How Smart Water Leak Detectors Work: A Detailed Breakdown

Catching leaks early once seemed impossible for many homeowners. They’d spend hours inspecting every nook and cranny of their homes for signs of a leak but often wouldn’t realize one had sprung until visible damage had already begun.

Nowadays, we have smart sensors that constantly monitor our homes for moisture and ping alerts to our smartphones at the first sign of trouble. Some even go as far as automatically shutting off the water supply to help prevent disasters like the Flo by Moen smart water monitor and automatic shutoff valve.

But how do these leak-detecting devices work? How are they able to sniff out moisture issues so rapidly and reliably? And what should you look for when shopping for one? This guide has all the answers.

Who Are Smart Water Leak Detectors Meant For?

Smart leak detectors offer true peace of mind, fantastic cost-savings, and unmatched protection against what could be a homeowner’s worst nightmare—water damage. But should you get one of these devices for your home or property? The truth is, it depends on your specific needs and situation.

Here are some cases where investing in a smart water sensor makes a lot of sense:

1.   You value peace of mind.

Your home should be your sanctuary—where you can feel safe and comfortable and unwind after a long day. However, that’s hard to do if you’re constantly worried about potential water damage from leaks. Smart leak detectors lift that weight off your shoulders by monitoring your home for moisture 24/7, notifying you of an issue, and sometimes stemming the water flow to prevent damage.

2.   You’re proactive.

You know the old saying, “Prevention is better than cure.” If that’s your mindset, you should invest in a smart water leak detector. These devices are ideal for individuals who would much rather avoid problems than suffer the consequences later.

With a smart leak detector in your home, you’re always ahead of potential moisture issues. It keeps a close eye on your home for leaks, so even small drips or trickles are spotted immediately before turning into disasters.

3.   You’ve experienced water damage.

About 4 out of 10 homeowners have previously dealt with water damage from leaking pipes. If you’re one of them, you know how stressful it can be and the dent it can put in your wallet, thanks to the expensive repairs and replacements. After going through that, you probably never want to experience a water leak in your home again. You’d do just about anything to prevent a future recurrence. If that rings true, a smart leak detector may suit you. It catches leaks early before the water can cause significant damage, saving you from costly restoration. It may even lower your water bills and home insurance costs.

4.   You own multiple properties.

Keeping tabs on multiple properties is overwhelming enough; a catastrophic leak only piles on the stress. The good news is that smart water sensors can simplify how you manage and safeguard your estates. They monitor the places you can’t check daily and help you catch small leaks before they turn disastrous. That way, you can know that if a leak develops at any of your properties, you’ll learn about it in real time and can address it before it becomes a big, expensive mess.

The Science Behind Smart Water Sensors: How Do They Detect Leaks?

Smart water leak detectors are usually puck-sized devices that monitor specific areas in your home for moisture, freezing, or other potential issues.

Here’s a quick run-through of how the process works:

1.   Detection

Smart water detectors use specialized sensors to detect dampness. These detectors are usually battery-powered, so you can mount or place the main unit anywhere without an electrical outlet. However, the plug-in versions will require a power outlet to work.

As for the sensors, they are usually metal probes on the bottom of the central unit or sensor discs at the tip of an extender cable. This cable is used to “snake” into tighter, more hard-to-reach places like under a washing machine, along baseboards, etc., or monitor a broader area. How these sensors work depends on their type.

Let’s look at a few popular sensors found in smart leak-detecting devices and the science behind them.

• Conductivity sensors typically consist of two or more metal prongs or electrodes. Water conducts electricity well, so when moisture escapes from a leak, pools in an area, and touches the metal prongs, electricity starts flowing between them. The detector, which continuously monitors the electrical conductivity between the electrodes, notices the change and knows there’s a possible water leak.
• Humidity sensors don’t necessarily require physical contact with the liquid. Instead, they detect changes in moisture levels in the surrounding air. When there’s a leak, the humidity increases in that area and the sensor picks up on this change. It then interprets the rise in humidity as a potential sign of a leak.
• Then, there are temperature sensors that use thermistors or thermocouples to track sudden changes in temperature that could freeze pipes and cause leaks, breakages, and subsequent flooding. For instance, if cold water from a dripping AC drain pipe causes a decrease in temperature near the sensor, the detector triggers an alert to warn homeowners about the potential freezing hazard.
• Some smart detectors have internal flow sensors that use mechanical turbines or ultrasonic wavelengths to monitor the water flow (and sometimes pressure) in your pipes. The detector, either strapped onto your main water supply line or plumbed directly into it, continuously observes and analyzes the water flows in your home to learn your water usage patterns. If the system detects an unusual change in water flow or pressure consistent with a leak, you’ll receive an alert about the problem and perhaps a suggestion about the possible culprit.

Now, you’re probably wondering if a detector can use multiple sensors. Depending on the brand, you can mix and match sensors.

