Do water leak detectors actually work? Here’s what home experts say

With all the content available online these days, it can be hard to figure out what’s real and what’s hype. While we don’t always have the answers, we have a direct line to people who do — which is why we present to you our series The Internet Made Me Ask, where we have experts break down the truth about some of the buzziest trends (and questions) on our timelines, like whether bath sheets are actually different from towels. It’s expected that homeowners have things like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes to keep them and their families safe. But another type of home-related detector that’s also worth considering is a water leak detector. Depending on where you live and what type of home you have, a water leak detector can be a very beneficial tool, since it can help track water pressure and temperature, and help you get ahead of frozen pipes in the winter, which can be a major inconvenience — and a costly one if the pipes burst. To learn more about how water leak detectors actually work and how to shop for one, I spoke to Lou Manfredini, a seasoned home expert at Ace Hardware*, who says that there are several different types of detectors to consider. *Any inclusion of products sold at Ace Hardware in this story was made independently of Manfredini, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask Manfredini for product recommendations. Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Highly-rated water leak detectors and sensors All of the products below have at least a four-star rating from 500 or more shoppers on Amazon (or 100 or more at another retailer if it’s unavailable at Amazon). This water leak detector from GoveeLife includes a set of three water leak sensors that can detect when water starts pooling around it, such as under the pipe of a sink, for example. It also includes a WiFi adapter, since it’s a smart device that connects to the brand’s app on your phone, where it can alert you of a leak — it will also send you an email notification and/or a text message. You’ll also get a set of six AAA batteries. The WiFi hub and the water leak sensors also operate within 1,800 feet of each other, so you can use them in very large homes or buildings. This water leak detector works with Amazon Alexa to send you notifications if it senses water or flooding on the ground, so if you’re away during a storm, for example, it can let you know water has entered your basement, bathroom or living room. It comes with an adapter and a power cable with a sensor connected to it. It detects water drops as well as if it’s been submerged in water, according to the brand. It’s one of the most affordable options on this list and a great one to try if you’re new water leak detectors and have a small budget. This water leak detector connects directly to the pipes of your home’s water supply. It fits pipes of different diameters and materials, including brass, copper and PVC. Additionally, this water leak detector doesn’t require installation by a professional and only takes about five minutes to connect, according to the brand. The device can also alert you when there’s a change in water flow inside the pipes, not just a leak going outward. This water leak detector from Moen monitors both water floor and temperature in the water going through the pipes in your home’s water supply. Similar to the Hydrific detector, it attaches to the pipe and can send an alert straight to your phone via Moen’s Smart Water Network app. It also detects temperature changes in water (not just flow), so it can help prevent your pipes from freezing by turning off the water if the temperature drops below a certain degree. While you can technically install it yourself, the brand recommends having a professional do it. How do water leak detectors work? Water leak detectors, also sometimes called water leak sensors (which are technically a different type of detector), 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.” This includes areas like under a sink, under a water heater or in a basement, according to Manfredini. He further explains that they essentially watch for what seems like an excessive use of water, which can sometimes be caused by a burst pipe or a running toilet. If it’s a point-of-use detector, it can literally sense when water is dripping on it or if it’s pooling around the device on the floor or the surface of a cabinet under a faucet for example. An in-line water detector connects to your pipes to determine changes in flow and temperature (more on this below). What are the different types of water leak detectors? There are a few different types of water leak detectors, but in general, you’ll find that many come in one of two forms, according to Chris Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. These are the types you typically see: Point-of-use water leak detectors: These types of water leak detectors literally sense water that is flooding around them. They’re commonly placed under a sink or water heater, according to Manfredini, and they will sound an alarm if they come in contact with water droplets or water pooling around them. Brands like Moen and GoveeLife have point-of-use water leak detectors. These types of detectors are usually circular or oblong in shape and adhere to a flat surface under a water source. Some water leak sensors include a power cable you place on the floor that will detect if water has already started to pool around it or if it’s submerged in water. You can use these types of sensors residentially or commercially, according to Manfredini. In-line water leak detectors: “These are installed directly into your water main and use an internal turbine to measure water flow,” says Petri. “The device learns your home’s normal usage patterns—such as flow rate, duration, and volume.” If it detects a change in flow of your water (some also detect change in temperature), it will send you an alert and can automatically shut off the flow of water to prevent any flooding or freezing of pipes. This is also how a water leak detector can help prevent pipes from freezing, since some of them also monitor temperature. What’s also great about these types of detectors is that you don’t actually have to wait for it to start flooding or for it to touch water for it to alert you, according to Petri. 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.” Getting a water leak detector that works for your type of space is important in determining if it’s a worthy investment, so it needs to have certain 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’s been in business for 120 years. *Any inclusion of products sold at Ace Hardware in this story was made independently of Manfredini, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask Manfredini for product recommendations. Why trust NBC Selected? I’m 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 talked to two home appliance and plumbing experts for their guidance on water leak detectors. Catch up on NBC Selected’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok to stay up to date.