Liquid damage as a result of leaks can cause serious damage over time if not prevented early enough. Damage can be in the form of equipment failure or damage to the building. Leak sensors are devices that work to provide a visual condition or alarm in case there is a leak condition from a piping system that carries liquids or gases.

Click image for larger version Name: Sensor.JPG Views: 0 Size: 17.4 KB ID: 2669

How do water leak detectors work?

Water sensors detect and prevent excess moisture and flooding caused by broken pipes and faulty appliances. A leak detection system is made of sensors, shut-off valves, and a centralized hub. The sensors are placed in areas where leaks are common, such as near faucets and beneath water heaters.

How many water leak sensors should I get?

The number of water leak sensors you should get depends on how much space you want to cover. Generally, it is smart to put a sensor under each sink, washing machine, water heater, and dishwasher. You may want to get extra sensors for additional high-risk areas. Some leak detector systems can support up to 30 sensors, while others are equipped to monitor five or less.

What to look for in water leak detection systems

1. Smart home integrations
Allows you to quickly control your leak detection system no matter where you are. Smart integrations include app alerts, IFTTT, and Z-Wave technology and can be integrated with your Amazon Echo or other intelligent hub devices.

2. Automatic shut-off
Automatic shut-off features turn off the water source when they detect a leak and prevent significant damage to a vacation home or other property where you do not spend most of your time.

3. Freeze and temperature sensors
Low temperatures can cause plumbing fixtures and pipes to freeze and most likely bursting.

4. Source of Power/ Extended battery life
Most smart leak detectors plug directly into a wall outlet and come with a backup battery that keeps the device powered when utilities are down. Water-related emergencies and leaks often happen when the power goes off (or power could go off because of the leak cutting off communication of the leak condition), so it’s essential to invest in a smart water leak detector that has extended battery life.

5. Expandability
Presence of options to extend coverage area and protect more ground because leaks do not occur in one specific area.

6. Plug-in sensors
Allows you to cover more ground and monitor more space.

7. Size and extendability
Where do you plan to place your leak sensor? If it is a small space, make sure the sensor is either small enough to fit or that it offers a sensor cable to extend its reach.

8. Built-in siren
It can be helpful to have a siren onboard if you plan to put the sensor far from where you might normally hear it.

Water leak detector benefits
  • Prevent costly repairs
  • Protect your home
  • Avoid safety risks
  • Lower insurance premiums
  • Reduce utility bills
  • Remote monitoring
Leak Sensors Comparison Table
Part Number Name Wireless technology Temperature / freeze
sensor		 Automatic shunt-off
DMWS1 Dome Leak Sensor Z-Wave Hub
WS4985 DSC Wireless Flood Detector N/A N/A
FGFS-101 FIBARO Flood Sensor Z-Wave Hub Yes No
ST812 Everspring Flood Detector Z-Wave Hub (two-way communication) N/A N/A
ES101-FL Outdoor Flood / Water Leak Detection Sensor IoT N/A N/A
RBS301-WAT-US MCCI Wireless Water Leak Sensor LoRaWAN wireless technology N/A N/A
8881000 LeakSMART Starter Kit Wi-Fi Yes Yes
RCHW3610WF1001/N Water Leak & Freeze Detector by Honeywell Wi-Fi Yes No
F1000 Flume Water Monitor Wi-Fi No No
BWD-HWA Glentronics Water Sensor and Alarm No No
For additional questions or guidance on your personalized solutions, you can contact our Wireless Sense and Control Specialists.