Outdoor / Permanent Water sensor

Hardware
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1

Hi there. I need a device that informs me when a pond / rain water tank / etc drops below a specific water level. I first thought about a water level device, but there do not seem to be affordable and/or devices without tinkering

Now I was thinking about simply attaching a water leak sensor (like Aqara), attach it at the desired height and simply create an automation on “if no water leak detected”.

Only thing is: The IP Rating does not indicate that this device should be under water all of the time.

Is there any other HASS-Compatible device that offers that functionality? Preferably Zigbee? Maybe attaching wires to the screws of the Aqara (and putting the sensor itself into a waterproof case) should work? Anyone ever tried that?

In addition: If a leak is detected does the device go amok? Keeping pushing notifications and draining (no pun intended) the batttery or is the batterylife with water detected as good as with no water detected?

2

I got a tuya zigbee water leak sensor off eBay which has a long probe on a cord for little money. Had the sensors remote probe constantly submerged with little issue; bit of rust.

3

I have many units like these:

They’re cheap and reliable, but I can’t say what will be the battery drain if constantly in water. For such a low price, it’s worth checking out.

4

Water leak sensors will not last long, they corrode quickly.
What material is your tank? You could use floating reed switch, window/door sensor.

5

It doesn’t have to be. The probes at the bottom can be loosened slightly with a hex bit and a wire pair inserted to effectively extend the probes.

This way you should be able to keep the device out of the water and only have the wires submerged.

1 Like
6

I have a water leak sensor and I changed the ‘sensor’ to to a floater, can be done with or without soldering, just 2 wires

1PC Stainless Steel Float Switch Tank Liquid Water Level Sensor Double Ball Float Switch Tank Pool Flow Sensors - AliExpress 1420

8

Exactly what I did at the end. Workks like charm (the sensors itself are in a plastic case now to protect them from rain, cables go into the water)

1 Like
9

I know this is an old post but I’ve actually recently been working on exactly that kind of thing. It’s called Aqua-Node, a small, permanently sealed, cell-service-based, hubless, waterproof sensor you can stick inside/outside and set at whatever height you want. If the water reaches it, it’ll send you a text or email right away.

You can then look at custom settings for making audible noise from your phone when it receives a notifciation from a specific phone number.

Built to live outside in the sun/rain and goes off when the water actually hits the sensor (or the reverse if you want to know when the water recedes again).

It’s under development, but it will be seal-less (permanently enclosed) so completely waterproof, battery should last for years, signal can be sent via wifi or cell (cell service will be included).

Made for flood-prone spots like driveways, yards, and low streets

Check out the website! I am trying to gauge interest, so please sign up if you like the look of it

Aqua Node

www.aqua-node.com

10

Site states 10 years battery life with WiFi & cell signal. Trying not to sound too harsh, but that’s quite ‘optimistic’.

11

You think phone notifications/ sms /email are the type of channels people are after here?