Do water leak detectors really work? Home experts explain what to know

Homeowners are generally expected to keep smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house to protect their families. Another safety device worth looking into is a water leak detector. Depending on your location and home setup, it can be a useful tool for monitoring water pressure and temperature and for helping prevent frozen pipes in cold weather, which can become an expensive problem if they burst.

To better understand how water leak detectors function and what to look for when buying one, I spoke with Lou Manfredini, a longtime home expert at Ace Hardware, who says there are several types to choose from.

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Top-rated water leak detectors and sensors

Each product below has at least a four-star rating from 500 or more Amazon reviewers, or 100 or more reviews from another retailer if it is not sold on Amazon.

This GoveeLife water leak detector comes with three sensors that can tell when water begins collecting nearby, such as beneath a sink pipe. It also includes a WiFi adapter because it is a smart device that connects to the brand’s app on your phone, where it can alert you to a leak. The system can also send email and/or text alerts. You also get six AAA batteries. The WiFi hub and sensors can work up to 1,800 feet apart, making it suitable for larger homes or buildings.

This detector works with Amazon Alexa and can notify you if it senses water or flooding on the floor, so if you are away during a storm, for instance, it can let you know water has reached a basement, bathroom or living room. It comes with an adapter and a power cable with a connected sensor. According to the brand, it can detect both water droplets and full submersion. It is among the most affordable options here and may be a good choice if you are new to water leak detectors and want to keep spending low.

This Moen water leak detector monitors both water on the floor and the temperature of the water moving through your home’s pipes. Like the Hydrific detector, it attaches to the pipe and sends alerts to your phone through Moen’s Smart Water Network app. It also tracks temperature changes in the water, not just flow, which can help prevent frozen pipes by shutting off the water if the temperature falls below a set level. While installation is possible on your own, the brand recommends professional installation.

How do water leak detectors work?

Water leak detectors, sometimes called water leak sensors, are systems that monitor water activity in your home. “There are several types, but basically they sense when water is present and will sound an alarm or send you a notification to your phone or computer to alert you of a leak,” says Manfredini. “The basic leak detectors are placed in areas where there may be a concern for water leaking.”

That can include spots such as under a sink, beneath a water heater or in a basement, Manfredini says. He adds that they are designed to watch for unusually high water use, which can sometimes point to a burst pipe or a toilet that will not stop running.

If it is a point-of-use detector, it can sense when water is dripping onto it or pooling around the device on the floor or on a cabinet surface under a faucet, for example. An in-line water detector connects directly to your pipes to measure changes in flow and temperature.

What are the different types of water leak detectors?

There are several kinds of water leak detectors, but many fall into one of two categories, according to Chris Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. These are the versions most people encounter:

• Point-of-use water leak detectors: These devices sense water collecting around them. They are often placed under a sink or water heater, according to Manfredini, and sound an alarm if they come into contact with water droplets or pooling water. Brands such as Moen and GoveeLife make point-of-use detectors. These are usually round or oval and sit on a flat surface beneath a water source. Some water leak sensors use a power cable placed on the floor that can detect whether water has begun to pool around it or whether it has been submerged. Manfredini says they can be used in both residential and commercial spaces.
• In-line water leak detectors: “These are installed directly into your water main and use an internal turbine to measure water flow,” Petri says. “The device learns your home’s normal usage patterns—such as flow rate, duration, and volume.” If it notices changes in water flow, and in some cases temperature, it will alert you and can automatically shut off the water to help prevent flooding or frozen pipes. That is also one way these devices help guard against frozen pipes, since some of them monitor temperature as well. Another advantage is that you do not have to wait for flooding or direct contact with water before getting an alert, Petri says. The Moen Flo Smart Water Leak Detection Alarm is an example of this type.

What should you consider before buying a water leak detector?

“Every home benefits from proactive leak detection,” says Petri. “Waiting until a leak is visually noticeable often means damage has already occurred, especially since leaks frequently happen in hidden areas or while you are away.”

Choosing a detector that fits your space is key to deciding whether it is worth the investment, so it should offer the right features. “Key features to consider include automatic water shutoff capabilities, smart notifications (such as app alerts), placement requirements, and whether you need whole-home coverage (in-line) or targeted area protection (point-of-use).”

Meet our home experts

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Lou Manfredini is a home and appliance expert at Ace Hardware and television personality.
• Chris Petri is the owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, a family-owned plumbing company that has been in business for 120 years.

Why trust NBC Selected?

I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected, where I write about home and kitchen appliances, including travel-friendly carbon monoxide detectors, leaf blowers, candle warmers and more. For this story, I spoke with two home appliance and plumbing experts for their guidance on water leak detectors.