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Water leaks are more than just annoying calls to the plumber. If left undetected, they can cause enormous and costly problems, including serious mold problems. These risks become worse in the winter, when freezing weather causes pipes to freeze and burst. It’s hard to keep track of it, with one exception Small smart home device To the rescue: the humble and powerful leak detector.
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Leak detectors connect to apps on your phone and warn you exactly when a leak occurs, no matter where you are. This allows you to take Fast work at homeFrom shutting off water to toilets and sinks to raising temperatures to prevent freezing conditions from getting worse. Basically, I think every home should have one.
I tested more than a dozen leak detectors to find my favorite. Here are good products I recommend.
Read more: 7 types of homes you should never buy, according to a real estate expert
What is the best leak detection device?
Leak detectors, especially battery models, can go almost anywhere.
The best leak detectors we’ve tested all work accurately with reliable connections that don’t fall out. But one model particularly impressed me with its dual ability to detect freezing temperatures and the presence of puddles. Eufy smart detector High on my list for this reason, especially for those who may be worried about frozen pipes. If you want a leak detector that doesn’t require a hub, read on to see all of my favorites.
Pros
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It can sense water and freezing temperatures
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Simple to set up
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Two-year battery
cons
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It requires an Eufy HomeBase hub to operate, which can cost upwards of $100 depending on the type
Why I like it:
Eufy is an excellent standalone option for people who don’t have security systems but are willing to purchase the Eufy HomeBase hub for app connectivity. It has a battery life of up to two years and can send alerts directly to your phone, no matter where you are, making it the best choice for vacations, rentals, or time away from home. Being able to detect freezing conditions can also help you monitor crawl spaces or flooded areas during the winter.
in order to:
Anyone who experiences freezing winters and wants to monitor the dangers of frozen pipes as well as leaks.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
This detector requires an Eufy HomeBase hub to work, making it the best choice for people who already have one. However, these hubs can be expensive, About $100 or more for the latest modelswhich is a high demand for a single leak detector.
Pros
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Very affordable
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No axis required
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Very easy setup
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Smart mute for alarm
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Battery life is 2 years
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It also offers email alerts
Why I like it:
The SwitchBot water sensor is very affordable and easy to set up with no hub required and very little application work required. In fact, I still keep my tools under the kitchen sink. Once in place, it can detect surface leaks and water drips from above. You can choose what type of alerts you want to get, or if you want the sensor to sound a siren instead.
The SwitchBot rates battery life at two years, and with AAA battery support, you’ll have no problem replacing it yourself when you get warnings about battery life. The sensor also works with Alexa, Google, and Siri. The combination of performance and affordability makes this one of the easiest leak detectors to recommend. It’s a bit bulky compared to some sensors, but that’s usually not a problem for leak detectors.
in order to:
For those who want a leak detection device without having to buy an additional hub. This model works especially well for those who are watching their budgets and want something simple.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People who prefer to pay extra to add temperature detection or other compatibility features.
Pros
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Dual sensors including an additional model with strobe light
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1000 feet range
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Battery life is 2 years
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3-foot detection cord
cons
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Requires a well-placed wall outlet
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Much more expensive than the standalone model.
Why I like it:
Outlets and leaks don’t play well together, but the D-Link kit uses an additional hub with an LED and a 3-foot dangling sensor that you can wrap around toilets, water heaters, and many nearby appliances. The kit also includes a wireless sensor that’s better suited under sinks or in crawl spaces, so you get coverage in both areas and don’t have to worry about a hub that doesn’t serve much of a purpose.
in order to:
People who want a two-detector package that includes an additional model with a powerful lamp.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Buyers do not have an outlet near the devices they want to monitor.
Pros
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Ultra long range of over 1800 feet
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Battery life is 5 years
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The hub is included in the price
cons
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Not everyone needs a multi-sensor array
Why I like it:
The Govee set of five leak detectors has several features that I really like. The range is particularly long at over 1,800 feet, which is great for nearby garages and sheds. The estimated battery life is also higher than any other model I’ve seen, at five years. Detectors include a siren and a red light, as well as notifications via app, email, or text message, depending on your preference. The hub is included in the total cost of these sensors.
in order to:
Someone wants a set of leak detectors that can operate at a long distance for a long period of time without monitoring.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Buyers who don’t want multiple leak detectors and would rather save more money.
Pros
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Support Apple and ZigBee
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Reasonably priced after purchasing the required axle
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Rechargeable battery
cons
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Axis required for use
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The range is shorter than many of my picks at about 40 feet
Why I like it:
The Aqara sensor is another model that requires a dedicated hub (Available for about $30), which is an investment that not everyone wants to make. For those that do, the hub will work with other Aqara products like their locks and security systems and adds useful features that have earned this little sensor a spot on the list.
Aqara products usually work well with Apple Home, especially for simple sensors like these, so if you prefer to keep everything in the Apple app, this is one of the best options. It also supports Zigbee communications if you have a hub that can work with Zigbee sensors.
in order to:
People who already have an Aqara hub or don’t mind getting one and want several different support options, including Apple and Zigbee.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Those who avoid additional centers and who don’t need Apple or Zigbee support, as well as people who don’t like Aqara as a brand and prefer a different company.
The best leak detection devices
| The best leak detection devices | Eufy water and freeze sensor | SwitchBot Wi-Fi leak detection device | D-Link Next Generation Water Leak Detection Kit | GoveeLife Upgraded Smart Water Leak Detector | Aqara water leakage sensor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| price | $35 | $15 | $70 | $60 | $17 |
| Sensor type | Temperature and water collection | Falling and collecting water | Falling and collecting water | Falling and collecting water | Water collection |
| Axis required | Yes, Eufy HomeBase | no | The hub is built-in | Hub included | Yes, an estate center is required |
| Battery life | Two-year replaceable battery | Two years with AAAs | Two years with AAAs | 5 years with AAA | Two years with rechargeable battery |
| Smart home support | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | D-Link application only | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home/Siri, ZigBee | |
| Review score | nothing | nothing | nothing | nothing | nothing |
Leak detectors, especially battery models, can go almost anywhere.
Leak detectors offer great versatility. Some designs require a nearby connection center, but the sensors themselves are usually battery-powered and can last for years on their own. You can put it in all kinds of places, including:
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch leaky pipes
- In crawl spaces under pipes that may freeze
- Behind the washing machine or nearby in the laundry room
- Behind toilets that can overflow
- Next to water heaters
- Behind the dishwasher and refrigerator (depending on your installation)
- Next to the sump pump can overflow
- Along with fountains and other indoor water features
- Behind the aquariums
- Besides air conditioners or dehumidifiers that may overflow
Remember that many leak detectors have additional sensors that connect with a cable, so you can access tight spaces for further detection, such as underwater toilets or tanks. Also, quite a few contact Homeland security systemsso you can manage your security and get leak, smoke, and access alerts, all from the same app.
Read more: Keep Your Home Dry and Safe: A Guide to Flood and Water Damage Prevention
If you want to explore more than leak detectors, Visit our Smart Home 101 guidetake a look at our Recommendations for the best refrigerator And we see Which smart locks are best? For simple and effective front door security.