Water leaks are more than annoying calls to the plumber. They can cause massive, expensive problems if left undiscovered, including serious mold problems. Those dangers grow worse in winter, when freezing weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. That’s hard to keep track over, except for one small smart home device to the rescue: the humble but powerful leak detector.
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Leak detectors connect to apps on your phone and warn you exactly when a leak occurs, no matter where you are. That lets you take fast action at home, from shutting down water to toilets and sinks to raising temperatures to prevent freezing conditions from getting worse. Basically, I think every home should have one.
I’ve tested more than a dozen leak detectors to find my favorites. Here are the fine products I recommend.
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What’s the best leak detector?
The best leak detectors we tested all performed accurately with reliable connections that didn’t drop. But one model particularly impressed me with its dual-function ability to detect both freezing temperatures and the presence of puddles. Eufy’s smart detector is at the top of my list for this reason, especially for those who may worry about frozen pipes. If you’d like a leak detector that doesn’t require a hub, read on to see all of my favorites.
Pros
- Can sense water and freezing temperatures
- Simple to set up
- 2-year battery
Cons
- Requires a Eufy HomeBase hub to work, which can cost more than $100 depending on the type
Why I like it:
Eufy is an excellent solo option for people who don’t have security systems but are willing to purchase a Eufy HomeBase hub for an app connection. It sports a two-year battery life and can send alerts right to your phone, no matter where you are, making it the best option for vacations, rentals or time away from a house. The ability to detect freezing conditions can also help you monitor your crawlspaces or under-sink areas during winter.
Who it’s for:
Anyone who has freezing winters and would like to monitor for frozen pipe risks as well as leaks.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
This detector does require a Eufy HomeBase hub to work, which makes it the best option for people who already have one. However, these hubs can be pricey, around $100 or more for the latest models, which is a high ask for a single leak detector.
Pros
- Very affordable
- No hub required
- Super easy setup
- Smart muting for alarm
- 2-year battery life
- Also offers email alerts
Why I like it:
SwitchBot’s water sensor is very affordable and extra-easy to set up with no hub required and very little app work necessary. I still have mine set up under the kitchen sink, in fact. Once in place, it can detect both surface leaks and drips from above. You can choose what kind of alerts to get, or if you want the sensor to emit a piercing siren instead.
SwitchBot rates the battery life at two years, and with AAA battery support, you’ll have no problem replacing them on your own when you get battery life warnings. The sensor also works with Alexa, Google and Siri. The mix of performance and affordability makes this one of the easiest leak detectors to recommend. It’s a little bulky compared to some sensors, but that isn’t usually an issue for leak detectors.
Who it’s for:
Anyone who wants a leak detector without needing to buy an extra hub. This model works especially well for those with an eye on their budgets who want something simple.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People who would prefer to pay extra to add temperature detection or other compatibility features.
Pros
- Dual sensors including a plug-in model with a strobe light
- 1,000-foot range
- 2-year battery life
- 3-foot detection cord
Cons
- Requires a well-positioned wall outlet
- Much more expensive than a standalone model.
Why I like it:
Outlets and water leaks don’t play well together, but D-Link’s kit uses a plug-in hub with an LED strobe light and a dangling, 3-foot sensor that you can wind around toilets, water heaters and various nearby appliances. The kit also includes a wireless sensor better suited for under sinks or in crawlspaces, so you get coverage in both areas and don’t have to worry about a hub that doesn’t serve much of a purpose.
Who it’s for:
People who want a pack of two detectors that includes a plug-in model with a strobe light.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Buyers without an outlet near the appliances they want to watch over.
Pros
- Extra-long range at over 1,800 feet
- 5-year battery life
- Hub included in price
Cons
- Not everyone needs a multi-pack of sensors
Why I like it:
Govee’s five-pack of leak detectors has several features I really like. The range is especially long at over 1,800 feet, great for garages and nearby sheds. Also, the rated battery life is higher than any other model I’ve seen, at five years. The detectors include sirens and a red strobe, plus notifications via app, email or text message, depending on what you prefer. The hub is included in the overall cost for these sensors.
Who it’s for:
Someone who wants a pack of leak detectors that can work long range for a long period of time unattended.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Buyers who don’t want multiple leak detectors and would prefer to save more money.
Pros
- Apple and Zigbee support
- Affordable after buying the required hub
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Hub required for use
- Shorter range than many of my picks at around 40 feet
Why I like it:
Aqara’s sensor is another model that requires a dedicated hub (available for around $30), which is an investment not everyone wants to make. For those who do, the hub will work with other Aqara products like their locks and security systems and adds helpful features that earned this little sensor a spot on the list.
Aqara products typically work well with Apple Home, especially for simple sensors like this, so if you prefer to keep everything in the Apple app, this is one of the best choices. It also supports Zigbee connections if you have a hub that can work with Zigbee sensors.
Who it’s for:
People who already have an Aqara hub or don’t mind getting one and want many different support options, including Apple and Zigbee.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Those avoiding extra hubs and who have no need for Apple or Zigbee support, plus people who don’t like Aqara as a brand and prefer a different company.
Best leak detectors
| Best leak detectors | Eufy Water and Freeze Sensor | SwitchBot Wi-Fi Leak Detector | D-Link Next-Gen WiFi Water Leak Detector Starter Kit | GoveeLife Upgraded Smart Water Leak Detector | Aqara Water Leak Sensor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | $15 | $70 | $60 | $17 |
| Sensor type | Temperature and pooling water | Falling and pooling water | Falling and pooling water | Falling and pooling water | Pooling water |
| Hub required | Yes, Eufy HomeBase | No | Hub built in | Hub included | Yes, Aqara hub required |
| Battery life | 2-year replaceable battery | 2 years with AAAs | 2 years with AAAs | 5 years with AAAs | 2 years with rechargeable battery |
| Smart home support | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Only D-Link app | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home/Siri, Zigbee | |
| Review score | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Leak detectors offer great versatility. Some designs require a nearby plug-in hub, but the sensors themselves are typically battery-powered and can last for years on their own. You can put them in all kinds of places, including:
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch leaky pipes
- In crawlspaces under pipes that might freeze
- Behind the washing machine or somewhere nearby in the laundry room
- Behind toilets that could overflow
- Beside water heaters
- Behind the dishwasher and refrigerator (depending on your installation)
- Beside a sump pump that could overflow
- Beside fountains and other indoor water features
- Behind fish tanks
- Beside AC or dehumidifiers that could overflow
Remember, many leak detectors have additional sensors you attach with a cable, so they can reach into tighter spaces for extra detection, like around toilets or below-water tanks. Also, quite a few connect to home security systems, so you can manage your security and get leak, smoke and access alerts all from the same app.
Read more: Keep Your Home Dry and Safe: Flood and Water Damage Prevention Guide
If you want to explore more than leak detectors, visit our smart home 101 guide, take a look at our recommendations for the best refrigerator and see what smart locks are best for simple, effective front door security.
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