Best Water Leak Sensors of 2020

The Bottom Line: The Honeywell Lyric Is Our Top Pick

In our search for the best water leak sensors, we looked at traditional and smart sensors. Each has their own set of perks: traditional sensors set off a blaring alarm, while smart sensors connect to your home Wi-Fi and send you text alerts in case of trouble.

We chose the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector as our top pick because it strikes a balance between the easy setup of traditional sensors and a smart sensor with Wi-Fi capabilities. It can sense changes in moisture, humidity, and temperature, so it’s a great first line of defense against mold and frozen pipes as well.

The Lyric will send you a text alert when it senses a problem and an “all-clear” message when the problem is resolved. Top it all off with a three-year battery life, blaring 100 dB alarm, and a four-foot sensing cable to extend its range, and you have one of the best water detectors on the market.

Our runner-up, the Zircon Leak Alert is a simple detector with a no-fuss setup, loud alarm, and our favorite choice for traditional sensors. Finally, the LeakSMART detection kit includes a water shut-off mechanism but requires more money and time to set up.

Each of our picks are effective at guarding your home against water damage with clever alert systems and long battery lives. Check out our reviews for more info about the top five water detectors.

Our Favorite Water Leak Sensors

Data effective 11/18/19 1:00 pm MST. Offers and availability subject to change. See full disclaimer.

Product Reviews: Water Leak Detectors

Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector: Best Overall

The Honeywell Lyric gracefully straddles the line between smart and simple. You can connect it to your Wi-Fi, and it will message you directly if it detects any problems. If you’re home when the Lyric detects an issue, it’s hard to ignore its alarm. At 100 dB, it isn’t just the loudest alarm on our list, it’s louder than a blender, garbage disposal, or even a diesel truck.

Some reviewers report having trouble setting up more than one unit. According to the Honeywell user manual, you’ll need to connect each unit to your Wi-Fi individually, so it may take you a little more time.

If the Lyric senses significant changes in moisture, humidity, temperature, or water levels, you’ll know as soon as it does. This is our favorite leak detector of 2019 because it’s clever, but not enough to outsmart you.

Zircon Leak Alert Water Leak Detector: Budget Pick

For its size and simplicity, the Zircon Leak Alert is a powerful device. App-controlled devices have their place in modern homes, but it’s hard to beat the ease of the Zircon.

Setup is as easy as adding batteries and putting it in place under your sink, washing machine, or toilet. It’s sensitive, too. According to reviews, it’s sensitive enough to be set off by a damp paper towel. The best part is it comes in multipacks for under $50.

LeakSMART Complete Water Leak Detection Kit: Best for Emergencies

The price tag for the LeakSMART Complete Kit is steep (over $300), but for good reason. You get an advanced sensor and a smart hub to tie the system together. If you own rentals, vacation homes, or just travel often, the LeakSMART’s automatic shutoff feature can stop the problem before it begins, so you won’t come home to puddles on the floor or under the sink.

This is a unique feature we couldn’t find in other sensors. With some plumbing skills, you can connect the LeakSMART water valve to your water main. This smart valve connects to the Wi-Fi enabled smart hub, allowing it to communicate with the sensors placed throughout your house. You can set these sensors to tell the valve to shut off the water main or simply alert you to a problem through text or email.

Overall, we’re fans of the connectivity, sensitivity, and long warranty. But you may need some basic plumbing skills to install this valve. If you’re unsure about installing this yourself, we recommend professional installation.

Other Water Leak Detectors to Consider

First Alert Water Alarm

Much like the Zircon Leak Alert, the First Alert Water Alarm is a simple unit you can set and forget. This powerful impact-resistant sensor comes with a built-in cable that expands its detecting range by six feet. This cable can sense moisture, so you can feed it through tight spaces other sensors can’t reach. Simply open the bottom of the sensor and extend the sensor wire out of the unit to fit in spaces like under a washing machine.

If you want a no-fuss, classic sensor to keep your home safe for a modest price, First Alert is a great option.

Our Takeaways

• Batteries included
• Loud alarm
• Affordable price
• No smart home capabilities

Things to Consider before You Buy a Water Leak Sensor

Chances are your home has multiple spots that are vulnerable to leaks and flooding. No matter what type of sensor you choose, it’s best to get at least two. These devices are small and portable, so you can place them under sinks and behind your washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, or anywhere you have plumbing connections.

The best water leak sensors are discreet until there’s trouble. Basic sensors emit a loud alarm to notify you, while smart sensors can text or send push notifications if there’s a problem. The best sensor for you depends on how you want to learn about a leak.

FAQs

How many water leak sensors should I have in my home?
It varies on the size and age of your home, but it’s best to have one sensor each for your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, and under sinks. The older and larger your home is, the more sensors you may want.

What power source do water leak detectors use?
Water and electricity don’t mix, so these devices are battery-powered. That said, each device requires different types of batteries.

How do I turn off the alarm once it’s been triggered?
If your device has been triggered, remove it from moisture and take out the batteries. Let the device dry overnight and replace the batteries.

How do I know when the battery is low?
Smart devices generally provide digital alerts, while simpler devices will chirp to signal a low battery, just like a smoke detector would.

How We Chose the Best Water Leak Sensors

We started our quest for the best water sensors by digging through professional and customer reviews. In our search, we found several stand-out products that caught more attention than others. Products like the Honeywell Lyric and Roost appeared consistently across consumer and professional reviews. Once we assembled our list of star players, the real search began. Resources like owners manuals, product specs, and unboxing videos were all instrumental in the decision of which water leak detector would reign supreme. Learn more about our methodology for this and other guides on our site.

Resources

• What to Do If Your House Floods
• Common Pipe Problems and How to Avoid Them
• Buying an Older Home? Check for These 5 Things First
• How to Know If You Live in a Flood Zone

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