Water can cause a lot of damage to your home. Keep it in the sinks and pipes, and it does fine. Once it gets on the floor, in the walls, or through the insulation, it starts to cause rot, ruin valuable materials, and attract pests. That is why you should consider equipping leak-prone areas of your house/apartment with a smart leak sensor. These little smart home devices are an affordable way to detect and warn you about leaks before they cause any damage. Let's go through the best water leak protectors.
Note: Some water leak detectors say "freeze" and leak detector. This claim doesn't always mean that they do anything extra (always double-check the details), but it's usually an indication that temperature monitoring is also included. This feature is valuable if, for instance, a winter storm comes in and freezes your pipes, causing them to crack and create major flooding. The detector can alert you about low temperatures, so you can prevent this from happening.
D-Link's sensor doesn't require a hub to use, just a nearby outlet plus its 1.5-foot water-sensing cable that you can snake around the area to make sure it can detect leaks that are in a much wider radius. It pairs with a wireless leak sensor that you can place in much harder-to-reach spots, providing all the coverage you want. When triggered, the sensor can shoot an alert to your phone, activate an LED strobe light, and sound off an alarm to make absolutely sure you know there's a problem.
The sensor uses two AA batteries, and is efficient enough for it to last for up to five years without needing a replacement. It's also a good pick for office buildings or similar spots, since it can support up to 15 remote sensors with just one plug-in hub.
The Roost solution is a simple, cordless little oval that you put in locations where you are afraid of rising water. When both its sensor nodes detect water, it sounds and alerts your phone via your Wi-Fi network. It's also cordless, which is really nice when it comes to placing the sensor in out-of-the-way locations like the attic or basement. The device will also keep a watch for humidity and temperature changes: You can take a look at these ongoing levels and any notable changes with the app. However, there is a caveat -- the Roost device cannot be completely covered with water, or it will fail.
Looking for a cheaper, more family-friendly way to measure leaks in the house? Leak Bug has your back. This little bug has a friendly shape that makes it easy to place by the toilet or bathtub without surprising guests with your new leak technology. It also doesn't depend on your Wi-Fi system to work. Instead, it starts beeping loudly when it detects leaks. You won't receive any notifications if you aren't at home, but you also don't have to worry about installing yet another app. Oh, and there's a puppy version, too.
Govee's three-pack connects to 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi via the hub and allows you to place the sensors around the house with minimal installation effort. The sensors include both top and bottom probes to detect leaks on the floor or drips coming from above (with a waterproof design so they won't be damaged). If they can't get a message out through Wi-Fi, they sound a leak alarm instead. You can check on the battery life using the app and replace them in time to avoid problems (they require two AA batteries each). You can also link up to 10 sensors at once for more coverage.
Aeotec's model is a Z-wave device that can integrate with systems that support Z-Wave. It's one of the most comprehensive models available, able to detect not only leaks, but also temperature and humidity (making it a good pick to monitor ongoing conditions in a bathroom). The wireless sensor can last for three years without needing a battery change. You can also expand this system to include interesting features like a smart water valve that can automatically close, or sirens that will sound when it detects leaks.
Sensors are the best way to find these leaks, because they are hard to detect until lots of damage has been done. A damp spot on the ceiling or floor may only occur after lots of insulation and even structural materials have been compromised.
The cheapest versions generally cost around $20. Our most expensive 3-in-1 Aeotec pick is around $50. Note: Smart home security systems often include their own leak sensors that you can add to the platform, and these units may cost less.
Typically, seeing swelling in a particular spot is the most common sign of a leak under the floor, especially with wood, laminate, or vinyl. Some types of flooring will start to turn a different color, bleaching or darkening, before the swelling begins. Always call a professional plumber to trace the true source of a leak if you aren't sure where it started.
Paint and wallpaper will start to peel. Water stains and cracks will also appear over time. Particularly bad leaks will make drywall noticeably damp, and eventually lead to mold growth and odors.
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not making the Internet a better place with the latest tech news, Tyler is working in the eco and investment world, writing fiction, or waiting for hiking weather.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.