Best Water Sensors to Monitor Leaks

If you are new to smart home sensors and seek to install your first water leakage control system, the YoLink water sensors will be just a perfect start.

To put it right, you’ll get a complete system including 4 wireless water sensors, a YoLink hub, and a quick-start guide to set it up without a problem even if you are new to this sort of device. So, you can start using it straight out of the box, with no added tools required. Powered by two AAA batteries (also included in the set), the sensors actually need no installation and can be placed pretty much anywhere where you need leakage control, be it sinks, washing machines, water heaters, fish tanks, sump pumps, etc.

Connected and managed via the YoLink hub and the YoLink app on your smartphone, these sensors make up an independent system that can function on its own. On the other hand, easily pairing with ZigBee, Z-Wave, and many other most popular smart home protocols, it can also be integrated into your existing smart home system. In case of leakage detection, the sensors will send you app alerts or push smartphone notifications. In addition, you are also free to activate a siren alarm.

Yet, the smart abilities of the YoLink water sensor system don’t end here. While supporting as many water sensors as you need, the YoLink hub also allows integrating other smart sensors, thus, giving you an opportunity for expansion and creating a whole smart home system from the ground up. And you’ll be able to check and monitor all your connected devices in a single app. Other than that, the system can work with Alexa, giving you an added ability to interact with other smart units and use automated actions. And the cherry on top, you also have an opportunity to cut off the water or gas in case of leaks by incorporating an optional YoLink control valve into the system.

Are you on the lookout for a simple yet reliable solution that will protect your home from the risk of water damages from inside? If so, the Govee water sensors have a lot to offer in this concern and, what is not less important, come at a fairly honest price that won’t hit your budget too much.

First and foremost, in a set, you’ll get three sensors, which might be enough to cover some critical spots in a smaller apartment. Each Govee water leak detector is smartly shaped and compact enough to fit into pretty much any area exposed to the potential risk of leaks. So, whether you need to place it next to the sink or squeeze under the faucet, it will fit just fine. A distinct feature of these wireless water sensors is that they come in two types. Two out of three detectors have water probes on the bottom to quick-spot ground level and area leaks while one sensor is designed with a probe on the top and works to detect splashes and dripping pipes. With the latter, you’ll be able to diagnose some minor failures in advance to prevent them from growing into a more serious problem that might cause more extensive damage.

Notably, Govee sensors are very sensitive and will start sending alerts to your smartphone long before the disaster becomes inevitable. Thus, you can rest assured you’ll have enough time to solve the problem. More than that, apart from app notifications and email messages, each sensor has a built-in sound signal. Thus, even if your Wi-Fi network lies flat for some reason, these little water guards will produce ultra-loud 100dB alarms to let you clearly know where the problem is.

What makes this water sensor from Shomnau stand out is that it is amazingly simple and surprisingly versatile at the same time. Sounds somewhat strange and controversial? You’ll get it as soon as you have this sensor.

With no added cabling, fancy installation, and gateway or bridges needed, this little gem is extremely easy to setup. It connects directly to your Wi-Fi network and pairs with the Tuay app you can download for free from PlayMarket or Apple Store. Just add your water sensor to the app and link it with your home Wi-Fi system following foolproof instructions in the QuickStart guide you’ll get along with the sensor. A built-in rechargeable battery will keep the sensor smoothly running for about six months before a recharge is needed and save you from buying any replacement batteries.

The app is fairly intuitive and available for all operating systems. It allows connecting as many sensors as you need, so you can eventually build up an extended water control system and put a sensor in each and every spot where the leakage is possible. In view of a low price tag, it won't cost you too much but will save you a lot in the long run.

Thanks to the slim design, the Shonmau sensor can be placed pretty much anywhere to ensure solid water detection while staying out of sight. Besides, unlike models with probes on their tops or backs, this sensor features a probe attached to the cable. Such design allows not only for detecting leaks but also for controlling the water level. What's more, even when fully plunged into the water, the probe remains operable, thus, you can set it in any utility room and even place it next to the sink or bathtub, behind the fridge or under the heater, or use it to check the water level in a pool, aquarium, fish pond, etc. At 5.9 ft cable length, the model provides a decent reach and can be easily installed in tricky spots.

Home floods caused by sump pump failures, leaky sink, or busted washing machine are something everyone is afraid of and want to avoid. Although no one is 100% protected against unexpected accidents, you can avert the worst, with a good water sensor at hand, like the one from D-Link.

The model is yet another device for leakage detection and water immersion control. It is distinguished by its compact dimensions measuring just 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.2 inches. Thanks to the smaller size and thinner profile, it is much easier to install this sensor behind appliances while special mount holes make it easy to attach it to the wall for seamless installation in some tricky environments. Moreover, this sensor comes with a 5.9 ft cable that provides a good reach and can be extended by using a 3.5 mm three-ring adapter cable. Doing so can be necessary for reaching out some hard-to-get or restricted areas with the risk of leakage exposure. So, whether you need to keep an eye on your dishwasher, water heater, or kitchen sink or want to make sure your basement, attic, or shed is dry after rain showers or snow melts, the D-Link sensor is the device you need.

To set up the sensor, you just need to download the mydlink app to your smartphone or tablet and connect the detector to your home Wi-Fi network, with no hub or gateway required. The sensor probe is extremely sensitive and finely detects both drips and shallow leaks. It will trigger a 90dB siren and send you an alert almost immediately after detecting the slightest water exposure. More than that, the D-Link water detector supports IFTTT applets it can use to connect to other smart devices via the mydalink. It means this little pal is able not only to detect water danger but also to prevent the damage by turning off the fixtures and faucets via smart plugs or smart valves.

When it comes to smart devices, Samsung is a reputed brand that holds the lead in this industry. So, if you already have a SmartThings hub from Samsung or plan to get one to give your home a brain and start a smart home system, this SmartTings water sensor will definitely catch your fancy.

The first thing you can’t but like about this water detector is that it is fairly affordable. Now, you do need to additionally invest in a hub to operate it but the whole system will quickly pay you off anyway. For one, the SmartThings hub allows connecting as many water sensors as you want, and for two, it allows connecting other Samsung smart devices as well, which are on average much more affordable than similar units from other brands.

The sensor pairs with the hub in close to no time and easily builds into a whole smart home ecosystem, expanding your options far beyond just water detection. Thus, you can connect your other smart devices to this hub and control all of them via the same app. At the same time, you can also choose a different operation scenario for each and every sensor in the system and program them to cut off the source of leakage once it is detected. Thus, the sensor can be adjusted to turn off the broken faucet or switch off the main water valve in case of a burst pipe.

Speaking of alerts, this water sensor doesn’t have its own sirene, and neither does the hub. So, you’ll have to rely only on notifications and reminders sent to your smartphone. Having said that, the added capabilities of the SmartThings platform somewhat make up for that minor flaw - you can set the sensor alarm to sound via speakers or make it visible by means of flashing lights. Besides that, the system allows for IFTTT configuration to receive alerts via emails or integrate with other smart home products.