Best Smart Water Leak Detectors: Top Picks for Home Protection
Oct. 23, 2024 12:21PM EST
Water damage is one of the most common and costly home repairs, often occurring without warning. Even a small amount of water can cause significant damage from burst pipes to slow leaks. A new study from Nationwide and Resideo highlights the effectiveness of tech-enabled prevention tools like First Alert and Honeywell Home devices. The analysis, which reviewed 3.6 million policies and 86,000 smart home devices, showed that customers using these devices reduced average claim costs by $4,000 due to lower loss frequency and severity. Fortunately, smart water leak detectors can help protect your home by alerting you to leaks before they become disasters. Whether you're looking for a simple sensor or a comprehensive water monitoring system, several options exist. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the best smart water leak detectors and water monitoring systems, covering their key features, prices, and compatibility with smart home ecosystems and voice assistants.
Types of Smart Water Leak Detectors
At GearBrain, I have been testing these smart water leak detectors since the beginning. We have learned a lot about these smart devices that can protect your smart home in various ways. Today, a smart water leak detector typically falls into two categories:
- Leak Detection Sensors: These are small devices placed on the floor or mounted on the wall with cables that detect the presence of water. They are often used near appliances like washing machines, water heaters, and under sinks.
- Smart Water Monitoring Systems: A professional plumber installs these devices directly on your home's water main to monitor water flow. If they detect unusual water usage, such as a leak or burst pipe, they will alert you via an app on your smartphone or mobile device and may even shut off your water to prevent further damage.
Now, let’s dive into both categories' best smart water leak detectors.
Best Smart Water Leak Detectors
Moen Smart Leak Detector - Best Leak Detector for Smart Homes
- Key Features: This device is a standalone water leak sensor that can be placed anywhere in your home. It detects moisture, temperature, and humidity, helping you catch water leaks and signs of mold or freezing conditions.
- Price: $49.99 - available on the company site, Amazon, The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and other major online retailers.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Moen's Flo Smart Water Monitor system, making it versatile for most smart home setups.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: The Moen Smart Leak Detector offers solid coverage for leak-prone areas and can be integrated with Moen’s water monitoring system for full home protection.
- Read our review.
Buy on Amazon
First Alert L1 WiFi Water Leak Detector and Freeze Detector
GearBrain
First Alert L1 WiFi Water Leak Detector and Freeze Detector unboxed
- Key Features: The First Alert L1 WiFi Water Leak and Freeze Detector is a WiFi-enabled sensor that detects water leaks and freezing temperatures. Its detachable sensor cable offers flexible placement in hard-to-reach areas. Easy to install, it sends push and email notifications to alert you of leaks, freezing temperatures, and abnormal humidity, helping prevent water damage and costly repairs even when you're away.
- Price: $59.99 - available on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Resideo website.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with the First Alert app to integrate with Honeywell Home and First Alert smart devices. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices.
- Why It's a Top Pick: The First Alert L1 offers dual protection (leak and freeze detection), making it ideal for colder climates.
Buy on Amazon
Phyn Smart Water Sensor
- Key Features: Phyn's water sensor monitors for water leaks and changes in humidity and temperature. You can connect multiple sensors across your smart home and then sync with Phyn's app.
- Price: $39.99 - available at Best Buy,The Home Depot, and the company website.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Also, IFTTT (If This Than That)
- Why It's a Top Pick: Phyn's ecosystem allows you to add multiple sensors and even upgrade to Phyn's complete water monitoring system for broader coverage.
- Please read our full review.
Buy Phyn Smart Water Sensor on The Home Depot
Orbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor
GearBrain
Orbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor
- Key Features: The B-Hyve sensor alerts you to leaks and high humidity and works best in basements or crawlspaces. It also integrates with Orbit's B-Hyve Smart Sprinkler System, giving you complete control of your water systems.
- Price: $49.99 - available on the company's website, The Home Depot, and on Amazon.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Why It's a Top Pick: If you already use Orbit's sprinkler system, the B-Hyve sensor is a natural addition to your smart home water control.
- Please read our full review.
Buy on The Home Depot
Eve Water Guard
Eve
Eve Water Guard
- Key Features: Eve Water Guard offers extended coverage with its 6.5-foot sensing cable, which can detect leaks in larger areas. The device is also expandable with additional cables.
- Price: $79.95 - available on the company site, Amazon, and Walmart.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works exclusively with Apple HomeKit, including Siri.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Eve Water Guard is one of the best HomeKit-integrated water leak detectors for Apple users, offering advanced automation and control.
Buy on Walmart
6. Aqara Smart Water Leak Sensor T1
Amazon
Aqara Smart Water Leak Sensor T1
- Key Features: This affordable water leak sensor is compact and integrates with Aqara’s ecosystem, including its Hub for broader smart home control. It’s battery-powered and has a long battery life.
