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What's the best way to detect when I'm taking a shower? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by batshit@lemmy.world to c/homeassistant@lemmy.world

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I would like to turn on mood lighting automatically when I'm taking a shower, what's the best way to detect that?

I've considered humidity sensors, but that will take a while to kick in and not immediately when the shower starts.
I've also considered a water leak sensor but those are not meant to be trigger every day for a long time like 10-15 minutes. That would kill the battery, right?
Smart valves can kind of work, but it feels like overkill because I don't care about the valve functionality.

I would prefer the solution to be battery powered (don't want to be messing with too many cables around a shower), but I can't seem to find one.

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[–] JustEnoughDucks@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

OK, assuming your switch is also smart

Option 1: long-press/double function turns on both light and fan, that triggers an "I am going to shower" 5 minute delay where a humidity sensor senses when it is over and keeps the fan on until humidity is stabilized with the rest of the house.

Option 2: get a smart flow meter instead of a smart valve. Then you have useful statistics for shower water usage in addition to an instantaneous status. This has the side effect of the mood lighting turning on "late"

Option 3: get one or make an esphome + LD2410S on battery or plugged in close by, nobody goes in the shower for more than like 10 seconds without showering

Option 4: Time of Flight sensor outside of the shower pointing in to tell when the door/curtain is closed. If the ToF sensor is (for example) between 1.1m and 1.2m, the door/curtain is closed

[–] batshit@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

Thanks for the many suggestions

Option 1: long-press/double function turns on both light and fan

Main lights are automated (I also have a presence sensor in the bathroom). Fan is automated 5 minutes after a person leaves the bathroom after staying for more than 5 minutes. That said, I do have smart switches and I can add the long press functionality. But that's less automation, I will keep it as a fallback option if I can't find a true automated solution.

Option 2: get a smart flow meter instead of a smart valve.

I would love to get one, but all Zigbee ones are out of stock. If you have any recommendations, I'll be grateful

Option 3:

I have a presence sensor already, and I spend time near the shower area. Whether I'm cleaning or just soaking in the bathtub. So that can't work.