Vibration Sensor SW-420 - water flow detection

ESPHome
1

I had the idea of using an SW-420 vibration sensor mounted to the outside of a water pipe to detect water flow in that pipe.

The idea would be to implement several different flows from the detection.

One flow would be if water flow is detected for too long either a: the water has been left on or a pipe has broken, or b: if that water line is a toilet, the valve is stuck open.

Another flow could be used for how long did the tap stay open each time it was used?

Would something like this work with this sensor?

Thanks in advance

2

Unlikely, but you should try it and see for yourself.

It might be able to sense something if the flow is high enough.

3

you might want to look here

I am using this with my gas meter. It has some issues in my use case, but probably works better with water meters.

4

That sensor is technically a switch. You can’t measure how strong some vibration is. According to your sensitivity adjustment either it’s detected or it’s not. You could probably detect when you open and close a faucet.

5

Thanks for your response.

I’ve thought about trying to do something with my gas meter.

I do not think it has the kind of dial necessary for capturing data.

My water meter is next to the curb inside a steel tube about 8 feet down into the ground.

The only way I know of for tracking water usage would be to put some kind of measuring device into the main line coming into the house.

That’s not going to happen.

I may investigate the gas meter.

Thanks again.

6

Wow. That’s practical… :open_mouth: