How to Select and Use a Water Leak Detector

Protect your home or business with a leak detection device

Advanced technology and programming are making homes smarter and safer every day. One way to further enhance the security of your home or business is to install wireless water leak detectors. Place these devices in sensitive areas to receive an alert in the event of water leaks or flooding. This can help prevent damage before it occurs, potentially saving thousands of dollars on repair costs. Once in place, these sensors require little maintenance or attention for greater peace of mind. If you choose to, you can regularly access the data they collect to receive more information on how to maximize the comfort and safety of your home.

How does a water leak detector work?

To put it simply, a water leak detector comes with sensors that can detect when it encounters water or any fluid and set off an alarm. For the best performance, it's advisable to place these devices at low points where leaks are likely to occur. There are also sensors that can monitor changes in humidity and temperature, allowing them to detect freezes and leaks even when not in direct contact. If connected to your mobile device or a safety network, the detector will send a flood alert directly to you and emergency services, depending on your preferences. With remote connectivity, the device can function in any location with access to Wi-Fi, granting it a high range of flexibility. Placing leak detectors in crucial areas like laundry rooms or near water heaters can help you catch leaks early, preventing serious damage.

Many modern water leak detectors have an automatic shut-off or flow interrupter feature that turns off the water valve if a leak is found. This function is ideal for holiday homes, if you're often away from home or have properties you rent out.

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. Before purchase and installation, you should also ensure compatibility with your Wi-Fi router, home appliances and your home's current security system if you have one. This variable is of paramount importance, as it can affect the device's performance in many ways. A compatible smart home system streamlines installation and grants you easy access to updates and alerts from the water detector. You also may decide to move the device to a new location for better coverage, so it's important to ensure the device is portable and easy to install. Fortunately, this is the case with most leak detector systems.

How to use a water leak detector system

Place a leak detection system at the point where the water enters your home via the plumbing. This means that all water-using appliances are downstream of the point of entry, letting the device pick up malfunctions early. If you have point-of-use leak detectors, install one under kitchen and bathroom sinks, by washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters. Depending on the model you choose, you may have between five and 30 sensors to work with.

Some water leak detection systems require the services of a qualified plumber to install as it may require intricate work such as measuring, cutting and soldering copper piping as well as syncing the shut-off valve with the sensors. Other systems have clip-on detectors and sensors that you can install yourself. Simply follow the instructions that come with the model you choose, connect to your Wi-Fi, and download the relevant app on your smartphone.

Multifunction smart detectors

If you're going to the trouble of installing a security system in your home, it only makes sense to cover more than one area of concern. Many smart alarm systems come with capabilities beyond water and leak detection. Some devices also come with temperature and motion detection, providing this information to your home's heating and cooling system. This allows you to detect a wider range of potential problems and grants you even more control of your smart home environment. A humidity sensor, for example, can alert you if it detects conditions that may lead to mold growth. You can enhance your home's safety further with CO₂ and smoke detection capabilities. With connectivity to a larger security network, you can set the detector to send an alert directly to emergency services to ensure the fastest response.

What people say about leak detectors

Many people who buy leak detectors appreciate how easy they are to set up. The simple design of many models lets them install the detector and forget about it as it requires little to no maintenance or attention. Some users also found, to their pleasant surprise, that their detection system possesses more functionality than they expected. Very few devices limit their capabilities to water and leak detection. Despite the multifunctionality, users attest the device is simple to operate and does exactly what it says it does. Many users report that, following installation, the devices provide consistent, reliable performance.

Where most customers report issues is with the Wi-Fi accessibility and installation process. The process of connecting the device to a mobile device or smart home might be confusing for some people. It can involve a multistep installation and verification process, and can be very difficult to correct if one step doesn't go as planned. Without proper installation and connection, it can be difficult to monitor the device and ensure it functions as intended. If you currently have a smart home network setup, choose a water detector that is directly affiliated with your provider. This will enable easier connection and installation and allow you to access the device in a manner with which you are already familiar.

Ultimately, if you're considering setting up a water leak detector within your smart home network, choose one that covers all areas to make your home or business as safe and comfortable as possible.