Water Sensor troubleshooting

Natasa

June 16, 2025 12:43

While Disruptive Technology sensors are robust and accurate, external factors can cause them to go offline or have unexpected readings. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common sensor issues for the Water Sensor (102078, 102084).

The guide assumes that you have access to Studio.

Troubleshooting

To fix the issue, please read each section thoroughly to figure out the problem with the sensor and apply the suggested corrective action.

No connection
Unstable connection
Unexpected measurements

No connection

Sensors are determined to be offline (no signal icon) if the Cloud hasn't received a periodic heartbeat within the expected period. Typically, a sensor is offline because it cannot reach an online Cloud Connector, so its measurement can get to the cloud.

Possible cause	Corrective action
No online Cloud Connector nearby The sensor can only send data to the cloud if a nearby online Cloud Connector exists.	Install Cloud Connector near the sensor. Conduct Cloud Connector (2nd Gen) troubleshooting.
Service disruption Cloud service disruptions can impact sensor connectivity.	Check our Status page and follow the instructions.
Operating conditions outside the specified range Sensors might stop sending data if: Temperature is below -40°C or above 85°C (40–180°F)	Place the sensor within the specified operating range. If the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement.
Mechanical damage The sensor is robust, but impacts can damage it.	Inspect the sensor for visible damage. If visible damage and the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement. Install the sensors according to the installation manual.
Depleted battery The sensor needs a working battery to detect motion and send radio messages.	Check the battery level in Studio or API. Avoid High Power Boost Mode and store sensors optimally to ensure a long lifetime.
Regional product incompatibility DT devices have two versions: EU and US that use different radio frequencies.	Use EU Cloud Connectors for EU sensors and US Cloud Connectors for US Sensors.

Unstable connection

If the sensor experiences spotty connectivity, the issue may be caused by range limitation or environmental factors affecting the signal. The table below outlines possible causes and corrective actions to help restore consistent connectivity.

Possible cause	Corrective action
Cloud Connector is out of range The sensor can only send data robustly to the cloud if a nearby online Cloud Connector exists.	Install Cloud Connector near the sensor according to best practices Conduct Cloud Connector (2nd Gen) troubleshooting
Environmental challenges The sensor's placement affects signal strength. Metal or enclosed spaces with thick walls can weaken connectivity.	Check the sensor's location and reposition it if needed for better signal. Look for changes like moved Cloud Connectors, new walls, or other obstacles affecting radio communication.
Electromagnetic interference Strong electromagnetic interference may inhibit radio reception in the sensor or the Cloud Connector, causing intermittent communication loss even with a strong connectivity indication.	Move the Cloud Connector and/or the sensor away from the source of electromagnetic interference. Typical sources of electrical interference are: RFID access systems, other equipment containing radio transmitters, or faulty electronic equipment.
Batteries are near end-of-life Low sensor batteries may cause it to go offline and online intermittently.	Contact Support if other causes have been ruled out.

Unexpected measurements

If the sensor is not installed correctly or without considering environmental factors, it may give unexpected readings. To avoid this, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided in the Installation Manual for Water Sensors.

Possible cause

Corrective action

Wrong placement

Incorrect placement can prevent the sensor from detecting water effectively or cause false detection. The sensor must make direct contact with water on its front surface and be able to dry quickly between events.

Placed optimally for the data point you want to capture, following Installation guidelines.
Ensure the sensor is placed in leak-prone areas with its front surface exposed. Avoid high-humidity zones, frequent wash-down areas, or spots with constant submersion.
Use the recommended Mounting bracket for secure and accurate positioning. Consider using Mounting Bracket - Water sensor Textile Addon to detect water in larger areas.

Condensation on the sensor surface

The sensor uses capacitive sensing and can trigger false alerts if condensation forms on its surface. This often occurs when warm air contacts a cooler sensor, especially in humid environments or when mounted near airflow or cold surfaces.

Reposition the sensor. Make sure to mount the sensor away from airflow (vents, fans) and cold surfaces.
Use the Mounting Bracket - Water sensor Textile Addon to reduce sensitivity to condensation and insects that might generate false triggers.

Unexpected readings near electrical equipment

If the sensor reports false or inconsistent detections, it may be affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). This can happen when the sensor is installed too close to devices like fluorescent lights, motors, or large electrical machinery, which can disrupt its capacitive sensing.

Reposition the sensor. Make sure to mount the sensor away from any possible electromagnetic interferences.

Troubleshooting did not fix the problem?

Please get in touch with us if the above-mentioned fixes did not resolve the issue. Please include the ID of the device(s) and a description of the issue when contacting support.