Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (2024)

Fire might be a homeowner’s greatest fear, but any insurance company will tell you that water is the far more common cause of property damage, even if you don’t live in an area subject to flooding. And it can come from many sources: A failing water heater, a burst pipe, a broken supply line under your sink, a clogged toilet, or even a split hose connected to your washing machine.

Just as it’s essential to have a smoke detector in each of your home’s bedrooms and common areas, you’d be wise to install leak detectors in places where water damage could start: The laundry room, water heater closet, the bathroom, under your kitchen sink, and so on. Leak alerts are arguably less important for renters, but it’s something landlords might want to consider—although that raises the issue of how the sensors would connect to the internet. More on that later.

If you think a leak sensor is something your home should have, here are our top picks. If you want more information on this topic and want to read more reviews, scroll down a bit.

Updated May 15, 2024: We’ve added a link to our . Moen’s second-generation smart valve displaces the second-generation Phyn Plus as our most highly recommended leak prevention system, thanks to its being a part of Moen’s larger Smart Water Network. We also like the all-but-impossible-to-ignore robocalls that Moen’s system makes when its device suspects there’s a leak in your main water and before it proactively shuts its main valve off to prevent catastrophic damage. These types of smart home device are expensive and typically require professional installation, but their cost is a fraction of what it would cost to clean up and repair the water damage caused by a burst pipe.

Top picks in water leak detection and mitigation

Moen Smart Water Leak Detector — Best smart water leak detector

Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (1)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (2)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (3)

Pros

  • Alerts you to the presence of water where it shouldn’t be nearly instantly
  • Can trigger the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff to shut off your water supply if a leak is detected
  • Also monitors ambient and temperature and humidity, and alerts you to readings outside user-defined ranges
  • Connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, no hub required

Cons

  • No provisions for integration in broader smart home systems
  • Doesn’t support IFTTT, which would trigger other smart home devices
  • Water-sensitive extension cables cost $20 each
  • It's not a component of the Moen Smart Water Network

Price When Reviewed:$49.99

Best Prices Today:$35.99 at Amazon$48.56 at Walmart Electronics$49.99 at Moen

The Moen Smart Water Leak Detector is an excellent solution for alerting you to the presence of water in places it shouldn’t be. It’s a no-brainer buy if you already have or plan to install a Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff valve, but it delivers plenty of value even if you don’t. The sensor can detect water through the contacts on its own body, and you can plug plug in an extension sensor attached to a 4-foot cable to monitor nearby areas of the floor. Our biggest criticism is that the sensor is not part of the Moen Smart Water Network and you’ll need a different app than to set it up.

Read our full Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector review

Phyn Smart Water Sensor — Best smart water leak detector, runner-up

Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (4)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (5)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (6)

Pros

  • Sends an immediate warning when water contacts it
  • If you also own the pricey Phyn Plus, it can automatically turn off your main water supply to prevent catastrophic damage
  • Industrial design prevents water ingress from the top of the device
  • Operates on two AA batteries
  • You don’t have to pay for the extension cable with remote sensing disk unless you need it

Cons

  • Phyn makes the only compatible smart shut-off valve
  • Can’t be integrated into a broader smart home ecosystem (including IFTTT)
  • Operates only on 2.4GHz networks
  • Will give you trouble if your dual-band Wi-Fi router uses the same SSID for both its 2.4- and 5GHz networks

Price When Reviewed:$39.99

Best Prices Today:$39.99 at Best Buy

If you own a Phyn Plus smart water valve, you absolutely should place one or more of these smart water sensor around your home. If the sensor detects water where it shouldn’t be, it can trigger the Phyn Plus to shut off your main water supply to prevent catastrophic water damage. On its own, it will give you plenty of warning of a localized water leak, so you can take immediate action. The Phyn Smart Water Sensor will also report the ambient temperature and the relative humidity at the location it’s placed, and it will warn you if either factor exceeds the tolerances you’ve set in the Phyn app.

