With autumn at our doorstep and climate change on the loose, no one is safe from a flood. However, it is possible to convert a smoke detector into a water detector. Here’s how.
A fix to avoid unpleasant surprises after a stormy night? Introducing the DIY water-level detector.
This simple trick may come in handy. By slightly modifying a smoke detector (new or used, from 15 euros), you can convert it into a water detector. It’s all in the switch. After soldering a wire to each contact point of the test switch, place the two wires a few centimeters apart in the potential flood area, for example in the basement. The concept is pretty straightforward: if the two wires are submerged, the current will pass through the water and sound the alarm.
It’s a low-tech system, but one that may save time and spare damage. And if the smoke detector is new, it will still be able to alert you in case of fire.