Whether you have a water tank for your garden, swimming pool, or household, a wireless water level alarm can provide you with peace of mind. Learn how to build a DIY wireless alarm that you can customize for your needs.
Why Build a Wireless Water/Salt Tank Level Alarm?
We previously shared a DIY project tobuild a water level sensor with an ultrasonic sensor for Home Assistant. The device we built is a single unit connected through wires and a direct power supply. It requires a Home Assistant software installation to work.
However, the one we are going to build today consists of a transmitter module and a receiver module that communicate with each other and transmit the data wirelessly to show you the water or salt level in real time. This does not require Home Assistant to work or show the level, although you can easily integrate it with Home Assistant if required.
By building a wireless water tank level indicator cum alarm, you can overcome numerous issues associated with wired alarms:
Things You Will Need
You will need the following items to build a DIY water level sensor cum alarm.
Step 1: Circuit Design for the Wireless Water Tank Alarm
Refer to the following circuit diagrams and photos to connect or solder all the required components. Double-check the circuit diagram and your connections with the components on the breadboard or PCB for any errors or missing connections before moving on to the next step.
433MHz water tank level receiver circuit diagram:
The finished 433MHz water tank level receiver circuit built on a breadboard:
433MHz water tank level transmitter circuit diagram:
The 433MHz water tank level transmitter circuit built on a breadboard:
In the transmitter circuit, you’re able to connect four float switches (connect the common wire to all float switches and then the data wires) and put them in your water tank as shown in the transmitter circuit diagram. Once the water level reaches a certain level, the float switch will turn on and send a high signal to the receiver module which will then turn on the respective LED on.
You may also use metal strips and paste them on the inside surface of the water tank instead of float switches. However, if you use this water for drinking, use float switches or build the ultrasonic water level sensor.
Step 2: Test the Wireless Water Tank Alarm
Before installing the wireless water tank alarm, it is important to test it thoroughly and ensure it is working as intended. Take an empty bucket and insert all the float switches inside the tank. verify they are at different levels to each other, as shown in the transmitter circuit diagram.
Then connect the power source to the transmitter and receiver modules. Start filling the tank with water. As the water level rises, the first float switch should turn on and you should see an LED start glowing on the receiver module. Similarly, all LEDs should light up as soon as other float switches start floating on the water (as the water level rises).
Next, you should move the receiver and transmitter units away from each other and check the range at which they can communicate inside your premises. verify the data is received successfully and LEDs are turning on/off based on the transmitted data.
If you need extra range, try installing the antenna (if it comes with the module, or you can buy a separate antenna for both transmitter and receiver modules).
Step 3: Install the Wireless Water Level Alarm in the Tank
Once you are satisfied with the testing, you may go ahead and install the wireless water tank alarm. ensure to keep the transmitter module outside the water tank in a secure box, preferably a plastic container or 3D-printed case sealed with silicone for weather protection.
Step 4: Pair With Home Assistant for Automation
Additionally, you’re able to connect a NodeMCU or D1 Mini microcontroller to the receiver circuit and make your wireless water tank system smart. By pairing the circuit with Home Assistant, you can create automations, such as turning off the water pump as soon as the water level reaches 100% and vice versa.
You can also add an automation to receive notifications on your smartphone on the status of the water level in your tank(s).
All you need to do is extend the receiver circuit with a NodeMCU or D1 Mini, as shown in the circuit digram below. Then compile/flash the code below using the ESPHome.
To learn more about how to code in ESPHome, compile firmware, and flash it onto the NodeMCU or D1 Mini, refer to our guide onhow to make a wireless doorbell with Home Assistant.
Make sure to paste the code belowcaptive_portal:
You can also visit the IP address of the NodeMCU or D1 Mini (once connected to the Wi-Fi network and Home Assistant) to view the status.
Save Water and Power With a DIY Wireless Water Tank Alarm
Building your own DIY wireless water tank alarm is a rewarding and cost-effective project. The project, if deployed, can give you peace of mind by saving water waste, power, and money. Unlike wired water tank alarms, this can be easily deployed and is best suited for those who don’t want to mess with wiring around their premises.
