Is a water leak detector worth it? Here’s what home experts say

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Many smart water leak detectors are available on the market today.GettyWith all the content available online these days, it can be hard to figure out what’s real and what’s hype. While we don’t always have the answers, we have a direct line to people who do — which is why we present to you our series The Internet Made Me Ask, where we have experts break down the truth about some of the buzziest trends (and questions) on our timelines, like whether bath sheets are actually different from towels.

It’s expected that homeowners have things like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes to keep them and their families safe. But another type of home-related detector that’s also worth considering is a water leak detector. Depending on where you live and what type of home you have, a water leak detector can be a very beneficial tool, since it can help track water pressure and temperature, and help you get ahead of frozen pipes in the winter, which can be a major inconvenience — and a costly one if the pipes burst.

To learn more about how water leak detectors actually work and how to shop for one, I spoke to Lou Manfredini, a seasoned home expert at Ace Hardware*, who says that there are several different types of detectors to consider.

*Any inclusion of products sold at Ace Hardware in this story was made independently of Manfredini, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask Manfredini for product recommendations.

Best overallGoveeLife Upgraded Smart Water Leak Detector$43.99$54.99AmazonLearn moreBest affordable detectorSwitchBot WiFi Water Leak Detector$17.99$19.99AmazonLearn moreBest for frozen pipesMoen Flo Smart Water Leak Detection Alarm$undefined$608.00AmazonLearn moreRelatedselectedselectedHow to properly insulate your home this winter, according to expertsWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

All of the products below have at least a four-star rating from 500 or more shoppers on Amazon (or 100 or more at another retailer if it’s unavailable at Amazon).

$43.99$54.99AmazonNow 20% offWhat to knowType: point-of-useWhat we likeAffordableSmartComes with batteriesSomething to noteDoesn’t connect to pipesThis water leak detector from GoveeLife includes a set of three water leak sensors that can detect when water starts pooling around it, such as under the pipe of a sink, for example. It also includes a WiFi adapter, since it’s a smart device that connects to the brand’s app on your phone, where it can alert you of a leak — it will also send you an email notification and/or a text message. You’ll also get a set of six AAA batteries. The WiFi hub and the water leak sensors also operate within 1,800 feet of each other, so you can use them in very large homes or buildings.

$17.99$19.99AmazonNow 10% off$17.99SwitchBotWhat to knowType: point-of-useWhat we likeAffordableAvailable in multiple setsSmart home featuresSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeThis water leak detector works with Amazon Alexa to send you notifications if it senses water or flooding on the ground, so if you’re away during a storm, for example, it can let you know water has entered your basement, bathroom or living room. It comes with an adapter and a power cable with a sensor connected to it. It detects water drops as well as if it’s been submerged in water, according to the brand. It’s one of the most affordable options on this list and a great one to try if you’re new water leak detectors and have a small budget.

$229.00$249.00HydrificNow 8% offWhat to knowType: in-lineWhat we likeDetects water flowFast installationFits multiple pipe sizesSomething to noteExpensiveThis water leak detector connects directly to the pipes of your home’s water supply. It fits pipes of different diameters and materials, including brass, copper and PVC. Additionally, this water leak detector doesn’t require installation by a professional and only takes about five minutes to connect, according to the brand. The device can also alert you when there’s a change in water flow inside the pipes, not just a leak going outward.

$608.00Amazon$629.99Ace Hardware$559.15$767.70WayfairNow 27% offWhat to knowType: in-lineWhat we likeDetects temperatureMonitors water flowFits multiple pipe sizesSomething to noteExpensiveThis water leak detector from Moen monitors both water floor and temperature in the water going through the pipes in your home’s water supply. Similar to the Hydrific detector, it attaches to the pipe and can send an alert straight to your phone via Moen’s Smart Water Network app. It also detects temperature changes in water (not just flow), so it can help prevent your pipes from freezing by turning off the water if the temperature drops below a certain degree. While you can technically install it yourself, the brand recommends having a professional do it.

Water leak detectors, also sometimes called water leak sensors (which are technically a different type of detector), are systems that monitor water activity in your home. “There are several types, but basically they sense when water is present and will sound an alarm or send you a notification to your phone or computer to alert you of a leak,” says Manfredini. “The basic leak detectors are placed in areas where there may be a concern for water leaking.”

This includes areas like under a sink, under a water heater or in a basement, according to Manfredini. He further explains that they essentially watch for what seems like an excessive use of water, which can sometimes be caused by a burst pipe or a running toilet.

If it’s a point-of-use detector, it can literally sense when water is dripping on it or if it’s pooling around the device on the floor or the surface of a cabinet under a faucet for example. An in-line water detector connects to your pipes to determine changes in flow and temperature (more on this below).

There are a few different types of water leak detectors, but in general, you’ll find that many come in one of two forms, according to Chris Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. These are the types you typically see:

“Every home benefits from proactive leak detection,” says Petri. “Waiting until a leak is visually noticeable often means damage has already occurred, especially since leaks frequently happen in hidden areas or while you are away.”

Getting a water leak detector that works for your type of space is important in determining if it’s a worthy investment, so it needs to have certain features. “Key features to consider include automatic water shutoff capabilities, smart notifications (such as app alerts), placement requirements, and whether you need whole-home coverage (in-line) or targeted area protection (point-of-use).”

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

*Any inclusion of products sold at Ace Hardware in this story was made independently of Manfredini, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask Manfredini for product recommendations.

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected, where I write about home and kitchen appliances, including travel-friendly carbon monoxide detectors, leaf blowers, candle warmers and more. For this story, I talked to two home appliance and plumbing experts for their guidance on water leak detectors.

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Cory FernandezCory Fernandez is a commerce editor for NBC Selected, and an authority on all things food, cooking, kitchen, home, and general lifestyle.