Water Leak Detection Device: An Overview for Property Managers
- DrizzleX
- Aug 20
- 11 min read
Water leaks can lead to significant property damage that requires costly repairs and causes inconveniences you or the people who live on your property might not like.
Thankfully, as technology progresses, we find ways to avoid these damages and save ourselves the headache and the blow to our wallets. One effective solution is a water leak detection device.
In this article, we'll discuss what these smart home sensors are, how they work, and which one you should get to make sure your home's water system is protected and well-maintained.
What Is a Water Leak Detection Device?
A water leak detector is a smart device designed to detect water leaks in your home. It provides water leak alerts and other helpful reports that help you avoid potential water damage. You can receive alerts straight to your phone or other smart devices in your home.
You can place a water leak sensor in places prone to leaks, such as under sinks, behind toilets, and near a water heater.
Some water detection devices are easy enough for you to install on your own, while some require professional installation. Others need to be plugged into a power source to work, while some can be fully battery-powered.
For property managers who handle many units, the main concern is less about how easy the device is to install and more about how well it works on a large scale. They need devices that can monitor multiple apartments at once and keep track of many fixtures efficiently.
Types of Sensors in Smart Leak Detectors
A smart water leak detector often has multiple sensors that monitor specific conditions to provide you with comprehensive protection and avoid property damage. These include:
Moisture sensors detect the presence of water or moisture on the surface where the leak sensor is placed. They trigger an alarm if water comes in contact with them.
Flow sensors monitor water flow rate through your home's water system pipes. If the flow is unusually high or continuous (which may mean a leak), the water leak detector will send you an alert, usually through a push notification.
Pressure sensors: measure water pressure in pipes. It picks up a sudden drop or change in pressure and sends an alarm.
Benefits of Smart Water Leak Detectors
A smart leak detector goes beyond basic monitoring of your water usage and alerting you of potential water leaks. These smart devices also provide advanced features that help protect your home.
Here are a few benefits they offer:
Prevent Water Damage
Excess moisture provides the perfect environment for mold growth, which can cause health problems for the people who live in the home or deteriorate your property.
Installing a leak detector can prevent major issues caused by dripping water, burst pipes, or even frozen pipes by informing you of signs that they might happen. This allows you to check the pipes and fix the leak before it causes significant damage.
Remote Monitoring and Alerts
With these smart devices, you don't have to manually check your pipes and other places prone to water leaks. You can see them in an app accessible through your phone or computer.
You have the peace of mind knowing the same app will send you push notifications whenever there's a concern via your home's Wi-Fi network. It can also send you monthly usage reports that offer insights into how water is used in your home.
Water Usage Monitoring and Automation
Even a small, unnoticed leak can result in hundreds of gallons of wasted water, driving up utility bills. This is why it's very useful to have a leak detector that can also monitor your water meter and see if there's an unusual spike in consumption.
If you have other smart devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you can connect your water leak detector with these devices and create automation that addresses water leak alerts without you having to do it manually.
Types of Smart Leak Detectors
There are different types of leak detectors available in the market that cater to specific needs and house setups.
Plug-in leak detectors: These smart devices can be connected to your home's electrical system. This is ideal for areas with access to electrical outlets and is typically more reliable due to having a continuous power supply.
Battery-powered leak detectors: Portable and easy to place anywhere in your home. They are perfect for people who don't have accessible electrical outlets available in their homes. Battery-powered devices can last for years without needing to be charged or replaced
In-line leak detectors: An in-line leak detector is integrated directly into your home's water supply line. They can protect your whole house instead of just individual spots.
How Much Does a Water Leak Detector Cost?
The cost of a water leak detector can vary depending on the type and the features it offers. An affordable water leak detector can start at around $50, while more advanced models can easily cost up to $200 or more. Some may also need you to subscribe to a plan to receive alerts and remote monitoring features.
Installation also adds to the total cost of your water leak detection device. Here are some tips on how you can get the best deal for your water leak detector:
Do Market Research
Check all your options. Look up the prices of different water leak sensors online and compare them. Which features offer better protection? Which one is much more affordable? Check whether the water detector is reasonably priced for its features.
Don't Hesitate to Make Inquiries
Most companies provide multiple channels of communication where you can send your queries. If you have any questions or the details of their product are unclear, just send them a message and express your thoughts.
Get Quotations
Quotations allow the company to offer you much more personalized prices based on what you need. If a company or supplier you like offers free quotations, go get one.
