes

A very interesting concept that was recently unveiled to the public, Brain Pipes runs via a demand-controlled water system. The main water supply line is closed by default and only opens upon a valid water request. Each water device has its own detection sensor that communicates with the main brain of the system to directly supply water.

Aside from its high tech water delivery, what’s great about Brain Pipes is its ability to detect leaks and malfunctions, alerting the consumer when there is a problem within the conduits. Equipped with a mobile app, Brain Pipes allows customization of water usage and sends monthly reports so users can monitor their water consumption. The whole system can be installed in existing plumbing locations, as well as in new projects, with calibrations carried out by certified technicians.

• Only one main pipe cut is required, making it easy and affordable to install.
• It has proactive leak detection that alerts users of potential water damage.
• Offers accurate location-based leak detection for quick and efficient repairs

Delta Leak Detection

It’s said that prevention is better than cure, and knowing this Delta Leak Detection has developed a system that can detect water leaks at various levels. Using sensors and software, this new plumbing technology enables users to detect water leaks in a fast and simple manner.

The beauty of Delta Leak Detection lies in its ease of use since, unlike commercial water systems, it doesn’t require hardware hubs for sensors but rather uses the home’s Wi-Fi to operate. The Delta Leak Detection is specifically designed for home and small business use and works with major water sources such as washing machines, sinks, water heaters, toilets, and many more. With a lifespan of two years, it is powered by three AAA batteries, and mobile app monitoring is available for both iOS and Android users.

• It’s easy to install; all that’s needed is to place the device near the water source.
• When a drop or pool of water flows into the device, it triggers an alert to the user’s smartphone.
• It’s small and portable, and doesn’t require an electrical outlet to continuously operate.

ETwater

Dubbed as the smartest sprinkler ever, ETwater isn’t a company offering water services but rather is a cloud-based irrigation system that automatically controls outdoor watering depending on several factors. Every day, gallons of water are wasted outdoors rather than indoors, and this is where ETwater comes to the rescue.
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Depending on the weather forecast, type of plants, microclimate, soil condition, and other environmental data, it offers a reliable irrigation system where water is conserved instead of wasted. Designed for commercial and high-end home use, the device adapts to changes in the environment and smartly measures the water needs of your landscape in a high tech manner and delivers based on this. Through its patented technology, ETwater offers immense water savings for the betterment of nature and the community.

• The service is connected via a wireless network that uses 3G and 4G for accurate reliability.
• By combining the amount of rain in the area with the landscape details, it delivers precise watering.
• The watering schedule is fully automated and there is a mobile app for convenient data access.

Greywater

Recycling The idea of Greywater Recycling isn’t the newest plumbing trend, but it reinvents the standard concept of water recycling. Greywater refers to the used water from your washing machine, bathroom sink, tub, shower, and kitchen that has been gently used but isn’t too dirty or contaminated.

It might contain cleaning agents, dirt or food particles that, while not safe for consumption by humans, aren’t harmful to plants. The concept of Greywater Recycling is that instead of letting used water flow down the drain and back to natural resources such as lakes and rivers, why not use it again for other purposes like watering outdoors. It features a filtration process that removes minor contaminants so users can recycle the cleaned water for whatever purpose it might serve instead of polluting the environment.

• It doesn’t need plumbing fixtures, just a piping system installed in a yard.
• Greywater Recycling is eco-friendly and ultimately promotes green living.
• Your customers can save as much as 30-70% off the water bill simply by using this system.

Smart Appliances

The last but not least new plumbing technology that will surely benefit the smart home and business owners is the smart appliance. Most machines nowadays are built using the latest technology, so it’s no surprise that there are fantastic devices that allow users to save and conserve water.

New appliances are commonly equipped with computer chips with automatic sensing abilities while others can be controlled directly through smartphones. For example, there is a kitchen faucet that automatically shuts off the water supply after a few seconds of use to avoid continuous running of water. Smart toilets are also getting popular right now due their ability to sense how much water is needed for flushing.

Then there are water heaters equipped with smart thermostats that automatically adjust the water temperature so you’ll have the perfect mix of hot and cold upon opening.

• Always buy from reputable vendors because you’ll want quality above anything else.
• Some devices require installation by qualified personnel, never attempt home installation if it requires special skills and equipment.
• Other smart appliances include a tankless water heater, automatic overflow protection, and more.