Last Updated: Jun 4, 2021
Indoor plumbing is a non-negotiable feature of every home. The availability of water inside the house is a luxury that almost everyone takes for granted. However, the water running through our pipes can cause problems if it escapes its confines and begins to leak. Smart water leak detectors help homeowners keep their homes dry and protected from leaks without having to inspect every pipe in the home plumbing system periodically.
Almost every house has at least a few smoke detectors located throughout the home. While a fire can certainly devastate a home, water damage can be equally destructive if not detected quickly. Smart water leak detectors are the equivalent of smoke detectors and alert homeowners to potential water leaks located throughout the house. Most of these devices connect to a Wi-Fi system and send an alert to your phone as soon as it detects water. Alternatively, some smart water leak detectors can connect to a smart home system and display a light or sound an alarm when water leaks are detected.
The average water damage repair costs $2,566. That’s a lot of cash, especially when sophisticated water leakage detectors are widely available for much less money. The priciest detectors barely cost a third of the average repair bill. That’s why they could pay for themselves someday. Or offer the comfort of knowing that you will be alerted when water leaks arise.
Just like fire, water can spread quickly and at inconvenient times of the day. A water main break during the day can grow into a flood in your basement by night. Frozen pipes cause days of havoc if not detected.
Studies show water leaks are five times more likely than theft and six times more likely than fire. More than 40 percent of homeowners will suffer water damage. Some drips can add up to 100,000 gallons of wasted water annually.
When affordable technology exists that automatically turns off the water and notifies you of leaks, why not invest in it?
Water leak detectors should be strategically placed around the home in areas where water damage is most likely to occur. These areas include:
While most smart water leak detectors are similar in design, there are some important differences that you should take into consideration when making your choice.
If you routinely forget to replace batteries, a plug-in option might be best for you. However, battery-operated leak detectors have the advantage of being able to be placed in areas where water leaks are probable and where outlets are uncommon (like underneath the sink). Also, most smart water leak detectors come with free companion apps for iOS and Android, which can alert you when the battery level is low.
Almost all smart water leak detectors are designed to send alerts to the connected smartphone when water is detected. Others, however, also have a built-in alarm that will sound as well. If you tend to ignore the hundreds of notifications that get sent to your smartphone daily, a physical, audible alarm might be a desirable feature.
Another important consideration is related to the type of connection needed to operate the smart water leak protector. Some devices only require a Wi-Fi connection, while others require a branded smart home hub to work correctly with the apps on your mobile phone. If you don’t already have a smart hub for your home or don't want one, finding a smart water leak detector that only requires Wi-Fi should be a priority.
The main task of a smart water leak detector is to alert you to the presence of leaking water in your home. Some of these devices offer additional sensors that can further help you to avoid water-related damage. For example, some of the best products will also alert you to freezing temperatures that could lead to a burst pipe. Humidity sensors can help you make the necessary changes in your home environment to avoid the growth of mold and mildew that compromise your indoor air quality.
There are dozens of companies offering smart water leak detectors with a wide range of specifications, and performance standards. Below, we look at the top three smart water leak detectors on the market today.
Sinope Technologies is one company offering different styles of unique, high-performance smart water leak detectors. Their devices can operate with either just a Wi-Fi connection or with the Zigbee home automation system. Their Zigbee Sedna D Smart Water Leak Detector with included sensors costs only $44.95. It can instantly alert you to both water leaks and the potential for frost and freezing temperatures that can lead to burst pipes. Sedna D includes an audible alarm, email, and text message notifications if a water leak or a risk of frost is detected or when the batteries are low. It can accurately detect a minimum water level of 0.4 mm (0.015 inches). Each of the detectors you install can be renamed and connected to a compatible Zigbee system. This allows you to easily identify the source of the leak that needs to be fixed.
Sinope Technologies also offers the Sedna5 Smart Water Leak Protection Kit that costs just under $500. The system includes a smart water valve and five intelligent detectors. Even if you are on vacation, the Sedna5 will protect your home and turn off the main water valve if an issue is detected.
