Imagine it’s 3 a.m. while everyone’s asleep. The frozen pipe at your house bursts, causing water to rise fast and costing thousands of dollars in water damage.
The best water leak-detecting sensors are helpful in situations like these. These little, reasonably priced gadgets have the potential to revolutionize an industry. You can always catch potential leakage early by placing these around your house.
It’s possible to get smart water monitors that cover your entire home, but they’re significantly more expensive and only monitor the water provided to your home.
Therefore, if the problem is a leaky roof or drainage pipe or water gathering in the basement of your home, those won’t be much of a help. However, with portable smart sensors, you can position them just about anywhere.
This article will dive deep into some of the best water sensors for Google Home or Nest. And why you should have one in your home.
| Top 6 Sensors | Which category do they fall in? |
| Flo by Moen | Best smart water leak detector with auto-shutdown. |
| Phyn Smart Water Sensor | Best smart water leak detector for the entire house. |
| Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensor | Best budget smart water sensor |
| Wasserstein Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor | Best value smart water sensor |
| Honeywell Lyric | Best overall smart water leak detector |
| Zircon Leak Alert Wi-Fi | Best budget and value smart sensor |
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1. Flo by Moen
Flo by Moen monitors your water flow and can turn off your water supply instantly if it notices a significant leak.
Additionally, Flo analyses the temperature and pressure of your water, and its app displays how much water you use daily. Furthermore, it notifies you of the water users and checks for leaks daily using tests.
All users now have access to a letter of insurance verification and the opportunity to view their water usage per fixture.
Monitoring and live chat customer care are available if you choose the FloProtect service ($5/month). If there’s water damage, FloProtect will additionally pay your deductible (up to $5,000) for you. The company also extended its warranty to three years.
2. Phyn Smart Water Sensor
The Phyn Smart Water Sensor, which shares many of the same features as other top options, performs admirably, promptly alerting to water with a loud buzzer, a text message, and a push notification. Three metal feet support the bulky disc design, and it features an LED that lights red when it senses a leak.
Although neither comes in the box, you can add an Extension Node ($10), a wired disc that plugs in, or a Water Sensor Cable ($26), a 4-foot cable that can detect water throughout its length (up to three can be daisy-chained).
The Phyn Smart Water Sensor also monitors temperature and humidity with charts presented in the app. You can create alarm triggers at specified levels. Two AA batteries are required (provided).
Unfortunately, you have to hit the alarm stop button on the device; an in-app alternative would be preferable. Additionally, there aren’t many places to put it, given how big it is compared to other detectors.
3. Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensor
Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensors are easy to install and provide email and push message alerts. Additionally, their sirens are the loudest, reaching roughly 100 decibels.
The sensors are simple, with a metal foot for leak detection underneath and a top for drop detection, but there is no way to connect a disc or wire.
4. Wasserstein Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor
We choose Wasserstein’s Wi-Fi Leak Sensor as the Best Value due to several factors. Even though it isn’t the fastest at sending warnings, it still manages to transmit notifications over Wi-Fi and cellular data in under 20 seconds, which is quite good.
The setup procedure is quite simple. You can access the Wasserstein App by scanning a QR code in the user manual. Following the on-screen instructions to set up the leak detection takes less than a minute.
Wasserstein’s leak detection comes with a probe if you want to put the sensor into a small space, such as underneath or behind a washing machine or dishwasher.
Additionally, it includes a wall anchor so you can hang the leak detector’s more extensive section nearby and set the probe where potential leaks might occur. And for less than $30, it offers a lot of value.
5. Honeywell Lyric
The Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector measures temperatures between 30°F and 150°F and delivers alerts for humidity, which can help stop the growth of mildew.
Alerts are sent to you by email, text, and the smartphone app. There is a sound alarm as well. This leak detector doesn’t need a base station because it has built-in Wi-Fi. A 4-foot water-sensing wire is also included, extending the range of your water detection system.
Although you can put it anywhere in your house, including the garage or basement, however, for it to work correctly, it needs to be close to any potential leaks. They don’t come with batteries, and setting up many detectors throughout your house becomes challenging because the installation instructions are, at best, ambiguous.
6. Zircon Leak Alert Wi-Fi
Transparent leak sensor Zircon Leak Alert is set up and ready to use right out of the box. You need to take off a piece of tape so the battery can turn it on, and you’re done!
A loud 105dB alert and red lights flash in response to even the tiniest quantity of moisture. The alarm can ring for eight hours on a fully charged battery. The gadget is floatable and waterproof.
