There's no doubt that smart home technology has made life easier and more comfortable for many homeowners. From controlling your home's climate to turning on the lights with just a touch of a button, there are countless ways to make your home smarter.

But what about your plumbing? Let's take a closer look.

What Are Smart Plumbing Systems?

The industry has evolved to bring the Internet of Things to plumbing. There are now smart water technology systems that give homeowners real-time access and power over their own home's temperature or HVAC, as well as leaks when they happen. That allows you to be proactive about preventing costly damage.

There are a variety of ways smart plumbing technology can be incorporated into your home. You might have a smart water heater, which connects to the internet and can be controlled remotely. Or you may have a whole-home water management system that includes sensors to detect leaks and shut off the water supply when necessary. We're highlighting some different smart plumbing technology.

Smart Showers

modern bathroom with shower

In our homes, showers account for around 19% of water consumption, according to Home Water Works. This number can easily go up if you have a family, as the average American uses around 17.2 gallons of water in the shower.

One way to combat high water consumption is to install a smart shower system. Smart showers can create profiles based on individual preferences like temperature or water flow patterns to accommodate every person's needs.

Smart showers can also warm up the water for you and then pause it so that nothing is wasted, which could help reduce water consumption in general. However, installation for a smart shower system usually requires a professional and can be pricey. This may not be the best solution if you're on a tight budget.

Related: Best Smart Mirrors for Self Care

Attaching a smart shower head to your existing plumbing system is less expensive. It can still be beneficial, though you'll miss out on some of the other perks.

As an added bonus, if you've already upgraded to water-saving showerheads or installed a low-flow showerhead, then you may not need any smart shower features at all.

Smart Toilets

modern bathroom with smart toilet

Smart toilets come with a variety of features, but some of the most popular include heated seats, touchless flushing, and self-cleaning features.

Smart toilets can save you time and money by reducing the amount of water used for each flush. They usually come with built-in sensors that will notify you when there's a problem with your plumbing or alert you to tank leaks.

The downside to smart toilets is that they can be expensive, usually costing more than your average toilet. Installation can also be tricky, so it's best to leave it to the professionals. If you're looking for a way to save money on your water bill and have a little bit of luxury in your life, then a smart toilet may be worth it for you.

If your budget doesn't allow for a smart toilet system, there are still ways to save water when you use your toilet. One way is to install a dual-flush toilet, which gives you the option of using less water for liquid waste or solid waste.

Smart Leak Detectors

Faucet with water leak

One of the best benefits of a smart leak detector, just like a smoke detector, is that it can give you an early warning. When there's a leak, these systems will send out alerts and even turn off your main water line, so you don't end up with major damage or a huge water bill.

Smart leak detectors can be pricey, but if you're planning on staying in your home for a while, then investing in one can help save money in the long run. According to Statista, 12% of residential water use in the United States is caused by leaks. That's a lot of water and money down the drain.

Related: Smart Home Devices to Install When Moving to a New Place

With smart leak detectors, you'll also save time and stress by avoiding major water damage to your belongings and the hassle of dealing with repairs.

There are various leak detectors out there, but it's important to make sure they come with features like real-time alerts, automatic water cutoff, and compatibility with other smart home devices. If you're looking for a long-term solution to reduce your water consumption, then a smart leak detector could be a worthwhile investment.

Smart Water Monitoring Systems

Man in suit on the phone

Smart water monitoring systems are a great way to keep tabs on your water usage, whether you're at home or away. These systems usually include a water meter, smart valve, and App so you can get real-time updates on your water usage.

One of the best features of these systems is that they can help you detect leaks and other plumbing problems before they become a bigger issue. You'll get an early warning of any leaks, and the water meter can detect how much water is leaking, which could help you avoid a huge water bill.

When it comes to installation, monitoring systems aren't too difficult or expensive. However, it can be costly to add smart valves to your current plumbing system. If you're looking for a cost-effective solution that will reduce your water consumption and give you more control over your usage, then consider investing in a smart water monitoring system.

Smart Water Heaters

Interior of kitchen with a water heater

Smart water heaters are one of the best options for smart homeowners, as they can provide you with real-time updates about your energy usage. These systems use the water temperature measurements along with your water consumption patterns to provide you with hot water only when you need it and to stay turned off otherwise.

Smart water heaters can also be controlled via your smartphone, so you can adjust the temperature or turn it off completely no matter where you are.

The downside to smart water heaters is that they can be expensive, usually costing more than a traditional water heater. If you're looking for a way to reduce your energy bills and give yourself more control over your home's hot water usage, then a smart water heater may be worth it for you.

Are Smart Plumbing Systems Really Worth It?

In the end, the answer to the question is a little bit subjective. It depends on your needs and budget. However, in most cases, upgrading to a smart system will be beneficial in the long run.

Smart systems can save you time, money, and stress by helping you detect leaks and other plumbing problems before they become a bigger issue. They can also help you keep track of your water usage so you're not caught off guard by a high water bill.

If you're looking for ways to reduce your water consumption and have a little bit of luxury in your life, then a smart plumbing system may be worth it for you. Otherwise, you can consider investing in smart leak detectors or water monitoring systems to help you detect leaks and other plumbing problems.