Hey everyone, I wanted to share an exciting DIY project I’ve been working on to automate my kitchen under-sink area. It’s a bit unconventional but super useful! Here’s how it all came together:
I’ve always been into automation, and after integrating my Delta faucet with Home Assistant, I decided to take it a step further. The idea was to automate the garbage disposal system to run only when water is flowing. Initially, it was based on timing assumptions, but as an engineer, I knew feedback was essential. So, I added a water flow sensor!
I went with the Taidacent Non-Contact Liquid Level Sensor. It was perfect for detecting even the smallest amount of water in the drain pipe. After some minor adjustments, it reliably detects water flow. Now, the automation works seamlessly:
- Turn on the faucet.
- The flow sensor confirms water is running.
- The disposal runs for 6 seconds.
- The disposal turns off.
- The faucet turns off after a short delay.
For control, I used a Shelly RGBW PM device. It’s surprisingly versatile—configured as four individual PWM dimmers, with each input customizable as digital or analog. Here’s how I set it up:
- One output controls an LED strip under the sink.
- One digital input detects cabinet door openings.
- Another digital input handles the water flow sensor.
- The analog input acts as a water leak detector with a sensitive cable.
This setup not only automates the disposal but also adds safety features like water leak detection. I’m even considering adding linear actuators for automatic cabinet doors in the future!
It’s been a fantastic project, and I’m excited to see how I can expand it further. If anyone has similar ideas or tips, I’d love to hear them!