Water Flow Sensors for Toilet, Faucet Inlet Hoses?

[matapan]

Has anyone found and deployed a water flow sensor to detecting when a toilet is flushed or when a faucet is flowing?

 

I'm thinking using this event to trigger when a bathroom fan would come on. The triggerlinc seems suitable for this application, if it could be coupled with a water flow sensor that did not require any power to operate - there's no outlet near any of my toilets or sinks.

 

Any link to such a device would be much appreciated!

[apostolakisl]

Flow detectors are widely available but tend to be pricey. Furthermore I have never seen a wireless model, but can bet you it would be very expensive if it existed.

 

I had brainstormed a way to detect flow cheap, but havent tried it. I was thinking of going in the attic above my shower and taping a one-wire temp sensor to the pipe. Then using my cai webcontrol board to measure the temp of the pipe and when it gets warm, turn the ceiling fan on. A single cai unit could operate 8 individual showers. The cai could either directly control the fan via a relay, or, more likely I would use the cai's x10 function to control Insteon switches directly or through ISY programs.

 

I do have a somewhat unique situation in that my attic is more or less climate controlled (insulation on the underside of roof deck). If your attic was un-insulated it would not work in the summer.

 

As far as detecting toilet flushes, no ideas on cheap simple ways to do that.

[matapan]

apostolakisl:

I figured some kind of no power water flow sensor exists on the market, since the water flow itself could generate the necessary contact closure required to check of water is flowing or not.

 

The concept of checking vibration signatures from water hammering from each device was discussed by a local professor looking at automated homes. The video is on YouTube. Apparently, each water control device has a unique signature when water is turned on and off. The signature can be leveraged to identify if a specific device is used. The prototype device described uses no battery or AC power to run.

 

The temperature sensor check for showers is very clever. I hope you'll share how well the solution works once you've deployed it.

[matapan]

apostolakisl:

 

What do you think about using a float switch in the toilet's water tank, attached to a Triggerlinc? Do you think this would work?

[apostolakisl]

apostolakisl:

 

What do you think about using a float switch in the toilet's water tank, attached to a Triggerlinc? Do you think this would work?

 

I think that would work. Of course, you wouldn't be able to differentiate number 1 from number 2. You could set up a wireless alarm contact inside the toilet connected to a float. Not sure about how waterproof a wireless contact is.

 

I once brain stormed that you could connect something to the toilet paper dispensor. If it were activated say 3 times in less than 30 seconds in would turn the fan on.

 

Or perhaps a methane detector in the toilet seat.

 

In truth, it really should be that people are expected to turn the fan on when they stink it up! Of course, HA is an obsession and serves its own purpose, to keep us out of other trouble.

[matapan]

Unfortunately, it's been my personal experience that not everyone is dilligent about such things. Automating things like this will ensure uniformity to the process. : )

[snownh2o2]

I know this post is really old however just for future readers, how about a pressure switch on the seat? Checking for duration of the pressure could give an idea if the fan should be on or not.

 

As far as the shower, I am using two $1.50 micro motion sensors from eBay. For redundancy and slight fear of fire from an over worked fan, both sensors need to detect motion in order to turn the shower lights, fan, TV(weather channel muted), and morning music ON. Humidity sensor could also work for a shower fan.

 

I never looked at a methane sensor, however I think in some of the public bathrooms that I have been in there have been automatic incense sprayers. No clue if they are motion, timed, or smell detection.

 

PS....For those not wanting to view a wire duct taped to the side of the toilet, simply run the wire up the bolt hole for the seat. Also, the sensor need not be visible, simple mount rubber washers between the porcelain and the seat bolts, mount a pressure sensor or micro switch under the bolt cover and make a suitable mount and contact arm. Using the right combo of flexible washers and precise micro switch, should get reliable results; however it may take some tinkering.

 

My $.02, hope it can help someone,

Matt

[Sparky5_0]

I am using one of these to detect shower usage and turn on the fan to prevent damp drywall and mold.

http://www.senasys.com/shop/products-page/thermostatssnapdisc3-4/2570-34-sealed/half-inch-diamter-pipe-mount/2570f110/ It clips on the hot water line in the basement below the shower. I am using the 105 degree switch if memory serves. It comes on fast and stays on for a while after the flow stops, perfect for this application.

[apostolakisl]

I know this post is really old however just for future readers, how about a pressure switch on the seat? Checking for duration of the pressure could give an idea if the fan should be on or not.

 

As far as the shower, I am using two $1.50 micro motion sensors from eBay. For redundancy and slight fear of fire from an over worked fan, both sensors need to detect motion in order to turn the shower lights, fan, TV(weather channel muted), and morning music ON. Humidity sensor could also work for a shower fan.

 

I never looked at a methane sensor, however I think in some of the public bathrooms that I have been in there have been automatic incense sprayers. No clue if they are motion, timed, or smell detection.

 

PS....For those not wanting to view a wire duct taped to the side of the toilet, simply run the wire up the bolt hole for the seat. Also, the sensor need not be visible, simple mount rubber washers between the porcelain and the seat bolts, mount a pressure sensor or micro switch under the bolt cover and make a suitable mount and contact arm. Using the right combo of flexible washers and precise micro switch, should get reliable results; however it may take some tinkering.

 

My $.02, hope it can help someone,

Matt

 

Good thinking. But instead of a micro switch use a strain gauge. There would then be no up/down motion or fine tuning. You would have to be sure not to tighten the bolt down too much and you would need something like a raspberry pi or webcontrol unit to interpret the output and post it to ISY.