IoT solution leak detection

Leak detection using leak sensors – early warning and intelligent monitoring 

Leakage sensors and IoT technology can be used to detect leaks at an early stage. These sensors can detect water leaks at specific points, along pipes or over large areas in buildings. They can send alerts via a central control system and be integrated into existing systems such as a heating control system or a server room monitoring system.

There are various types of sensor for effectively locating leaks in water pipes. Point leak sensors for water are ideal for targeted monitoring, while cable leak sensors cover larger areas or long pipes. Surface sensors offer even more comprehensive monitoring and are suitable for rooms where water could spread unnoticed. Flow sensors enable indirect pipe burst detection by analysing changes in the water flow and thus detecting hidden leaks.

If you want to detect or prevent leaks, you need a reliable and early warning system. Thanks to IoT technology, leak detectors and leak detection devices can be networked with a control centre and trigger real-time alerts.

  Selective leak sensors

These sensors detect moisture at a precisely defined point and report water leaks immediately. They are ideal for server room monitoring, as even the smallest leaks under racks or air conditioning units can cause serious damage. Selective leak sensors also help in the control of heating systems to provide early warning of leaking pipes or defective components. They are a simple but effective solution for monitoring leaks, particularly in areas directly exposed to water.

Typical locations for point leak sensors:

• Server rooms and data centres – protection against water ingress in IT infrastructures
• Industrial plants & manufacturing – leak detection in water pipes and water cooling machines

• Technical rooms & supply centres – leak detectors for pumps, boilers and air conditioning systems

  Leak sensor with cable

Leakage cable sensors detect moisture along the entire length of the cable and are suitable for locating leaks in water pipes over large areas. They are laid along pipes, in server rooms or under raised floors to detect leaks that spread without visible water leakage. Particularly in technical infrastructures, where water damage can cause high consequential costs, leak detection devices with sensor cables are a proven solution.

Typical installation locations for leak sensors with cable:

• Server rooms and data centres – water protection for sensitive IT systems
• Technical building infrastructure – leak sensors for water pipes in production halls

• Laboratory and clean room technology – protection against humidity in sensitive environments

   Leakage detection via membrane

These sensors detect moisture in a limited area and react to even minimal contact with water. Thanks to their compact size, they can be used in a targeted manner in technical rooms, central heating systems and IT infrastructures where a fast response is necessary. They can be particularly useful in helping to locate leaks in heating system control units before major damage occurs. Thanks to their precise leak monitoring, they are an effective addition to larger-area sensor solutions.

Typical locations for leak detection using a membrane:

• Server rooms and data centres – protection against water ingress in IT infrastructures
• Industrial plants & manufacturing – leak detection in water pipes and water cooling machines

• Technical rooms & supply centres – leak detectors for pumps, boilers and air conditioning systems

  Flow sensor

These sensors detect leaks indirectly by measuring anomalies in the water flow. Sudden pressure drops or unexpected changes in consumption can indicate a burst pipe and enable effective leak detection. For companies with large water pipes in particular, the question often arises: What does leak detection cost? By using flow sensors, cost-efficient monitoring can be realised, as expensive damage can be prevented at an early stage.

Typical places where flow sensors are used:

• District heating and water supply networks – leak detection in water pipes using consumption analysis
• Industry & trade – leak sensors for monitoring water consumption in production processes

• Housing industry & facility management – preventive pipe burst detection for buildings