I recently embarked on a DIY project to monitor water usage around my home using Tasmota-flashed ESP modules and a YF-B5 flow sensor. The goal was to gain real-time insights into water consumption and set up alerts for unusual usage patterns, such as a burst hose. Here’s how I tackled the project and what I learned along the way.First, I identified the need for precise water flow monitoring. After researching various options, I settled on the YF-B5 and YF-B10 flow sensors due to their affordability and reasonable accuracy. Pairing these with ESP-WROOM-32 modules allowed me to create a cost-effective solution.The setup involved flashing the ESP modules with Tasmota, which was a breeze using the web tool. Once flashed, I connected the sensors and configured the ESP modules to read the flow data. A crucial step was writing a script to convert the sensor’s pulse signals into meaningful water flow measurements. This script accounts for varying flow speeds, ensuring accurate readings across different usage scenarios.One challenge was ensuring the sensors were securely installed. Initially, a simple fitting didn’t hold, so I opted for a two-piece fitting, which worked perfectly. Calibration was another step that required attention. I tested each sensor at different flow rates to ensure accurate pulse-to-liter conversions.After integrating everything with my openHAB setup via MQTT, I could visualize the water usage data on my dashboard. It’s incredibly satisfying to see real-time metrics like flow rate and total consumption. The system also sends alerts if water usage exceeds predefined thresholds, giving me peace of mind.This project taught me the value of perseverance and the joy of creating something functional. I encourage anyone interested in monitoring their water usage to give this setup a try. It’s a great way to stay informed and potentially save resources.If you’ve tried similar projects or have tips to share, I’d love to hear about your experiences!