2.   Alerting to the Leak

Once the sensor detects any change that could signal a leak, some detectors will sound an audible alarm that beeps every few seconds and may display a flashing LED light. However, more modern models use Internet of Things (IoT) technology or connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to ping notifications to your smartphone within seconds of a possible leak.

The alert may be an app notification, phone call, email, or text message. This way, you get notified instantly about any leak wherever you are—at home, walking your pet, at the office, or even on vacation in a foreign country.

3.   Preventing Water Damage

Like smoke detectors, smart leak detectors function only as alarms. They can’t prevent water damage on their own. However, smart water shutoff systems can help limit or prevent water from wreaking havoc on your property and leaving you with hefty repair bills.

There are two main types of smart shutoff systems: professionally installed units with a shutoff valve that gets spliced right into your main water supply line and DIY units that sit on the quarter-turn valve on your water line and use an electric motor to open and close the valve automatically if a leak is detected. Some models, like the Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff, also have water-flow-sensing capabilities for enhanced protection.

At around $500, these smart devices cost more than standalone detectors. Plus, most manufacturers suggest hiring a qualified professional to install them, adding to the upfront cost. But look on the bright side: not having to pay for repairs from water damage or losing precious valuables can save you big bucks over time. Besides, some home insurance providers offer discounts for using these smart devices—not to mention the potential savings on your monthly water bills.

Learn more: Top 7 Benefits of Smart Water Leak Detectors for Your Home

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Smart Leak Detector for Your Home

There are dozens of smart leak sensors on the market. With so many options, deciding which is best for your home can be confusing. You can’t (or shouldn’t) pick any random detector and expect it to work perfectly. Even though they are “smart” devices, you must consider a few crucial factors to ensure you get one that fits your needs.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing a smart leak detector:

• Pricing and Cost. Smart leak detectors come in different shapes and sizes and have different price tags. Basic standalone battery-powered sensors can cost as low as $50, while whole-home systems with shutoff valves can be $500 or more.
• Sensor Type and Coverage Area. The bigger your home, the more sensors you’ll likely need. So, ensure the leak sensors can adequately monitor all leak-prone zones in your home. Check the number of sensors the kit contains and what types they use—cable sensors you can run along floors and tight spaces or humidity sensors for open areas.
• Wireless Connectivity. Most smart leak systems should be able to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to send alerts to your phone, such as when a leak is detected or the device is offline. However, some models also use Bluetooth or may require purchasing a separate device, called a hub, that connects the sensors to your home’s Wi-Fi network. So, check if it’s Wi-Fi-enabled and that the detector can work with your internet router (one that only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi can’t connect to a 5 GHz network).
• Smart Home Integration Compatibility. It’s also good to get a smart leak detection system that integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Wink Hub (i.e., if you have those installed at home). By linking with these smart home devices, you could create routines with instructions to perform if a leak is detected, such as a voice alert via your smart speakers or a blinking smart LED light bulb.
• Water Shutoff Capability. For the best protection against water damage, look for a system that can automatically shut off the main water supply if it detects a significant leak. This prevents those small leaks from turning into big floods while you’re away.
• Power Source. Decide if you want sensors that run on batteries you occasionally replace, or that can plug into power outlets. Battery-powered ones are more flexible for placement but will need new batteries after six to 12 months. Plugged-in sensors won’t run out of juice, but you’ll need to install them near an outlet, limiting their flexibility.
• Plumbing Size. If you’re buying a shutoff system that hooks up to your plumbing, check what pipe size the device supports and ensure it matches that of the main water supply line to your home—whether 1.25, 1.00, 0.75, 0.5 inch, or another size. If you purchase a system meant for 3/4 inch pipes, but your home has 1-inch pipes, it won’t be able to install and seal onto your plumbing correctly. An improper fit could lead to leaks or prevent the device from working correctly.
• Extra Features. Some fancier systems pack impressive features and technologies like built-in microphones to actually “hear” dripping water and dampness or humidity sensors to detect high moisture levels. They may also include mobile apps for getting alerts on your phone from anywhere, remotely monitoring the system, and conducting automatic daily health tests on the sensors. Decide if these premium extras are worth the additional cost.
• Customer Reviews or Ratings. Customer experiences offer valuable insights into a product’s performance in real-world settings—and smart water sensors are no exception. So, examine both positive and negative reviews to gauge the device’s reliability. A higher ratio of positive reviews may indicate a better-working system, while endless complaints about missed leaks, poor battery life, etc., suggest you explore different options.
• Extended Customer Support and End-of-Life Guarantees. What kind of customer support and product guarantees do you get with the smart detector you’re considering? Does the company offer extended warranty protection or an end-of-life replacement program if the device malfunctions or needs upgrading? These can provide extra assurance that you’re covered if anything goes wrong with the device. Look for companies that stand behind their products with responsive customer service and reasonable warranty policies. That way, you know you’re buying quality, not something you’ll have to replace frequently out-of-pocket.

