Water alarm and method of using same

A water alarm, comprising:

• a sensor for detecting an increase in a level of water;
• means for fastening said sensor to a fixed surface at a location such that the sensor will contact the water if the water level rises above a predetermined distance;
• said sensor includes:
• a hollow tube having first and second ends;
• a cap secured at said first end;
• said second end being substantially open to allow fluid to enter the tube;
• a floatation element slidably arranged within said tube;
• means at said second end for preventing the floatation element from leaving said tube;
• first and second contacts arranged within said tube at said first end;
• wherein said first contact is a U-shaped clip comprising two asymmetric legs, and said second contact is aligned with an extension of said first contact;
• a plunger arranged between said contacts and said floatation element;
• said first and second contacts being spaced axially from each other and arranged in alignment with said floatation element so that when said floatation element moves toward said first end the plunger is pressed against said first contact and first contact is depressed against said second contact to complete a circuit therebetween;
• a fluid exhaust means provided in said tube adjacent said contact switch.

A water level alarm for a body of water, comprising:

• a sensor for detecting an increase in the water level;
• said sensor secured adjacent to a ratcheting means;
• means for fastening said sensor to an object that is fixed with respect to the water level, said fastening means including means for enabling said sensor to automatically ratchet down by its own weight to a lower level when said water level is lowered and for preventing said sensor from rising when said water level rises;
• and
• means for disengaging said preventing means so as to raise said sensor.