Top 10 Leak Detectors
A burst pipe or leaky sink can lead to ruined furniture, mold and thousands of dollars in water damage. Modern leak detectors can help catch tiny problems before they become bigger – and more expensive – ones that require replacing walls, mitigating mold and dumping lots of money into a flooded basement or waterlogged appliances.
Most leak detection devices are small enough to fit under sinks and next to toilets or washing machines. A few are able to detect humidity and temperature changes, and can even shut off the water supply when necessary. Some can connect directly to your home’s Wi-Fi and communicate with other smart home systems, while others require a hub (like a Google or Amazon Echo device) to function.
Many leak detection models feature a built-in alarm, often with a 100-decibel siren that can quickly sound in case of an emergency. Some also send alerts to your smartphone via a companion app. The app can also be programmed to prioritize certain notifications (e.g., if you’re out of town or on vacation) and set up automatic shut-off features to avoid costly water waste.
Flo by Moen uses sensors and a centralized hub that’s connected to your water main. It monitors your home’s water pressure hundreds of times a minute and learns which areas are using the most water. When a change is detected, the system can turn off your water supply and notify you of the problem with an alert on your phone or tablet. It can also be programmed to monitor your water temperature, which can help spot potential freezing issues. Top 10 leak detectors