Hard-to-detect leaks can be frightening to homeowners. It’s not just the loss of water or the jump in your water services bill that can be difficult to deal with — it’s also the corrosive effects of undetected moisture that can cause costly damage and may necessitate extensive repairs.

However, there are tools that can help detect invisible leaks, curbing water usage and lessening or preventing water damage. The same sensor-based technology used to protect the integrity of oil pipelines or heat-prone automotive machinery is now available to help defend your home against mold, mildew, rotted studs and beams and excessive water usage costs.

Smart water leak detectors

Leak-detection devices, commonly called water alarms, can be attached near pipes, fixtures or appliances that use water, and they sense when water has leaked out of those pipes or onto the floor. Many smart leak devices pair with an app on your smartphone to alert you when leaks are detected or they sound an audible alarm.

You can also choose a detector that not only responds to water but keeps track of temperature and humidity, alerting you to problems such as conditions that might promote mold growth or frozen pipes.

A whole-household system can detect leaks anywhere in your home, automatically shutting off water at the first sign of a leak. This system also allows you to use a smartphone to turn off the water from anywhere in fewer than five seconds.

Other options include:

  • A wall-mounted device connected by cable to sensors installed in key locations around pipes or appliances like washers and refrigerators
  • A basic water detector with a battery that lasts up to 10 years

Staying smart in the shower

In addition, there are kitchen and bathroom devices to help you control water usage. For example, some smart showers can time your shower length, lower the water flow when you step away to lather up and keep the shower water at your desired temperature.

When it comes to water in your home, small leaks can quickly develop into a big problem. To be ready for those worst-case scenarios, make sure you’re protected by a homeowners policy with coverage for water damage.

Learn more about homeowners insurance

Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2018 Nationwide.
Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
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Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
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Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
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Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
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Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
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Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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