Features Your Water Leak Detector Should Have as a Property Manager
Aside from the price, you should also pay attention to the features of your leak sensor. Here are some essential features that would increase the efficiency of your device.
Battery Life and Power Options
If you choose battery-powered water leak detectors, make sure to pick one that has a long-lasting battery so you don't have to worry about checking it often.
If plug-in models are what you want, choose one that offers energy-saving features.
Alert and Report Options
Look for smart water leak detectors that offer multiple ways to receive alerts. It can send you alarms when leaks are detected either through push notifications, emails, or messages.
Features that allow you to set custom updates are also very useful. For example, you can set the water leak detector to send you an update of your pipes' status once every 12 hours or so.
Ease of Installation
Some smart leak detectors, like an in-line water leak detector, may require professional installation to work. Other systems like battery-powered and plug-in detectors can be easy to set up by yourself using a QR code with complete instructions.
5 Top Smart Leak Detectors in the Market Today
Here are the top-rated smart leak detectors available in the market today.
1. DrizzleX
DrizzleX's innovative micrometers measure the water flow in each fixture you install them in. Once installed, DrizzleX will provide you with real-time water flow data and alert you of any leaks using its advanced IoT-based technology. It can even monitor your water meter and detect any overuse.
DrizzleX can even give you insights into how much money you might lose when water leaks in your house are not addressed. It’s also compatible with most standard water meters, so no need to worry about compatibility.
You can also use DrizzleX to help you change your tenant's wasteful habits with its advanced monitoring of how water is used in your apartment building. You can also accurately bill your tenants with their actuarial water use instead of depending on a third-party water billing service.
Pros
Monitors water flow for each fixture, offering precise usage insights.
Sends real-time alerts for leaks.
Detects abnormal activities in the water system such as overuse.
Powerful dashboard with insightful insights,
Compatible with most standard water meters.
Useful for property managers to track water usage across multiple units with proven immediate savings of 20-40% or more.
Cons
A high volume of data needs to be handled, alerts need to be followed and leaks need to be fixed.
2. Moen Smart Water Detector
The Moen Smart Water Detector is a small device that monitors moisture and leaks to help you prevent water damage. It alerts you via a smartphone app when it detects unusual moisture levels, allowing for early intervention.
Pros
Easy to install and connect to your smartphone.
Provides real-time alerts to prevent water damage.
Compact design fits in tight spaces.
Integrates seamlessly with Moen’s Flo smart water management system.
Can detect freezing temperatures to avoid pipe bursts.
Cons
Requires the app to monitor effectively.
Battery life may need frequent replacement.
Limited to Wi-Fi connectivity.
May not cover large areas effectively.
Cost can be higher than similar products.
3. Phyn Smart Water Sensor
The Phyn Smart Water Sensor is a versatile device designed to detect leaks and changes in temperature and humidity. It connects to your phone to alert you about potential water damage risks.
Pros
Detects leaks, temperature changes, and humidity.
Alerts can be customized through the app.
Compact and portable design.
Includes an optional extension cable for hard-to-reach areas.
Easy to set up and use.
Cons
Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Limited integration with smart home systems.
The app interface may not be as intuitive for some users.
Does not include water shut-off functionality.
Slightly higher cost compared to basic sensors.
4. D-Link DCH-S161 Wi-Fi Water Sensor
The D-Link DCH-S161 is a Wi-Fi-enabled water sensor that detects leaks and sends notifications through its app or smart assistants. It’s designed for use in homes and businesses.
Pros
Simple installation process.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Built-in alarm for audible alerts.
Long-lasting battery life.
Affordable compared to other smart sensors.
Cons
Requires Wi-Fi for operation.
The app can have connectivity issues.
No advanced features like temperature or humidity monitoring.
Limited to basic leak detection.
Doesn’t integrate with broader smart home ecosystems.
5. Eve Water Guard
The Eve Water Guard is a smart water leak detection device for Apple HomeKit users. It provides real-time alerts and includes an extendable sensor cable that covers large areas to detect leaks effectively.
Pros
Integrates seamlessly with Apple HomeKit for easy automation.
Includes a 6.5 ft sensor cable, extendable for wider coverage.
Sends real-time alerts via notifications and audible alarms.
No subscription fees or cloud services are required.
Easy to set up and manage through the Eve app.
Cons
Limited compatibility with non-Apple ecosystems.
Requires a strong Bluetooth or Thread connection for reliability.
The sensor cable may not fit tight spaces easily.
