Great technological advances are being made, and although they are not normally associated, the plumbing in your home can be intertwined with the Internet using what is known as the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things (loT) refers to the connection bridge between devices and technology that allows communication between individual devices and between devices and the cloud. In the plumbing industry, loT integrates all plumbing fixtures and appliances with the Internet, and services such as Alexa can be used to manage entire plumbing systems from a smart device.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of installing Smart plumbing in your home and give examples of plumbing fixtures and appliances that have improved significantly due to advanced technology.

Benefits

The advantages of installing Smart features in your plumbing range from water conservation to improved safety and financial rewards. Here, we will discuss the major advantages of Smart plumbing.

Increased Efficiency

A smart system provides continuous monitoring of a plumbing system, which can promptly identify failures and alert homeowners of a problem. They can then arrange with a plumbing professional to make the necessary repairs and minimize the structural damage or health-related issues commonly associated with plumbing issues.

Efficiency is additionally improved since homeowners now have the ability to adjust and direct the way their fixtures and appliances operate from a distance using Smartphones or other Smart devices. This saves time and can cut back on unnecessary water and energy waste.

Saves Money

When plumbing pipes leak or fixtures fail, the cost of repair can be high. However, increasing water bills or mold remediation services can be avoided, and maintenance costs can be reduced using loT and smart technology. Additionally, smart fixtures can reduce water waste by turning off the water supply when a leak is detected or when the system senses water is not needed, and they can shut off a faucet unassisted by human intervention.

Environment

Water is a limited resource that is in ever-increasing demand as the population multiplies. Adding to this environmental demand is the considerable concern over the effects of greenhouse gases and the real need to decrease our carbon footprint. 

Smart technology addresses these concerns by precisely monitoring plumbing systems to control water waste and reduce the amount of energy required to run a home’s plumbing system efficiently and effectively. These savings translate into a more sustainable environment and less strain on a wallet, which benefits everyone.

Safety

Smart technology can alert homeowners of dangerous conditions, such as a gas line leak, minor water leaks, or flooding caused by a burst pipe. Alarms can be sounded or sent to smart devices to encourage rapid responses and decrease the threat of structural damage from excess moisture, fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or devastating explosions. 

Interconnectedness

The loT connectivity between devices can allow homeowners to increase the temperature on their water heater’s thermostat while also giving instructions on how to fill the bathtub. Thus, they can come home from a stressful day to the comfort of a pre-drawn and properly heated bath. The system can be installed to create a plethora of demands that are precisely carried out through technology.

Predictive Analytics

Maintenance of plumbing systems is commonly based on reactivity to a plumbing problem and is not routinely scheduled. Smart technology has changed all of that.

Smart plumbing can collect and analyze data about the plumbing system components and recommend when maintenance is needed. It can detect potential blockages, leaks, and even pipe deterioration and alert homeowners to other plumbing problems, thus decreasing the odds of plumbing failures and incurring costly repairs.

Improved Water Quality

When a Smart system is installed, sensors can be added to monitor pH levels, hardness of the water, contaminants that may be present, and chemical levels to ensure safety. Alerts are then sounded when suspicious data is generated so caution can be taken, filtration systems can be activated, or the water supply can be turned off to protect those using the problematic water supply.

Technologically Advanced Plumbing Fixtures

The plumbing industry has exploded over recent years, with fixtures and detection devices used to conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and lessen the impact of plumbing on the environment. Here are a few popular fixtures.

Smart Irrigation

Smart Irrigation systems use smartphones to set timers that control the irrigation systems’ water usage. Unbelievably, smart systems can be programmed to align with the local weather, so water usage adjustments can be made if significant rain is forecast. These systems have the capacity to sense water levels and plant material water requirements and help reduce wasteful water runoff.

Touchless Faucets

The technology surrounding faucets has improved their efficiency, allowing them to be turned on or off without touching the controls. This makes for a more sanitary kitchen or bath and helps those who have difficulty with their hands effortlessly use the sink. Convenience, along with less water waste, makes these faucets a good investment.

Smart Detection Devices

These Smart appliances can be used as whole-home devices or installed at critical locations to detect changes in water usage. When too much water is running, or water is running during hours when it normally is off, sensors trigger an alarm alerting there is an unusual circumstance in motion that needs attention. A well-placed detection device can prevent serious damage to a home.

Dual Flush Toilets

These toilets were designed to use less water during a flush when only liquid waste needs to be removed. This gives homeowners control over the amount of water being used and reduces unnecessary amounts of water going down the drain.

Looking To Implement Smart Technology Into Your Plumbing System?

More and more homeowners are concerned about the environment and the increasing strain on their wallets as inflation rises and the value of their money falls. With the advent of loT, Smart technology is being integrated into plumbing, allowing homeowners to take control of their plumbing fixtures and appliances.

We offer plumbing upgrades to take advantage of these technological advancements, and we will happily review the options with you so you can choose the plumbing system improvements that are right for you.

Call us to schedule an appointment so we can bring your plumbing system into the 21st century and give you control over your energy usage, your water consumption, and the impact you intend to leave on the environment.