- Price: $19.99. It is available on the company site, Amazon, Walmart, New Egg, and Best Buy.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Its affordability and seamless integration with multiple platforms make it a great entry-level option.
- Please read our full review of the Aqara Ecosystem
Buy on Amazon
Shelly Flood Sensor
Shelly
Shelly Flood Sensor
- Key Features: The Shelly Flood Sensor is a versatile and efficient device designed to detect and report water leakage while monitoring room temperature. It features a long battery life of up to 18 months and operates on a single CR123A battery (sold separately). The Wi-Fi-enabled sensor includes an embedded web server, allowing easy access and control through the Shelly app or multiple smart home platforms.
- Price: $23.99 - available on the company site, Amazon, and The Home Depot.
- Smart Home Compatibility: The Shelly Flood Sensor integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings and supports other automation platforms through its embedded web server.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: This sensor offers a cost-effective solution for homeowners monitoring water leaks and temperature changes. It has flexible control options and a long battery life. Its compatibility with various smart home ecosystems makes it a great addition to any setup, and the easy Wi-Fi connection ensures seamless integration.
- Learn more about the Shelly ecosystem.
Buy on Amazon
Abode Water Leak Sensor
Abode
Abode Water Leak Sensor
- Key Features: The Abode Water Leak Detector monitors both water and temperature and integrates seamlessly with Abode's home security system. It features tool-free installation with non-damaging adhesive and can be placed anywhere within 100+ feet of your security hub. With a built-in 85-decibel siren, you'll receive immediate alerts in case of a leak. The sensor's long-lasting battery offers up to 10 years of protection, and using it may also help unlock additional insurance discounts for flood coverage.
- Price: $59.99 - available only on Abode's site.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Sonos and Bose smart speakers, Apple Watch, and Amazon Alexa. But remember, you need an Abode security system to connect to these systems.
- Why It's a Top Pick: It is ideal for those already using Abode for home security and seeking to expand into environmental monitoring.
Buy Abode Water Leak Sensor
What you need to know before buying a smart water leak detector.
Best Smart Water Monitoring Systems
Use a plumber to install smart water monitoring system to create a whole home ecosystem
Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff
- Key Features: The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff is installed on your home's water main, offering real-time water usage monitoring and leak detection. It tracks pressure and flow rates, identifying leaks as small as a drop per minute. If a leak is detected, the device sends alerts through the app and can automatically shut off the water to prevent significant damage. With features like automatic shutoff, real-time alerts, microleak detection, and conservation goals, Flo provides peace of mind and helps protect your home.
- Price: $499 - available on the company site, Amazon, The Home Depot,
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
- WhyIt'ss a Top Pick: Flo provides comprehensive water monitoring and automatic shutoff for total peace of mind. And at an affordable price.
Buy on Amazon
Phyn Plus Second Gen Smart Water Assistant and Shutoff
- Key Features: The Phyn Plus 2nd Gen Smart Water Assistant with Shutoff monitors water flow, detects leaks, and automatically shuts off the water to prevent damage. It uses patented high-definition pressure wave analysis to alert you immediately when a leak is detected and learns your home's water usage patterns for smarter notifications. Note: Adapters may be required for installation, so consult a plumber beforehand. Phyn Plus has 1" NPSM male threaded ends.
- Price: $699 - available on the company site and The Home Depot.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Why It's a Top Pick: Phyn Plus offers premium water monitoring with powerful AI to detect even the smallest leaks.
- Please read our full review.
Buy on The Home Depot
Flume Smart Home Water Monitor & Leak Detector
Amazon
Flume Smart Water Monitor
- Key Features: The Flume Smart Home Water Monitor & Leak Detector is a DIY device that attaches to your water meter, requiring no plumber for installation. It detects leaks, provides immediate alerts, and lets you monitor and manage water usage indoors and outdoors. Flume helps you track water consumption by individual appliances and fixtures, allowing you to set custom budgets, save money, and conserve water. Install it in under 10 minutes for complete water control.
- Price: $199 - Available on Amazon and the company site.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Flume is ideal for DIY water monitoring without needing professional installation.
Buy on Amazon
Conclusion
Choosing the right smart water leak detector or monitoring system depends on your specific needs and the smart home ecosystem you use. Whether you need a standalone sensor like the Moen Smart Leak Detector or a full-fledged water monitoring system like Flo, these devices can help you safeguard your home from potential water damage.
Use our compatibility find engine to find, buy, and connect any smart device, including smart water leak detectors. You can also see which smart devices are compatible with your existing gadgets in your smart home.