General Guidelines For Installing, Placing, and Setting Up a Smart Leak Detector

Depending on the type and model of the sensor system you purchase, you may be able to install the device yourself. Still, many will require a licensed professional to install it because they’ll need to get spliced into your home’s plumbing. The exact steps for installing and setting up the device may be slightly different based on the specific model you have, but the general guidelines typically include the following:

1.   Link the Leak Sensor to Your Smartphone

Before you can receive app notifications from the device in case of a spill or leak, you first need to link it to your smartphone via the companion app. You can download the manufacturer’s mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Once you’ve installed the app, open it and follow the prompts to configure your new leak detector. If it’s battery-powered, open the battery compartment and insert the batteries. Otherwise, make sure it’s plugged in.

Next, follow the app instructions to connect to the home Wi-Fi. This usually involves putting the sensor in pairing mode and selecting it in the app. Afterward, name the sensor something logical like “Laundry Room Leak Sensor” or “Kitchen Leak Detector.”

2.   For standalone leak sensors: Place them near leak-prone zones.

You don’t need much technical know-how to install individual battery-power leak sensors. Typically, you place them near the appliance or water pipes you want to monitor for leaks. The device should have probes on the bottom that can detect drips, puddles, and changes in temperature or humidity. But sometimes, you might need to connect an extension to your leak detector (using a sensor cable) to fit into small or hard-to-reach places. Wherever you place the sensor or extension, ensure it’s in an area where it could detect leaks if they occur—like next to your washing machine or under a sink.

3.   For whole-home leak sensors: Hook them up to your main water line.

Usually, manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to install more advanced water leak detection systems. That’s because these devices are tied directly to the plumbing system and can shut off the water in case of a leak. Because of that, installing them is slightly more complicated—though you could do it yourself with enough plumbing experience.

If you want to give it a go, follow the instructions below:

1. First, locate the main water supply pipe that brings water into your home, usually near the water heater. Turn off the main shutoff valve to stop the water flow.
2. Next, open a few outlets in the house to release any remaining water and pressure in the pipes.
3. Following the manufacturer’s guide, look for an ideal spot on the main pipe to install the shutoff valve. This is typically after the main shutoff valve.
4. Use a pipe cutter or saw to carefully cut out a small section of the main pipe where the shutoff valve will go. Clean the cut pipe ends thoroughly to ensure a tight seal with the shutoff valve.
5. Connect one end of the shutoff valve to the pipe section coming from the primary water source outside. Connect the other end to the pipe running to your home’s interior plumbing.
6. Properly secure the shutoff valve connections to prevent leaks, per the instruction manual.
7. Once installed, slowly turn the main water supply back on and check for drips around the new shutoff valve connections.
8. Finally, connect the smart shutoff valve to your home’s Wi-Fi and pair it with the leak detector app on your smartphone to enable automatic water shutoff if a leak is detected.

That’s it. When the device detects a leak, it should spring into action, sending you an alert and shutting off the water to prevent damage.

Tips for Maintaining Your Smart Water Leak Detector

So, you’ve installed your brand-new smart leak detection system. What can you do to ensure it continues to work smoothly for as long as possible? We’re happy you asked because we have some simple maintenance tips and best practices to help you do just that.

• Check the detector’s batteries every six months to a year. The detector’s app should send a smartphone alert when the batteries run low. Replace them immediately with new, high-quality batteries like lithium ones—they’ll last longer.
• Keep it clean. Use a dry cloth every few months to gently wipe off any dust or dirt built up on the detector and its sensors. Too much grime can interfere with the sensors’ accuracy.
• Check the positioning. Make sure the detector firmly touches the floor or surface you originally placed it on. Vibrations from cleaning or foot traffic can sometimes shift them out of the ideal spot.
• Perform regular health tests. Many detectors have a “test” button you can press to simulate a leak. Run this test every few months to verify that the sensors and app alerts function correctly. Some models can automatically run daily self-health tests at regular intervals.
• Keep the Wi-Fi settings updated. You may need to reconnect the leak detector if you’ve recently changed your home’s Wi-Fi network name or password. Follow the detector app’s instructions for re-pairing it with your new Wi-Fi settings.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a smart water leak detector is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Whether you own a single residence or multiple properties, these devices continuously monitor for moisture and alert you to the first sign of a leak. That way, you can avoid potential problems before they escalate into major flooding, requiring extensive and costly repairs.

There are many different types of leak sensors—conductivity, flow, humidity, and temperature sensors, to name a few. The science behind each differs from the next, but they all get the job done. Just make sure to consider costs, Wi-Fi connectivity, smart home integration, pipe size, shutoff capability, and other vital factors before purchasing.

Smart leak sensors can cost as low as $50 and under for basic options to about $500 or more for higher-end models, such as the Flo by Moen – Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff Valve. But when you consider the level of water damage protection and peace of mind these devices offer, that expense pays for itself many times over.