Here’s what you need to consider when purchasing and installing smart leak detectors in your home.
How do water leak detectors work?
Water leak detectors can detect water buildup, some can also detect dripping water or even an increase in humidity. Premium water leak detectors monitor the flow of water in your pipes. All connect to a hub or directly to your Wi-Fi network to send notifications when they detect a problem.
What types of water leak detectors are there?
Some water leak detectors have cables with sensors at the end, some have water sensor cables, and others are self-contained and have sensors on the top or bottom or both. Some detectors have the option of connecting expansion nodes. In the premium segment of the market, water leak detectors are available that need to be attached to your pipes to measure the water flow and even turn them off automatically when a leak is detected.
How many water leak detectors do I need?
Unless you want to monitor a single problem spot or piece of equipment, you will likely need multiple leak detectors. When considering what type of detector is best for you and how many of them you need, think about what areas you want to cover.
Where should I place my water leak detectors?
Anywhere you are concerned about a possible leak, e.g. B. under sinks, behind toilets, next to washing machines, humidifiers, water heaters and other water tanks. If you have a problem area where you have had a leak before or an outdated piece of equipment that you are concerned about, these are good places to place water leak detectors.
How do water leak detectors alert you?
All of the smart water leak detectors we tested send push notifications when there is a leak, but some also send emails and SMS. Most have a built-in alarm sound, but some offer separate sirens or can be configured to send alerts through smart speakers or other devices. It’s worth checking whether your device supports disconnection alerts to warn you if the connection is lost, which can happen if the power or Wi-Fi goes out.
How are water leak detectors operated?
Most detectors are battery powered, but there are some that plug directly into a power outlet. You can set and forget plug-in detectors, but batteries give you more flexibility in placement and the companion app usually alerts you when the batteries need to be changed.
Do water leak detectors require a WiFi connection?
Most smart water leak detectors connect directly to your WiFi router or a hub. So make sure you have a good signal wherever you install them. Most of the devices we tested only connect to Wi-Fi using the 2.4 GHz band. Remember that they need internet access to alert you to any leaks or problems when you are away from home. If your internet goes down, they simply act as local alarms.
Can water leak detectors be integrated into my smart home?
While companion apps and mobile notifications are typical, some detectors support smart home standards, allowing you to access detectors and set up triggers or automation in your chosen smart home app. For example, you could set a water alarm to flash your smart lights, or select a temperature that triggers the heater or air conditioner to turn on.
Can water leak detectors shut off the water?
Some high-end systems allow you to install a water monitor with an auto-shutoff feature that allows you to shut off your water supply if a leak is detected. However, these systems are typically expensive and may require professional installation.
Can water leak detectors also monitor temperature or humidity?
Some smart water leak detectors can also monitor temperature and humidity, potentially alerting you to the risk of frozen pipes or damp environments that could indicate a leak nearby. In general, you can check temperature and humidity over time, so you can immediately spot any notable changes that warrant investigation. Smart home automation also allows you to control heaters or fans at specific levels to reduce the risk of damage.