If you are a homeowner, you’ve likely had the unpleasant experience of coming home after a long day of work to find a small puddle of water inside of your home. This water can stain floors and cabinets and damage things around them.
If you haven’t experienced this yet, we’ve got some bad news: you likely will. At some point or another, most homes experience plumbing problems like leaks. But what if we told you that:
- You don’t have to be surprised 😱
- You can save your home from water damage 🦸♀️
- You can stop plumbing problems when they start 🛑
The secret?
A water leak detector!
If you want to protect your home against future water damage, a water leak detector might be just what you are looking for. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your money. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. Read on to find out which water leak detectors will work best for you and your home.
What Is a Water Leak Detector?
So, what exactly is a water leak detector?
Essentially, water leak detectors are devices that are designed to monitor the flow of water through your pipes. When the flow changes or is abnormal, the device will close a valve and send you an electronic alert.
The device is typically linked to your Wi-Fi so that you can monitor the situation from anywhere.
Why Buy a Water Leak Detector?
There are lots of reasons to buy a water leak detector.
- Prevent Damage 🙅- The biggest draw for most homeowners is the potential to stop any damage from a broken plumbing system before it happens. And it’s true— a water leak detector can prevent water damage to your whole house.
- Save Money 💰 – A water leak detection system could very well save you money. Not only will it protect against expensive damages caused by broken pipes, but it will also alert you if there is unusual water flow in your home, such as from a tap that you accidentally left on. This can help lower your water bill.
- Prevent Mold Growth 🍄 – Sometimes, a dripping pipe can be difficult to detect if it is only a small leak. A pipe could drip for weeks without you noticing. This could lead to mold and mildew growth. A leak sensor will alert you early on so that no mold has time to grow.
- Eco-Friendly 🌎 – Most people don’t think about the environment when it comes to installing their leak detector system. But the truth is that it can actually help you save water by detecting leaks early on.
How to Install a Water Leak Detector
So, you’re convinced. A water leak detector is the right choice for your home. But how do you go about installing one? The good news is that you can easily install one yourself following these simple steps.
Check Your Pipes
The first step is to inspect the pipes near your water valve. In order to properly install your new system, you’ll want your pipes to be 1/2″-1″ wide. You’ll need about 4 inches of space around the shut-off valve before you install it.
Install the Shutoff
Once you have checked your pipe, you can install the automatic shutoff unit and plug it in.
Connect to the App
Once the shutoff unit has been affixed to the pipe, you can connect to the Wi-Fi and sync the unit to your devices.
Place Sensors
Lastly, you’ll want to place the connected sensors in vulnerable spots, such as under the kitchen sink or by your toilets.
5 Best Water Leak Detectors
If you’re not sure which water leak detection system is right for your home, we’ve compiled a list of some of our preferred brands. From simple plug-in sensors to high-tech smart leak sensors, we’ve got options for all needs and budgets!
1) Flo by Moen Smart Water Leak Detector
Do you have a section of your home that has historically been prone to leaks? Moen Smart Water Detector may be the perfect choice for you. This standalone sensor can be placed near the vulnerable pipes in your home and will alert you immediately when it senses extreme temperature drops, high humidity, or water.
At only $58, the smart water leak detector is an affordable solution for homes with specific problem areas. Want to bump up your protection? Add the compatible Flo Smart Water shutoff for $575.
2) Phyn Smart Water Sensor
If you’re looking for a sleek and high-tech leak sensor, then the Phyn Smart Water Sensor could be a great option for your home. The Phyn is particularly good at notifying you when a problem occurs, as it will make a sound, light up, and also send alerts to your phone. We love that the app comes with a humidity monitoring feature to help you notice patterns in your home.
Also notable is the optional Node extension. For an extra $9.99, the Node can be placed in hard-to-reach areas to alert you before problems start. Tuck it under appliances like refrigerators and washing machines to get up-to-date moisture monitoring.
3) WaterCop Classic Sensor and Valve Stop
If you want a dual water leak sensor and valve shutoff, WaterCop’s system is a great choice. The kit comes with 3 sensors and a valve shutoff for $584. When the leak sensors are triggered, they send a radio signal to the WaterCop motor, which closes the valve and prevents further water flow.
Unlike other options on this list, the WaterCop products do not notify your devices when water is sensed. Because of this, you will have to check yourself after discovering the water has been automatically shut off. If you spend time out of your home and would find this inconvenient, you might be better off sticking with other smart water leak detectors.
4) Eve Water Guard
If you’re a tech-savvy person who wants a smart leak sensor that fits your lifestyle, the Eve Water Guard is the one for you. This product is incredibly effective when it comes to detecting even small water leaks and will immediately notify your devices. This smart leak detector stands out from the crowd by not only being Bluetooth compatible but also being a Full Thread Device (FTD). This means that it supports Thread technology, which has a wider reach than typical Bluetooth devices. So, even when you are far from your home, you will still get quickly notified.
5) YoLink X3 Smart Water Leak Protection Kit
YoLink’s system combines the best of both worlds. The kit comes with 4 sensors that can be placed in vulnerable places throughout the house. These sensors communicate with the shutoff valve to stop water flow until you can fix the problem. Meanwhile, the system will send a notification to your phone so that you can fix the leak promptly and efficiently.
Consult With a Plumbing Professional
Curious about what your options are when it comes to protecting your home against leaks? Or maybe you have an existing leak that you want to care for. Whatever your needs are, our knowledgeable team at AJ Alberts can help! Contact us today for a free quote!