Read our full Phyn Smart Water Sensor review

Eve Water Guard (2nd Gen) — Best Matter compatible water leak sensor

Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (7)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (8)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (9)

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Cable sensor can be stretched up to 490 feet with extensions
  • HomeKit and Thread support
  • Built-in siren and alert LED

Cons

  • Wired design won’t work for everyone
  • No Android, Alexa, or Google Assistant support
  • Expensive

Price When Reviewed:$99.95

Best Prices Today:$78.99 at Amazon$78.99 at Walmart Electronics$84.99 at Best Buy

If you’ve gone all in with Apple’s HomeKit smart home ecosystem, there is no better solution than the second-gen Eve Water Guard. That goes double if you’re looking for Thread support and you think you’re planning to jump onto the recently ratified Matter smart home standard–backed by Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung SmartThings–that promises to finally unify the smart home market.

Read our full Eve Water Guard (2nd Gen) review

Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff — Best leak detector with automatic shut-off valve

Pros

  • Monitors your home’s water supply line and can automatically shut it off to prevent water damage from leaks
  • Reports on your home’s water consumption and detects water-use anomalies
  • Measures the pressure in your water supply line and warns you if it becomes dangerously high
  • Moen robocalls warn you of conditions that can prompt it to shut off your water for safety

Cons

  • Moen’s algorithm isn’t super accurate at determining how much water your home’s fixtures and appliances are consuming
  • You must use two different apps to operate both this smart valve and the Moen Smart Leak Detector
  • Finicky about connecting to Wi-Fi (and limited to 2.4GHz networks)
  • Unless you’re an advanced DIYer, you’ll want to hire a plumber for installation
  • Not HomeKit compatible

Price When Reviewed:$499.98

Best Prices Today:$379 at Walmart Electronics$384.99 at Amazon$499.98 at Moen

As part of Moen’s home water network, the Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff can protect your home from catastrophic water damage, save you money on your insurance and water bills, and help you use one of the Earth’s most precious resources more wisely.

Read our full

Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff (2nd Gen) — Best leak detector with automatic shut-off valve, runner-up

Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (13)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (14)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (15)

Pros

  • Can prevent catastrophic water damage
  • Can work in conjunction with optional stand-alone leak sensors
  • Presents detailed analyses of your household water consumption
  • Performs automatic daily inspections of your water supply lines
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT

Cons

  • Best installed by a professional plumber
  • Push notifications are easy to overlook
  • Can be a pain to connect to your Wi-Fi network
  • Not HomeKit compatible

Price When Reviewed:$579.00

Best Prices Today:$539.98 at Home Depot$579 at Phyn Plus

The second-generation Phyn Plus is incrementally better than the first, but it’s also more expensive. That said, there is no better way to protect your home from catastrophic water damage caused by a plumbing failure, and you might qualify for a discount on your homeowners’ insurance policy if you install one. The Phyn Plus is pricey protection you hope you’ll never need, but catastrophic water damage will cost you many times as much. And even if you never experience a leak, this smart device will inform you of your household’s daily and monthly water consumption, so you can contemplate ways to reduce your use of this precious resource.

Read our full Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff (2nd Gen) review

Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor — Best DIY whole-home leak detection system

Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (16)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (17)
Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (18)

Pros

  • Tons of flexibility in slicing and dicing historical water usage
  • Wide compatibility with most water meters
  • Much better range and performance than the first-generation device
  • Less expensive than water monitors that can shut off your water supply

Cons

  • Installation can get messy
  • Can’t automatically turn your water off to prevent water damage
  • Can't pinpoint the source of a water leak
  • Useless for homes without water meters (e.g., rural homes reliant on wells)

Price When Reviewed:$199.00 when reviewed in October, 2020; price as of May 2024: $249.00

Best Prices Today:$199.20 at Amazon$249 at Flume, Inc.$249 at Home Depot

Unlike the Phyn Plus and Flo by Moen products it competes with, the Flume 2 cannot automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a catastrophic leak. The dual upsides to that is you can install the Flume 2 yourself, so can avoid the expense of a plumber, and this smart device is a whole lot less expensive than the more sophisticated competition. The Flume 2 will warn you a leak, so that you can take action, and it does report your water consumption. The company says its users have reduced their household water consumption by an average of 10 percent after installing the sensor. We like it a lot.

