If you think fire damage is your greatest nightmare as a homeowner, think again. Go to any insurance company and they will tell you that, actually, water damage is far too common and you run the risk of property damage even if your area of residence isn't subject to flooding. In fact, you would be surprised to learn that water damage comes in second in terms of the leading causes of insurance claims nationwide. Water damage can come from any source, ranging from a burst pipe, a failing water heater, a clogged
toilet, to a broken supply line just under your sink. In the same way you see the need to install a
smoke detector in the common areas of your home, so a water leak detector is just as important. So, who needs a water leak sensor most?
Basically, any homeowner who is concerned about the safety of their valuables has to invest in a water leak sensor. If you own an art gallery, you don't want to lose your valuable paintings to water damage, since even the tiniest amount of humidity can drastically reduce the value of a painting, and so a water leak sensor comes in handy to complement the work of a
dehumidifier. Additionally, if you live or work in a room that contains lots of electrical equipment, like a recording studio or even a washing machine, then you know you need a water leak sensor to reduce the risk of losing your valuable items due to water damage, or even sparking fires that result from ensuing electrical faults.
Installing a water leak sensor can prove instrumental in maintaining a secondary or vacation home. Notably, some sensors will spark alarms that may last for weeks so, even if you may not be on the property frequently, you will still be in a position to get a notification in case of any looming danger, enabling you to take quick action. Whatever the situation or condition of your home, the risk of water damage should not be taken for granted. This is especially so if your home is not entirely made of water-resistant materials, because water tends to spread quickly through floors, walls and the roof. This eventually leads to mold development, which not only leads to a bad odor, but also damages sections of your home, as well as your health.
Price
Having seen the potential losses that water damage may cause, you shouldn't think twice about investing in a good water leak sensor. It's, therefore, important that you consider the price of your preferred sensor based on how and where you expect to use it. There are various factors that affect the price of a water leak sensor. One of these is the technology used. Flood detection sensors that use smart technologies, for instance, would cost more than those depending on manual detection alone, since smart features mean more accuracy and more efficiency in detection. It should be noted that some water leak sensors depend on a hub to have automated functionality, and these would call for more investment into the system.
Based on these factors, therefore, you can expect to find a good water leak sensor between roughly $25, for basic versions, and $70, for advanced models that make use of smart technology and offer better accuracy and prompt alerts. You don't want to fall for a cheap water leak sensor that will stop working within a few days of use, or fail to detect anything at all.
Features
Getting a good water leak sensor isn't just about picking up any device that promises to do the job. It's important that you take into consideration the basic features that will help keep your home free from cases of water damage.
In this regard, the following are some of the features you'll need to take into consideration:
- Power
- Alarm Sound
- Smart Technology
- Mounting
- Sensors
We will be looking at how these features affect the efficiency of your water leak sensor in the next two sections.
Construction and Design
Considering the technology used in a water leak sensor, it only makes sense that it uses a power source in order to deliver effectively. As such, the common sources of power are AC current supply and batteries. Sensors that work with AC power supply are best used in areas where electricity is reliable. However, most water leak sensors either use a combination of both, or simply batteries alone, as a source of power. With regard to batteries, these ought to have long life – up to two years or so. This reduces the chance of missing a leak due to a dead battery. Most leak detectors chirp as a signal that the battery is about to die. This ensures prompt action for replacement.
A water leak sensor is made to be mounted in areas with the highest risk of water leaks. As such, they are made with features that enable them stay in place at all times. While some use screws, others use stick-on tapes and even cables. If setup isn’t your cup of tea, then you can simply go for versions that don’t require complicated installation, and can simply be placed on the floor and turned on.
A water leak sensor with the ability to connect to mobile devices for text or email alerts comes in handy if you aren't always around the home to hear the alarm.
Performance and Ease of Use
For even better performance, modern water leak sensors work with smart features. While some work best with a WiFi connection, others require a hub to communicate fully. Some of the common smart link technologies used in a leak sensor include Wink Hubs, SmartThings and Apple's HomeKit technology. These work to ensure that your Smart home is fully automated and all sensors work seamlessly. What's more, you get automated notifications on your other devices if a leak occurs.
The size and extendibility of your water leak sensor also plays a critical role in its efficiency. This is largely dependent on where you plan to put your device. There are small and streamlined models meant for tight places, while others have extendable cables to ensure that it has a wider reach. The length of the detection cable determines the sensor's accuracy in detecting water leaks. In fact, to keep your sensor in place, most systems come complete with securing clips.
The alarm sound in a water leak sensor plays a critical role in alerting you of a looming danger. Most water leak sensor models have built-in sirens that go off when triggered by water or traces of moisture. However, it's important that the alarm sound is loud enough to be heard over a distance. Notably, some alarms produce up to 100 decibels of sound, making them audible enough even from far away.
Well, now that you have great insight on what to look for in a water leak sensor, it is high time we checked out what some of the top models have to offer. The following is a review of the five products we have chosen as our favorites. As you read on, keep an eye out for your preferred features and make your choice.
Features
Samsung is, no doubt, a household name for technological gadgets and other notable home appliances. Under its SmartThings line, you have the freedom to connect services and devices you usually use in your home. Your smart home needs to live up to its billing, and Samsung steps in just in time to offer its 70 years of experience and make your home a better place to live in. Through its diverse business approach that spans mobile devices, semiconductors, petrochemicals, plant construction and other tenets of modern technology, Samsung has proved to be a force to reckon with in the market. The company has thrived over the years, courtesy of its reliable, innovative products and services, a responsive approach to business, talented staff and an amiable collaboration with its other partners in the market. With this trend, Samsung easily becomes one of the notable companies projected to take the industry into imaginatively new directions.
The brand clearly projects its ability through the SmartThings Water Leak Sensor, designed to alert you immediately when any sign of excess water is detected, either by a siren or light. If you’re using this in the basement, place it beside the sump pump for prompt notification in case the sump pump fails. Please note that you will need a Samsung SmartThings Hub connected in your home for this water sensor to work efficiently. It is also battery-powered, meaning it can work anywhere without the need for direct electric connection.
Features
Wouldn’t a home look better with seamless coordination through automated systems? Well, Aeon Labs doesn’t only imagine this, but also brings it to life, through the seamless coordination of technology and innovation. The company is especially obsessed with helping homeowners get protection through security alarms, smoke sensors, door locks and, of course, leak sensors. Aeon Labs boasts a dedicated team of experts constantly working to keep up with the developments in the technological world.
It has demonstrated this through the Aeon Labs Z-Wave Water Sensor, which uses the Z-wave Plus technology to monitor all areas of your home silently in order to detect any slight sign of water leakage. Its accuracy is unmatched, with the ability to detect just 0.03% of an inch of fluid. This clearly makes it your first defense against plumbing damage. It's also effective for anticipated floods, like basement sumps. What's more, this water leak sensor doesn’t only give alerts when leakage is detected, but also takes measures to limit the potential damage through autoclose water valves.
There you have it, folks! We believe that we have done justice to these reviews. It is high time for you to take action and make your choice now of the best water leak sensor that will fully meet your needs. However, if none of the reviewed models tickle your fancy much, feel free to check out lots of other models from these tried and tested brands in the review.
