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We chose the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector as our top pick because it offers easy setup and a smart sensor with Wi-Fi capabilities. It can sense changes in moisture, humidity, and temperature, so it can protect against mold and frozen pipes too.
Our runner-up, the Zircon Leak Alert is a simple detector with a no-fuss setup, loud alarm, and our favorite choice for traditional sensors. The LeakSMART detection kit includes a water shut-off mechanism but requires more money and time to set up.
Each of our picks are effective at guarding your home against water damage with clever alert systems and long battery lives.
Our favorite water leak sensors
| Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector | Zircon Leak Alert Water Leak Detector | LeakSMART Complete Water Leak Detection Kit | First Alert Water Alarm | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| List Price * | $79.00 | $55.49 | $262.98 | $40.96 |
| Connects to Smart Home |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Alerts |
Water, moisture, humidity, temperature |
Water and moisture |
Water, moisture, temperature |
Water and moisture |
| Notification |
Phone and Alarm |
Alarm |
Phone and Alarm |
Alarm |
| Learn More | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Data effective 2/22/21 11:44 a. m. MST. Offers and availability subject to change. See full disclaimer.
Product reviews: Water leak detectors
Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector: Best overall
The Honeywell Lyric gracefully straddles the line between smart and simple. This is our favorite leak detector of 2021 because it’s clever, but not enough to outsmart you. You can connect it to your Wi-Fi, and it will message you directly if it detects any problems.
If you’re home when the Lyric detects an issue, it’s hard to ignore its alarm. At 100 dB, it isn’t just the loudest alarm on our list, it’s louder than a blender, garbage disposal, or even a diesel truck.
If the Lyric senses significant changes in moisture, humidity, temperature, or water levels, you’ll know as soon as it does. Top it all off with a three-year battery life and a four-foot sensing cable to extend its range, and you have one of the best water detectors on the market.
No hub required to connect to Wi-Fi Multiple alert options Extra sensor cable included DIY installation Humidity and temperature detection
Mediocre customer service Tricky setup for multiple unitsSome reviewers report having trouble setting up more than one unit. According to the Honeywell user manual, you’ll need to connect each unit to your Wi-Fi individually, so it may take you a little more time.
Zircon Leak Alert Water Leak Detector: Budget pick
For its size and simplicity, the Zircon Leak Alert is a powerful device. App-controlled devices have their place in modern homes, but it’s hard to beat the ease of the Zircon.
Setup is as easy as adding batteries and putting it in place under your sink, washing machine, or toilet. It’s sensitive, too. According to reviews, it’s sensitive enough to be set off by a damp paper towel. The best part is it comes in multipacks for under $50.
Ultra-simple setup 5 sensors in each package Super-sensitive sensors Powerful alarm
No smart home compatibility No humidity or water temperature detectionLeakSMART Complete Water Leak Detection Kit: Best for emergencies
The price tag for the LeakSMART Complete Kit is steep (over $300), but for good reason. You get an advanced sensor and a smart hub to tie the system together. If you own rentals, vacation homes, or just travel often, the LeakSMART’s automatic shutoff feature can stop the problem before it begins, so you won’t come home to puddles on the floor or under the sink.
This is a unique feature we couldn’t find in other sensors. With some plumbing skills, you can connect the LeakSMART water valve to your water main. This smart valve connects to the Wi-Fi enabled smart hub, allowing it to communicate with the sensors placed throughout your house. You can set these sensors to tell the valve to shut off the water main or simply alert you to a problem through text or email.
Automatic shutoff 5-year warranty Smart hub included
Steep price tag Professional installation recommendedOverall, we’re fans of the connectivity, sensitivity, and long warranty. But you may need some basic plumbing skills to install this valve. If you’re unsure about installing this yourself, we recommend professional installation.
Other water leak detectors to consider
First Alert Water Alarm
Much like the Zircon Leak Alert, the First Alert Water Alarm is a simple unit you can set and forget. This powerful impact-resistant sensor comes with a built-in cable that expands its detecting range by six feet. This cable can sense moisture, so you can feed it through tight spaces other sensors can’t reach. Simply open the bottom of the sensor and extend the sensor wire out of the unit to fit in spaces like under a washing machine.
If you want a no-fuss, classic sensor to keep your home safe for a modest price, First Alert is a great option.
Our Takeaways
- Batteries included
- Loud alarm
- Affordable price
- No smart home capabilities
Things to consider before you buy a water leak sensor
Chances are your home has multiple spots that are vulnerable to leaks and flooding. No matter what type of sensor you choose, it’s best to get at least two. These devices are small and portable, so you can place them under sinks and behind your washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, or anywhere you have plumbing connections.
The best water leak sensors are discreet until there’s trouble. Basic sensors emit a loud alarm to notify you, while smart sensors can text or send push notifications if there’s a problem. The best sensor for you depends on how you want to learn about a leak.
FAQ
It varies on the size and age of your home, but it’s best to have one sensor each for your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, and under sinks. The older and larger your home is, the more sensors you may want.
Water and electricity don’t mix, so these devices are battery-powered. That said, each device requires different types of batteries.
If your device has been triggered, remove it from moisture and take out the batteries. Let the device dry overnight and replace the batteries.
Smart devices generally provide digital alerts, while simpler devices will chirp to signal a low battery, just like a smoke detector would.
How we chose the best water leak sensors
We started our quest for the best water sensors by digging through professional and customer reviews. In our search, we found several stand-out products that caught more attention than others. Products like the Honeywell Lyric and Roost appeared consistently across consumer and professional reviews. Once we assembled our list of star players, the real search began. Resources like owners manuals, product specs, and unboxing videos were all instrumental in the decision of which water leak detector would reign supreme. Learn more about our methodology for this and other guides on our site.
Resources
Disclaimer
Amazon.com list price as of 2/22/21 11:44 a.m. MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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