The 6 Best Water-Leak Detectors for Protecting Your Home

This water-leak detector from D-Link balances good design, reliable functionality, and a reasonable price point. It has a plug-in Wi-Fi hub and detachable 1.5-foot water-sensing cable for wider monitoring. But one of the reasons the D-Link is our top pick is because you have the ability to expand the system, connecting up to 16 remote sensors around your home.

Another reason we chose the D-Link as our top pick is because the system is expandable—with the ability to connect up to 16 battery-powered remote hubs (sold separately at about $25 each) for up to 8,000 square feet of coverage.

Other plusses include an extra-loud siren and LED strobe—helpful for an immediate heads-up if you’re home. And if you aren’t, the device supports Google Assistant and IFTTT, so you can set up push notifications to alert you if there’s a problem while you’re away.

While the device isn’t waterproof (it’s water-resistant) and doesn’t offer automatic water shut-off like pricier units, the D-Link is your best bet for a versatile smart water-leak detection system that offers solid coverage for the price.

Cleverly shaped like a water droplet, this battery-operated water-leak detector offers features typically found in pricier models, such as temperature and humidity sensing. There are probes on the bottom and a 4-foot extension cable with a water sensor at the end, useful for sliding under appliances.

The device is Wi-Fi-enabled, though there’s no smart-home integration capability (somewhat commensurate with the price point). Another downside is that the siren isn’t as loud as some other models.

Still, the Flo Smart does pair with the brand’s auto-shut-off water leak detector, which we cover below. For expanding coverage, you can connect up to three add-on sensors. Moen sells the device singly or in packs for extra value, and with upgrades like a 6-foot water-sensing cable.

The bottom line: If you live in a relatively small space and don’t want to spend a ton, this little device gives you peace of mind without putting too deep a dent in your budget.

This water-leak monitor and detector is the only one we cover that features an automatic shut-off valve—which gives you peace of mind flooding is stopped at the source if there’s a leak.

You install the device on the main water supply, where it monitors water pressure, temperature, and flow rate. Much like a smart robot vacuum, which uses mapping technology to “learn” where your home needs cleaning most, this water-leak detector senses your home’s water usage so it can pick up on changes that may indicate a problem.

But perhaps one of the best features is that if your Wi-Fi goes down, you don’t lose protection because a copy of the most recent status report is saved locally.

Other highlights include push notifications, real-time alerts, and daily testing. Plus the Flo is compatible with most smart home systems. The water-leak detector is available in three sizes to fit pipes of various diameters.

For large homes that require more coverage for water-leak protection—or have structural limitations that interfere with connectivity—this smart home hub and sensor kit is worth a look. The YoLink offers incredible range of 2,600 square feet—that’s up to a quarter-mile—and the system doesn’t require a Wi-Fi signal. The battery-operated remote sensors pair up with a plug-in hub that’s connected to your router.

The system features a built-in low-temperature sensor to give you a heads-up to crank the heat so your pipes don’t freeze. And, unlike most of the water-leak detectors we recommend here, the remote sensors are waterproof. We also appreciate that the pucks are small and inconspicuous. The hub, however, is a bit larger than most.

Another plus is that setup is snap. Each device has a QR code to scan to add it to the app. The system is available with or without an audible alarm.

The Flume 2 is a whole-home water-leak detector designed primarily with water conservation in mind. The smart-enabled, battery-operated device tracks water usage indoors and out and provides data for every fixture or appliance.

No professional installation is required—simply attach the device to your water meter. If there’s a drop in your average water usage, the app sends a notification to alert you to a potential leak.

There’s an included Wi-Fi bridge powered by a small AC adapter to capture data stored in the app.

If the monitor detects a leak the app sends a notification, but the Flume 2 doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature.

If Apple is your smart home platform of choice, this water-leak detector easily integrates with the rest of your system to alert you if there’s a leak. Its design is basic: a small plug-in adaptor plus a 6.5-foot-long cable to run underneath appliances and areas prone to flooding. For more coverage, you can add a second extension cable for about $20.

If the device detects a problem, the app sends a notification—plus the device has a built-in alarm and red LED warning light. There’s no denying this Eve is on the pricey side, but if you like the idea of a water-lead detector that seamlessly pairs with your HomeKit, this is it.