Read our full Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor review

How we test smart leak detectors

To measure each sensor’s effectiveness, we placed it on a bathroom tile, and then poured enough water to cover the surface of that tile. Most sensors responded immediately, though we have noted a few exceptions.

We measured alarm volume using the Decibel 10th app on an iPhone, with the microphone pointed toward the sensor from six inches away.

We didn’t directly test integrations with other smart home devices, but inspected each companion app and the online service IFTTT for available features. We consulted manuals and product listings for battery life estimates and device dimensions.

Editors’ note: This testing methodology does not apply to leak detection systems that monitor your water supply line, such as the Flo by Moen,Sinopé Sedna, and Phyn Plus.

What to look for when shopping

You might be surprised by the diverse approaches to what seems like a simple task: detecting the presence of water where it shouldn’t be. Some operate on Wi-Fi, others require a hub to communicate. Some plug into an AC outlet, others require a battery. Some come with external sensor cables and mount to the wall, others lay on the floor. Most, but not all, have onboard sirens.

If the recommendations above don’t work for you, here are the specs and features you’ll want to consider when shopping for a smart home water leak detector.

Hub requirements: Some smart leak sensors that communicate using Zigbee or Z-Wave technology require a hub (e.g., an Aeotec SmartThings Hub) or a bridge to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Others can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network.

Connection protocols: If you own a hub already, you must make sure the sensor uses a compatible connection protocol. Fibaro, for instance, uses Z-Wave, which works with SmartThings. If you own a well-known hub, such as SmartThings, you’ll likely see its name on the sensor’s box.

Integrations: Some leak sensors allow you automate actions on other devices when a leak occurs. That way, you can trigger lights, turn on cameras, or sound an alarm. Devices that support IFTTT, a service that lets you automate tasks between connected devices and services, can trigger actions by third-party devices. Sensors that communicate with smart water valves, such as those from Phyn and Flo by Moen, can turn off your main water supply to stop a leak.

Size and extendability: Where do you plan to put your leak sensor? If it’s a tight space, make sure the sensor is either small enough to fit, or that it offers a sensor cable to extend its reach.

Built-in siren: Unless you plan to put the sensor far from where you might normally hear it, it’s helpful to have a siren onboard. That way, you’ll still get alerted at home even when the internet is down.

Additional onboard sensors: Some leak sensors can also measure other environmental conditions that can lead to problems at their extremes, such as temperature (a frozen pipe can burst and cause catastrophic water damage) and humidity (excess moisture in the air can allow mold to grow).

Power source: Most leak sensors are battery powered, but some, such as D-Link’s Wi-Fi Water Sensor, depend on AC power. An outlet-powered sensor with battery backup in the event of a blackout would be ideal; unfortunately, they are rare.

Editor’s note: Mel Nussbaum, the owner of Water Works Plumbing in Overland Park, Kansas, emailed this useful tip for preventing water damage due to frozen pipes bursting: “If you shut off your main water service valve [you’ll] never have the issue, and two minutes of your time [will] cost you nothing. By the time you’re alerted and get someone to take action you still will incur huge damages.”

Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice (2024)

FAQs

Best water leak detectors 2024: Reviews and buying advice? ›

Synthetic Aperture Radar sensors can detect relatively small water leaks up to 12 ft below the surface of the ground. Algorithms process the data and reports are generated from client-provided GIS pipeline maps.

What is the new technology for water leak detection? ›

Synthetic Aperture Radar sensors can detect relatively small water leaks up to 12 ft below the surface of the ground. Algorithms process the data and reports are generated from client-provided GIS pipeline maps.

What is the most reliable leak detection method and why? ›

Ultrasound testing is the most accurate method, utilizing high-frequency sound waves to identify cracks and other flaws in pipes. Infrared thermography uses infrared sensors to detect temperature differences that may indicate a leak.

