How the Control gives you a 360° view of your plumbing system’s health.
How do you know if your plumbing system is healthy? Just as some people only visit a doctor when something’s wrong, some only check up on their plumbing when problems occur. But many issues start long before you notice them and can even be avoided with the right technology.
That’s where a device like the StreamLabs Control comes in. It’s best known as a leak detection device and automatic water shut-off valve, but it's capable of uncovering other important information about your home as well, which can help you prevent property damage and conserve water.
With the Control and the corresponding StreamLabs app, you can receive data to inform better water usage and gauge the health of your home plumbing system.
1. Water Temperature Alerts
What it tells you: Whether the water temperature entering your home is excessively high or low.
Why it’s important: If the water rises above 100°F, the water coming from your faucets and shower heads may lead to scalding. If the water temperature falls below 40°, the pipes may freeze and burst, causing water damage and high utility bills.
Aim to keep your water temperature between 40° and 100° by insulating pipes that aren’t regulated by your heating and cooling system, such as pipes in the basement or attic.
| Temperature | Description |
| 115° F | Pain threshold for bathing or washing. |
| 100° F | The hottest temperature that is safe for bathing or hand washing. |
| 95° F | Legionella bacteria thrives from 95° to 115°. |
| 50° F | Water heater may take a little longer to heat water. |
| 45° F | Water Heater Recovery Time will be extended |
| 40° F | Consider insulating pipes at this temperature, if you haven’t already. |
| 35° F | Serious risk of freezing pipes. Turn water to a drip. |
2. Room Temperature Alerts
What it tells you: Whether the temperature of the room where the Control is located is too low.
Why it’s important: Like water temperature, maintaining a moderate room temperature helps create an optimal environment for your plumbing system. Particularly, if the space in your house where water enters your home is below 40°, you run the risk of frozen pipes. Make sure the room and pipes are properly insulated in case of freezing temperatures.
3. Humidity Alerts
What it tells you: Whether the humidity levels near the Control are too high or low.
Why it’s important: High humidity around your plumbing system could indicate a leak or rainwater seepage into the area near the device. No matter the cause, excessive humidity creates an ideal environment for mold growth, which can lead to the need for expensive remediation. If you’ve ruled out a leak as the cause, consider placing a dehumidifier in the area.
On the other hand, humidity levels that are too low can cause wood floors and furniture to crack and paint to chip. If the Control detects low humidity, a humidifier may help balance it out.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
| Humidity | Description |
| Below 30% | Floors and furniture may begin to crack. |
| 60% | Mold and mildew may begin to form. |
| 70% | May indicate inadequate ventilation or water leaks. |
| 90% | Nearing condensation threshold. |
4. Water Pressure Alerts
What it tells you: When the water pressure in your plumbing system is too high or too low.
Why it’s important: High or low water pressure can be a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing system. If pressure is too high, it may indicate that your pressure-regulating valve (PRV) is not functioning properly. The PRV’s job is to help control your home’s water pressure to avoid straining the system.
If you receive a low water pressure alert, it may be caused by a problem with your municipal’s water supply or could be a sign that you have a plumbing leak.
| Water Pressure | Description |
| 10 psi | Fixtures will experience low flow and appliances may not operate properly. |
| 20 psi | Minimum rating for most appliances. |
| 30 psi | Typical rating for homes on a well. |
| 40 psi | Minimum rating for many water filters. |
| 70 psi | Just above normal PRV settings. |
| 80 psi | Prolonged pressure above these levels may damage appliances. |
| 90 psi | Max rating for most whole-home filtration systems. |
| 100 psi | Max rating for most appliances. |
5. Water Usage Data
What it tells you: How much water your household is currently using or has used in the past.
Why it’s important: Not only can tracking and conserving water help the environment and your community, but it can also help give you an idea of what’s “normal” usage for your home. At the top of the main dashboard in the StreamLabs app, you’ll see the gallons per minute (gpm) currently in use. Below this, in the historical water usage chart in the dashboard, you’ll find your home’s usage by the day, month or year. This gives you a way to see the effects of lifestyle changes — such as taking shorter showers or upgrading to energy efficient appliances — without having to wait for your water bill each month.
Like the live and historical water usage chart, the comparative water usage chart gives you a baseline for your water usage so you can identify patterns and conserve water. Use it to see how much water you’ve used by the day, week or month compared to the previous time period.
Explore the rest of the Control’s capabilities and see how they can help protect your home.
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