The Leak Alert’s integrated Wi-Fi enhances the local alarm’s effectiveness. No hub is necessary. All you need to connect to it is a computer or smartphone. You go through a 4-step setup process using the web-based interface.
Everything’s organized well and is simple to understand. Keep in mind that the connection will run after three minutes if the initial setup is not completed.
It’s simpler to identify the source of leaks thanks to the interface’s ability to operate various devices. Five provided email addresses will receive emergency messages, or you can input a phone number to receive text message alerts.
How to Find the Best Water Leak Detector for Your Google Nest
Here’s what you’ll want to consider when shopping for a water leak detector:
Smart home integrations
If you own other smart home devices, you should see if you can integrate water leak detection with existing ecosystems. Some smart water leak detectors function independently via an app, while others require a hub that serves as a “central command” to connect devices.
However, some of the smart leak detectors integrate well with a smart home ecosystem. It’s up to you whether you want a standalone smart water leak detection or one included in a smart home system. Both are reliable.
Multiple sensors
Consider alternatives that let you add additional sensors if you don’t have a whole-home system so you can monitor everything at once.
For instance, you would want a sensor placed close to your washing machine, another close to the dishwasher, or one underneath that annoying spare room window that frequently leaks during a storm. Your home’s requirements will decide how many sensors you need.
Automatic water shut-off
It’s pretty helpful if the sensor can detect leaks and automatically shut off the water source. Unchecked leaks can result in floods, which can be highly expensive and cause significant damage.
Temperature monitoring
To be aware of potentially frozen pipes, those who live in cold climates should look for a sensor capable of monitoring freezing temperatures. Some people also detect high humidity levels, which, if left uncontrolled, could lead to mold.
Battery life
Most sensors available can endure for at least a year, while others, according to the manufacturer, can last up to five years. If the battery has to be replaced, some sensors send a warning.
How accurate are water sensors?
Most water sensors are accurate with an error band of 25%.
Accuracy is better when the sensor’s full-scale pressure is lowered. Still, it will depend on the type of sensor you’re using.
That said, it is best to choose high-quality sensors and ensure they’re installed properly.
What are the disadvantages of a smart water monitoring system?
The cost can be the biggest disadvantage of the smart water monitoring system.
Smart water monitoring systems can be quite expensive due to smart sensors. It will cost you as much as $500 to get the smart monitoring system working.
Still, there are cheaper options in the market. You just have to perform due diligence before buying a smart water sensor.
Check out this study to find out the other disadvantage of a smart water monitoring system.
How accurate are smart water meters?
Smart water meters are fairly accurate – more accurate than traditional meters.
Smart water meters are worth it as they reduce water loss which makes them more efficient in terms of use. As a result, your energy expenses will be less if you’re using the smart water meter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are water sensors worth it?
Water sensors can alert you to leaks in your home and potentially save you from exorbitant expenses.
A hidden leak in a corner of your house can make a dent in your wallet. Water sensors can immediately know if something is not right in your plumbing, water pressure, etc. and you can employ minor fixes to resolve the problems right away.
Where is the best place for a water sensor?
The best places for water sensors are under the sink or near pipes where water damage will most likely occur.
You can put water sensors on any stable and flat surface but it’s best if they are placed near dishwashers, toilets, and other locations where water can spill or leak.
How are water leak detectors powered?
Answer: Most leak sensors use batteries because water and electricity don’t mix. The type of battery often varies by manufacturer.
How many smart water sensors do I need?
Answer: Your home probably has several locations where leaks and flooding could occur. Your home’s size will determine how many leak detectors you need, but placing a sensor next to any water-using appliance is a good idea.
How will I know when the battery in the leak sensor is low?
Answer: The typical low-battery message from a smart water sensor is sent to your phone or email, whereas a simple water alarm would chirp like a smoke detector.
Conclusion
- A water leak detector has numerous advantages for your health, safety, and wallet. Early leak identification helps in avoiding standing water, which can result in the formation of mold and bug infestations.
- Usually, most home improvement stores, as well as online, are where you can find water sensors and their control modules. There are a lot of choices accessible.
- Consider conducting some studies to evaluate which option best suits your demands and budget. While some gadgets are for short-term usage, others are only meant to be used once before needing to be replaced.
- Our list includes everything for everyone. Hence, if you are looking for an excellent high-quality water sensor for your Google Home or Nest, this article will help you steer in the right direction.