Higher upfront cost compared to basic water sensors.
No advanced features like temperature or humidity monitoring.
Choosing the Right Water Leak Detector For You
Having the right water detector can save you time, money, and hassle. Here are some tips to help you pick the best one for your needs.
Decide Where You Need to Place Sensors
The first step to choosing a leak detector that fits your needs is determining the places where you need it to be. The common places where you can place a leak sensor include:
Under sinks
Near washing machines
By water heaters or sump pumps
In basements
Prioritize the places where you need a sensor the most. For example, if you know a room or apartment with a history of leaky sinks, it's much more useful to place leak detectors there than anywhere else.
Decide on Smart Features
Decide whether you want basic alerts or advanced smart features.
Basic models can have simpler features like an alarm that makes a noise when water is detected. They can also be easier to manage because you don't have to learn how to use an app to use them.
If all you want for your device is to inform you of a potential leak, then a basic model is good enough for you.
Meanwhile, if you're looking for a device that offers more, you can opt for a smart model instead. These models can do so much more than inform you of potential leaks. They can monitor water pressure in your pipes and offer various statistics that allow you to understand how much water you use in your home.
If you travel often or want real-time updates, use a smart water detector.
Look for Something Easy to Use and Understand
Choose a detector that is intuitive and simple enough to use. This step may require you to try out various brands and see which one fits you best.
If you need a device that requires a professional setup, make sure you understand how it works. Don't hesitate to ask the professionals helping you install the leak detector any questions that come to mind.
Consider Additional Features
Some water detectors come with extra features, such as:
Temperature sensors to prevent frozen pipes
Humidity monitors for detecting mold risks
Compatibility with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant
These extra capabilities might be helpful depending on your needs.
Set a Budget
Be realistic about how much you want to spend on a leak detector. Basic models are more affordable but offer fewer features, while smart detectors with advanced features naturally cost more. Decide on your budget and prioritize features that matter to you the most.
Read Reviews
Customer reviews are a great way to gauge a product’s performance. Use the internet to your advantage and see what other people say about the product. See whether they have consistent positive feedback about the product's accuracy, durability, and reliability.
How DrizzleX Can Help You Prevent Water Damage in Your Home
DrizzleX lets you detect hidden leaks, such as running toilets and leaky faucets, to stop millions of gallons of waste each year. It also alerts you to excessive water overuse by tenants. Typically, buildings that use DrizzleX reduce their water bills by 25-45% or more.
And you can expect a pretty quick return on investment (ROI). Buildings with DrizzleX save enough water to cover the entire cost of DrizzleX within about 9 months on average.
Usage Reports
One of DrizzleX's solutions is the “Tenant’s Overuse” report. Since many people aren't really aware of their excessive water usage, an accurate report can be very helpful in preventing unnecessary expenses. Using the reports, you can communicate with your tenants about their water consumption habits, and back it up with precise data too.
Leak Detection
Leaks can be sneaky because they aren't always visible. With property inspection, you can see the obvious ones. But silent leaks will only show up on your utility bills. DrizzleX gives you water control because you can monitor the water flow in your building.
The system will notify you where and how much water is lost.
E-Mail Notifications
Once DrizzleX spots the leak, it will notify you via email. The message you receive will include all the details about the exact apartment and fixture that is the culprit, how many gallons were used, how much it will cost you if the problem isn’t fixed, and even possible causes for the water waste and how to fix it.
Billing
DrizzleX also allows you to bill your tenants. Tenants conserve water when they are the ones paying for it. You can easily create water bills based on accurate water consumption and bill them fairly.
FAQs About Water Leak Detection Device
Is there a device that can detect water leaks?
Yes, water leak detection devices are designed to identify leaks and alert you promptly. These devices range from basic moisture sensors to advanced smart systems that monitor water flow, pressure, and usage in real time.
Is a water leak detector worth it?
Absolutely, a water leak detector is worth the investment. It can prevent costly water damage, mold growth, and high utility bills. It provides peace of mind by monitoring your home 24/7 and sending alerts for any detected leaks.
How much does a leak detection system cost for a house?
Leak detection systems typically cost between $50 and $200, depending on their features and type. Advanced systems with smart home integration or automatic water shut-off capabilities may cost more, and professional installation can add to the total expense.
How do I find out where my water is leaking from?
To locate a water leak, look for signs such as puddles, mold growth, peeling paint, or an unexpected spike in your water bill. You can also use a water leak detector to identify leaks in hard-to-reach areas or within walls.
