Water leak detectors alert you of a leak as soon as it starts, thereby mitigating extensive water damage to your home. Most residential leak detection equipment is installed next to the water supply lines that feed into major appliances in the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen.
Our team closely evaluated the many leak and flood sensors on the market so you can find the best water leak detector to protect your home from incurring expensive repair costs.
Here are our top picks.
Top 5 Water Leak Detectors
- Best Overall: Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensors
- Best Whole-House System: YoLink Smart Water Sensor Hub
- Best Volume: Shackcom Water Sensors
- Best Smart Features: Moen Smart Water Leak Detectors
- Best Basic: Zircon Water Leak Detectors
Compare Top Water Leak Detectors
| Product | Alert Type | Power Source | Sensor Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensors | Audible alarm, smart alerts | AAA batteries | Two |
| YoLink Smart Water Sensor Hub | Smart alerts | AAA batteries | Four |
| Shackcom Water Sensors | Audible alarm | 12V batteries | Five |
| Moen Smart Water Leak Detectors | Audible alarm, smart alerts | CR123A batteries | Three |
| Zircon Water Leak Detectors | Audible alarm | 9V batteries | Two |
| Product | Alert Type | Power Source | Sensor Count |
Best Water Leak Detector Overall
Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensors
- $40
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Two-pack plus a hub
- 100-decibel alarm
- AAA batteries included
- Smartphone compatibility
What Customers Are Saying
According to our research, users liked that these detectors sensed small leaks and emitted a loud leak alert alarm. While customers appreciated that the detectors ran on batteries for ease of installation, there were minor complaints about the small size of the screw holes that made accessing the back panel where the batteries went difficult.
Best Whole-House Leak Detection System
YoLink Smart Water Sensor Kit and Hub
- $80
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Four-pack plus a hub
- AAA batteries included
- Smartphone compatibility
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found several positive customer reviews that mentioned simple setup and smartphone control. Though many users valued being able to see the battery level of each sensor in the app, some reviewers wished that the app displayed the battery life as a percentage rather than an image.
Best Alarm Volume
Shackcom Water Sensor Alarms
- $38
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Five-pack
- 110-decibel alarm
- 12-volt batteries included
What Customers Are Saying
In our research, we saw that numerous customers highlighted the loud 110-decibel alarm of these water leak detectors in their reviews. Users also stated that the sensors were easy to tuck into tight spaces. Although many users appreciated the simplicity and sensitivity of this sensor, they wished that it had Wi-Fi connectivity and other smart features.
Best Smart Water Leak Detector
Moen Smart Water Detectors
- $128
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Three-pack
- CR123A batteries included
- Smartphone compatibility
What Customers Are Saying
Overall, our team learned that users were happy with the reliability of these water leak detectors. Testing their effectiveness, customers said that they notified them of a water leak via the mobile app or audible alarm within 30 seconds of water exposure. However, some users wished that the pairing process between the detectors and app was a little smoother.
Best Basic Leak Detector
Zircon Water Leak Detectors
- $30
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Two-pack
- 90-decibel alarm
- 9-volt batteries required
What Customers Are Saying
A frequent highlight in positive reviews we encountered was their loud and long-lasting alarm. However, some customers felt like the detectors were overpriced, considering they didn’t have any smart features.
Buying Guide to Water Leak Detectors
Before you purchase a water leak detector, read our buying guide below to learn about power sources, size, and other important considerations.
Power Source
Water leak detectors use batteries or cords for power.
Battery-Powered
Because they don’t require a wall outlet, battery-powered detectors can go anywhere in your home. Though their batteries eventually die, they should warn you when they’re running low on juice and require replacements.
Corded
These water leak sensors have a power cord that plugs into a wall outlet. The body usually sits on a wall bracket.
Size and Location
The size of your sensor limits where you can put it. Larger sensors work better in open spaces, such as basements and garages, while smaller sensors are meant for cramped spaces, such as behind refrigerators and toilets.
Alarm
Water leak detectors emit a loud alarm—usually between 80 and 100 decibels—when they sense water. At this volume, you can hear the warning from nearly any room in your house to get to the leak before it causes too much damage.
Quantity
If you want to detect leaks in multiple areas of your home, look for a multipack of sensors. Common pack sizes include three or four detectors.
Smart Features
Some water leak detectors connect to the internet. With this feature, you can track them from a mobile app or sync them to other smart home devices, such as voice assistants.
How To Prevent Water Damage
If you’ve ever experienced water damage, you know how expensive and headache-inducing it is. If you haven’t, it’s best to keep it that way. In addition to using your water leak detector, here are some other ways to avoid water damage in your home:
- Check the caulking around your showers and tubs to ensure it’s watertight. Address any cracks by replacing or reinforcing the caulk.
- Winterize and insulate your water lines to prevent frozen pipes.
- Check on the water hoses that feed into your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator annually and replace most hoses every five to seven years.
- If a plumber is coming over to fix an isolated issue, have them conduct a thorough inspection of the rest of your plumbing system while they’re there. This ensures that the small repair isn’t a part of a larger problem.
- Consider installing a smart water valve. These devices learn your water usage to detect when you’re using slightly more, as this could be a sign of a leak somewhere in your house.
- If you have a slow-dripping leak from the ceiling, place a bucket or pot underneath it to contain the water. Although it’s not a permanent solution, it minimizes floor damage until you can get an expert out.
- Make sure that every member of your household knows how to shut off the water if there’s a massive, uncontrollable leak, such as a busted pipe. You can prevent plumbing leaks automatically by installing a wireless detector that automatically shuts the water off for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Leak Detectors
Can my water leak detector sense other issues in my home?
In addition to monitoring water levels, some water leak sensors can also detect temperature and humidity levels. For example, if your sensor notifies you of cold temperatures in your basement, you can prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting.
What is the lifespan of a water leak detector?
Most water leak detectors last several years, but their lifespan could decrease if they’re submerged in water during a leak. As a best practice, routinely check that only your device’s sensing cable is in range of rising water, not the unit itself.
How do I install a water leak detector?
The easiest way to install a water leak detector is to place it on the ground. You can also use screws, tape, or other mounting hardware to install your detector on the wall if you don’t want it submerged in several inches of water in the event of a leak.
Are water leak detectors waterproof?
Since these warning devices detect water and sit close to a water source, they should be able to withstand some moisture. However, not all of them can survive submersion.
How We Selected the Best Water Leak Detectors
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of detection devices with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.