A water leak detector is a small sensor that sounds an alarm, or sends an alert to your phone, when water reaches it. CAA-Québec says an undetected minor leak can cause significant damage. Here are four top-selling kits, plus where CAA-Québec says to put the sensors.
Quick answer
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Put a sensor on the floor beside each appliance or fixture that connects to your plumbing, and pick a kit whose alert reaches your phone. CAA-Québec says to install detectors near plumbing fixtures and plumbed equipment, such as the water heater, dishwasher, washing machine and bathroom.
A simple place to start: the YoLink kit with a hub and four sensors, ranked #7 in Water Detectors when we checked. Its Amazon.ca description lists a 105 dB alarm and a built-in freeze warning, which alerts you when the temperature drops to freezing levels. The feature lists of the other three kits do not mention one. Want the kit ranked #1? Look at the GoveeLife 3-pack.
Four water leak detector kits, by how they alert you
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| YoLink Water Leak Sensor 4 kit: 4-pack plus hub | Best if you want a freeze warning along with leak alerts. The Amazon.ca description lists one hub and four sensors, a 105 dB alarm, and a built-in low-temperature warning for freezing levels. The hub connects by Ethernet and/or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. It lists eight AAA batteries included, with a battery life of over 5 years, and says the kit provides 20 free text messages a month. #7 in Water Detectors when we checked. | See price |
| GoveeLife Upgraded Smart Water Leak Detector 1s, 3-pack | Best if you want the top-ranked kit, with phone alerts and a loud sensor. The Amazon.ca description lists SMS, app and email alerts, a sensor that flashes red and sounds a 105 dB alarm, four volume levels, IP67 water resistance, and a 5-year battery. It lists a range of up to 1,804 ft, and says the gateway supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. #1 in Water Detectors when we checked. | See price |
| X-Sense Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector Kit, 4 sensors and base station | Best for tight spaces. The Amazon.ca description lists a sensor only 0.7 in (17 mm) thick, for spots under appliances and behind toilets. The sensor’s LED flashes red, but only the base station sounds the alarm, with four volume levels up to 120 dB. It lists IP67 water resistance, up to 3 years of battery life, and a range of up to 1,804 ft. #3 in Water Detectors when we checked. | See price |
| Moen 920-005 Flo Smart Water Leak Detector, 3-pack | Best if you may add a water shut-off later. The Amazon.ca description says the detector sends moisture alerts to the Moen Smart Water app, which can also show moisture levels, humidity and temperature. It works on its own, or connects to the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, which is sold separately. #18 in Water Detectors when we checked. | See price |
Features come from Amazon.ca descriptions and can change, so check the current description before you order.
Where should you put water leak detectors?
CAA-Québec says water detectors go near plumbing fixtures and equipment connected to the plumbing. Its examples are the water heater, the dishwasher, the washing machine and sensitive areas such as the bathroom. The kit descriptions add more spots. YoLink lists toilets, sinks, fish tanks and sump pumps, and X-Sense lists basement floors and pipes.
What should you look for in a water leak detector?
- Where the alarm sounds. The Govee description lists a sensor that sounds a 105 dB alarm, and the YoLink description lists a 105 dB alarm too. On the X-Sense kit, only the base station sounds the alarm, so think about where you will put it.
- How the kit connects. The YoLink hub connects by Ethernet and/or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The Govee gateway supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. Check what your home network offers.
- Phone alerts. CAA-Québec says smart models can send a real-time alert with the exact location of the leak. Check that the app works on your phone.
- A freeze warning. The YoLink description lists a low-temperature sensor that alerts you when the temperature drops to freezing levels. The feature lists of the other three kits do not mention one.
- Battery life. The descriptions list 5 years for YoLink and Govee and up to 3 years for X-Sense. Check the battery status in the app.
- Alerts or a shut-off. The YoLink, Govee and X-Sense descriptions describe alerts, not a water shut-off. CAA-Québec describes separate systems that close an electric valve at the water inlet when a leak is detected, and recommends a professional plumber to install the valve.
How do you keep a leak detector working?
CAA-Québec says to check that the system works once a year, and to clean the sensors to avoid false alarms. The X-Sense description says its app can test the devices and show battery status. Follow the instructions that come with your kit.
Common questions
Does a leak detector stop a leak? A sensor alerts you. CAA-Québec says the faster a leak is stopped, the more limited the damage and health risks, such as mould, will be. A shut-off valve is a separate system.
Does home insurance cover water damage? Insurance Business says most home policies cover only sudden, accidental water escape, and generally exclude slow leaks, overland flooding and sewer backup. Coverage varies by policy, so ask your insurer.
Can a leak detector lower your insurance premium? CAA-Québec says a leak detection system can reduce your home insurance premium, and Insurance Business says insureds with water sensors can receive more favourable premiums. Ask your insurer what it offers.
How common are water claims? CAA-Québec cites the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages for the figure that water leaks account for about 40% of annual home insurance claims.
Before you buy
- List the spots: water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, sinks, toilets and the bathroom.
- Count the sensors you need, then pick a kit with that many.
- Check how the kit connects, and whether the alarm sounds on the sensor or on the base station.
- Decide whether you want a freeze warning.
- Basement damp? See our sump pump guide and our basement dehumidifier guide.
Sources: CAA-Québec, Détecteurs de fuites d’eau: pour éviter les dégâts; Insurance Business Canada, Water sensors: An effective solution to mitigating water damage (July 2021). Product details come from the Amazon.ca descriptions of the four kits, so check the current description before you order.
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