While water is essential for every home, it can also be devastating if the unthinkable happens, such as a broken pipe or slab leak. If such a thing were to happen, your day would take a serious turn for the worst. Burst pipes, running toilets, and malfunctioning water heaters could all lead to water damage in the home. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately one out of fifty insured households submit claims yearly. The typical water damage property claim costs about $11,000. The longer a water leak is left unattended, the more extensive the damage, including the destruction of furnishings and home decor. Water leak detectors can warn you of a leak before major damage. Furthermore, mold can start developing in 24 to 48 hours, and there is always a risk of potential structural damage.
A water leak detection device can lower the danger of water damage by rapidly alerting you to issues so you can take action to avoid serious damage. Insurance companies love the products for obvious reasons. Before you decide to buy one for your home, check out our recommendations below.
Moen Smart Water Leak Detectors
This adaptable, water-drop-shaped gadget informs the user of a water leak in seconds and comes with attractive features, including temperature tracking, and it is reasonably priced. It works quickly and consistently, sending a push notification to the app on your phone, an email, and a text message each time a water leak is detected. It’s simple to set up using the app on any Android or iOS. (You can also configure notifications) Additionally, it will flash a red LED and also generates an alarm. Although it includes three metal feet for detecting water, you can mount the gadget and connect the wired disc sensor that is supplied instead. Moen Smart Water Leak Detectors sells a six-foot leak detection wire for $22 to detect water along the complete length. You may chain up to three cables together to cover a greater area.
You can configure humidity and temperature levels
The Moen Smart Water Leak Detectors measure humidity and temperature readings over the previous 24 hours or up to 7 days and gives results via the app. You can configure humidity and temperature levels to set off a warning. Additionally, you can reset alerts from your app, which is always helpful because it’s annoying to struggle to click the leak detectors button, especially in difficult-to-reach places. The alarm’s main drawback is that they are not as loud as other leak detectors. In addition, the gadget doesn’t really integrate with smart homes and needs one battery, but one is provided in the box.
You can also upgrade to The Flo Smart Water Monitor, and Shutoff (starting at $500) can find plumbing leaks and immediately turn off the water supply to save your home from further damage. Additionally, the app records your water use as well as the flow rate, water pressure, and other factors. However, the upgrade has a hefty price tag. Given the high cost and the need for expert installation, it is too expensive for some households. These products were tested by wired.
Phyn Smart Water Sensor
The Phyn Smart Water Sensor combines features comparable to the Moen Smart Water Leak Detector. The product performed admirably and promptly alerted me to a water leak with a loud buzzer; a text message gets promptly sent along with a push notification. However, the installation was cumbersome because I had to reopen the app and input all my information for the second time. The bulky disc shape design supports three metal feet and features an LED that lights whenever it senses a leak. Although neither comes in your package, it’s easy to add the Extension Node for $10, or you can add a wired disc that will plug in. A Water Sensor Cable ($26), which is a 4-foot cable, can detect water throughout its length (up to three may be daisy-chained together).
The Phyn Smart Water Sensor also monitors humidity and temperature with charts presented in the app. You can create an alarm that will trigger when certain levels get reached. Although it wasn’t as quick to trigger as the Moen Detector, it consistently performed well in tests performed by Wired.com. Two AA batteries are required (provided). Unfortunately, you have to hit the stop button on the device rather than in the app itself. Additionally, compared to the other detectors I tried, it is very big (the diameter of a hockey puck), which restricts your positioning possibilities. Again, there is no true integration with smart homes.
You can upgrade the Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant. The auto shutdown option starts at $500. It will also monitor water flow through your plumbing system and has an automatic water shutoff feature to stop leaks before they cause harm. However, it is also an expensive choice because expert installation is needed.