The Honeywell Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector is another product that can save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage. This system costs around $80, including immediate alerts at the first signs of leaks, freezes, or excess humidity. Each sensor can be individually named and registered in the Honeywell Home app and easily connect to your home Wi-Fi network. The system is battery operated, which lasts around three years. The device is also small enough to place in hard-to-reach locations. It easily connects to standard Home Wi-Fi without an extra smart home hub and works with Amazon Alexa. Besides sending alerts to your smartphone, it also alerts homeowners of leaks through LED lights and a 100-decibel buzzer.
Ring's Flood and Freeze Sensor is designed to protect your home against water damage resulting from frozen pipes and water leaks. It automatically detects moisture and low temperatures alerting your phone whenever a pipe or appliance is in danger of freezing. It also pairs with other Ring devices allowing you to protect your whole home from various issues. The sensor retails for $35 and can be conveniently placed near refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, water coolers, toilets, sinks, basements, and any other sources of potential leaks. The Ring Alarm Flood & Freeze Sensor does require Ring's Alarm Security Kit, which retails for $199.
D-Link's DCH-S161 Wi-Fi Water Sensor works with your home's existing Wi-Fi network and does not require a hub. With 1.5 years of expected battery life, the DCH-S161 is wall-mountable, can alert you to water leaks via the device's built-in 90db siren, and send real-time mobile push notifications. This device is priced at $50 and works with IFTTT and Google Home.
Samsung's SmartThings Water Leak Sensor can send immediate alerts if the device detects excess water, moisture, or varying temperatures. Mobile push notifications require the free SmartThings app, which is available for iOS and Android. It integrates with a wide range of smart home devices such as Samsung, Bose, Schlage, Honeywell, Kwikset, Leviton, ecobee, Google Home, Amazon's Alexa, Philips hue, Lutron, and more. The device does require an existing SmartThings Hub, SmartThings Wi-Fi, or a compatible SmartThings device with hub functionality. It operates using one CR2, which is included.
The Phyn Smart Water Assistant is a sleek, black matte finish device that allows you to monitor water leaks and water consumption. Water consumption is reported in daily and monthly formats. It can also intelligently learns your plumbing system and is compatible with Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Real-time alerts can be sent via SMS or email. It will also help you detect poor seals or pinhole leaks. The Smart Water Assistant from Phyn can easily be installed under a kitchen sink with the accompanying mounting hardware. To operate, the Phyn Smart Water Assistant requires Wi-Fi, a power outlet, and a sink that has 3/8" hot and cold water connections. Phyn suggests that your home has a Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) to operate at its best. At $299, this option offers premium features that are not available on the most popular smart water leak detectors.
If you want water leak detection at a fraction of the price, the Utilitech Wireless Water Leak Detector is an inexpensive option offering high-performance standards. Starting at just $29.99, this is one of the least expensive options on the market. While the batteries only last one year, they can be easily set up with Z-Wave smart-home hubs (also offered by Lowe's). The downside is that the sensors must be mounted on a vertical surface, making it difficult to set up sensors in hard-to-reach places. However, the price is hard to beat.
LeakSMART integrates with several smart home platforms, among them Nest. The device monitors room temperature, offering clues if your home has cold or hot drafts. With a significant upgrade, LeakSmart offers a shutoff valve that connects to the sensors. LeakSMART Water Leak Detection Sensors
The great thing about water leak detectors is that you can start small with just a couple of sensors. Or, if you live in an area where high water tables and floods present significant issues, the expense of a whole-house leak detector could be a worthy investment.
Streamlabs’ monitor takes a slightly different tack by requiring no pipe cutting. The monitor installs on top of the main water line and detects various leaks, from freezing pipes to running toilets. An app offers alerts to smartphones and smart speakers.
At $169, the monitor costs far less than the other whole-home systems. However, it lacks an automatic shutoff valve. The much more expensive Streamlabs Control offers the same features with a shutoff valve.
Flo runs tests of your home plumbing network and continuously checks for big and micro-leaks. The technology turns off water automatically when a huge leak emerges.
An app alerts you of problems and provides a way to monitor and set goals for water usage. A dashboard illustrates water usage in the shower, toilet, appliance, irrigation, and pool. Flo by Moen
Smart water leak detectors are an inexpensive option that can help prevent significant water leaks inside your home, leading to thousands of dollars in damage.
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.