How do I choose a water leak detector? ›

What to look for in a water leak detector. Many devices come with pre-installed batteries, so battery life is a factor to consider. Some devices have a battery life that lasts multiple years and, while this is convenient, it can be easy to forget to change the batteries when they run out.

Are water leak detectors worth it? ›

The smart technology in water-sensor systems can help quickly alert homeowners of potential leaks and prevent the need for costly and time-consuming repairs. Water damage is a common and costly cause of loss in the home.

What are three leak detecting devices? ›

There are three main types of sensor-based water leak detection that a commercial building uses to protect from water leaks: Flood Sensors, Printed & Cable Sensors and Flow Meters.

How much does a water leak detection system cost? ›

How Much Does a Water Leak Detector Cost? Smart water sensors cost anywhere from $50 to over $500.

How do I choose a leak detection company? ›

A reputable leak specialist will be happy to share reviews and customer testimonials with you; many have them published on their website. Choose a company that is highly recommended and has top reviews. You can also ask to see examples of their previous work if you need to.

What are the disadvantages of leak detection? ›

Higher cost compared to DIY: One of the main drawbacks of professional leak detection is the higher cost associated with hiring a professional. Their expertise, training, and specialized equipment come at a price. Homeowners need to consider the financial aspect when deciding to hire professionals for leak detection.

What type of leak detector is the most sensitive? ›

There are many methods of leak detection, such as a bubble test or pressure drop test, but none can compete with the sensitivity and the ability to pinpoint a leak that a Helium leak checker can offer. Additionally, a helium instrument allows for both quantitative and qualitative measurements.

Where is the best place to put a leak detector? ›

Anywhere you have concerns about a potential leak, so under sinks, behind toilets, next to washers, humidifiers, water heaters, and other water tanks. If you have a problem area where you have had a leak before or an aging appliance you are worried about, those are good spots to place water leak detectors.

How long does flo by moen last? ›

While the answer will depend on the temperature and humidity thresholds you set, most Smart Leak Detector include 1 CR123A battery with a life expectancy of over two (2) years. You will also be notified via the Flo by Moen App if your battery is running low.

What is a whole house water leak detection system? ›

A water leak detection system for your home looks for sudden, unexpected increases in moisture levels. These systems identify when and where a leak occurs to help you quickly make repairs and avoid a costly water bill. Some systems monitor for leaks, while others work as fail-safes to prevent water damage.

How many water leak sensors do I need? ›

The best number of sensors to start with is four, to protect your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and basement. However, you may want to purchase more from get-go or in the future if you want to protect your HVAC pan, sump pump, boiler, or anywhere else where you'd like some peace of mind.

Is there a device that can detect water leaks? ›

After a new round of testing, we still recommend the D-Link DCH-S1621KT as the best sensor to detect leaks in your home, but we have new runner-up and budget picks. Water damage is one of the most common and costly causes of property damage.

Does Flo by Moen require a subscription? ›

The Flo by Moen smart valve works on its own, no subscriptions needed.

What is the new water testing technology? ›

A small sample of water can be tested on-site using isothermal amplification technology which can identify the genetic markers of STEC bacteria, and related E. coli. The results are delivered in about 40minutes through a reading on screen. Traditional lab testing of samples can take days for results to be returned.

What technology is used to detect water leaks? ›

Acoustic leak detection

Acoustic sensors are used to listen for the distinct sounds of water escaping from pipes. These devices can be placed strategically throughout your water system, and when a leak is detected, the location is pinpointed with remarkable accuracy.

What is the technique used in leak detection system? ›

Hardware-based methods use hardware sensors to directly detect the occurrence of a leak and assist the localization of the leak. Typical devices used include acoustic emission detectors, fiber optic sensors, negative pressure detectors, ultrasonic technologies, and infrared thermograph.

Is there a tool to detect water leak? ›

For the most precise leak detection, plumbers use video pipe inspection equipment. These are small cameras mounted on long flexible fiber optic cables. Plumbers can insert these in faucets and other plumbing outlets to detect leaks.

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