(Part 2) Best water detectors & alarms according to redditors

Lots of others have mentioned great projects, so let me give you a general overview of what you should know, and then you can tackle just about anything.

For every project:

• Watch youtube videos for whatever you want to do until you're pretty comfortable. Make sure the person looks professional. "This old house" is a great resource.
  
• ALWAYS take off jewelry and things like wallet chains. Wedding bands are especially notorious for electrical accidents or something awful called "Degloving." Google if you want to be horrified or have an iron stomach when looking at gore.
  
• Most projects are "Safe" if you know how to disengage and engage the shutoffs and what to watch out for.
  
• Assume whatever you're using is going to spread everywhere (sawdust) or get on things you'd never expect (spray foam on the nice rug 10' away). So cover them or move them.
  
  Electrical:
  
  
• Buy a non-contact voltage tester. It'll tell you if you're about to shock yourself or not. Check it every time you walk away and come back. I also put masking tape over breakers I'm working on just in case somebody walks by and decides it needs to be flipped.
  
• Always work with your right hand only (even if you're left handed). This is to keep a shock from traveling through your heart, which is on your left side of the body. Don't work on a wet/damp surface. Wear thick wool socks and shoes or boots with lots of rubber left on them.
  
  Plumbing:
  
  
• find your whole-house water shutoff, and the shutoffs (if they're there) for the sink or wherever else you're working.
  
• Also, if you do anything with compression fittings, under-tighten them (never over-tighten). Turn the water on (just a bit) and if it's dripping, do a quarter turn and wipe dry with a towel. Repeat until it's no longer dripping. If you overtighten them, they'll leak and you can't undo it without replacing the fitting. It took me 5 trips to Home Depot to learn this...
  
  General:
  
  
• Never climb a ladder without somebody else around. Always take the time to go down it, if you have to fiddle with changing drillbits or something, or have the helper-person take care of it (and hold the ladder when needed). It doesn't matter how good your ladder is, if you're pushing against a wall with a drill, you can easily destabilize yourself.
  
• Buy a deadman's switch that plugs in like an extension cord, and swap it to any saw or cutting device you are using (even the dremel). Alternatively, spend a few more bucks and get a variable speed foot pedal.
  
• Don't do anything you don't feel like you "know" enough to do, yet.
  
• Learn how blades buckle in saws, and about kickback, before using power saws.
  
• Use a GOOD stud detector before going into the wall. If you hit something hard and you aren't sure what it is, back the drill out and take a look. You could be hitting a water pipe, an electrical cable, or are just unlucky and hit a nail in the stud.
  
• Use goggles and hearing protection. Your ears don't feel pain. Power tools are louder and more damaging than they sound like.
  
• Working with chemicals? Use a gas mask (I like a full painter's mask that incorporates eye protection, because they don't fog like goggles can with a mask on).
  
• Working with dust, use a dust mask or gas mask.
  
• If you have gas mask, you have to seal the cartridges or they go bad fast.
  
• Go to Walmart (because it's much cheaper) and buy a gallon of their solvents before working with chemicals. Know which solvent works on what. Buy low VOC mineral spirits (if available), and acetone. Mineral spirits is going to be for exterior/oil paints, shellacs, and stains. Acetone is going to be for spray foam, certain adhesives, etc. Get an empty tin can with a lid for storing the "used solvent." Btw, I reuse my solvent several times, basically as a "prewash." The sediment falls to the bottom.
  
• If you're working with something creating sparks (angle grinder) be aware of where those sparks are flying, have a nearby fire extinguisher, and if you can, dampen the area first (like mop your garage floor). Angle grinders combined with dust, sawdust, and/or scrap wood has started fires.
  
• If working with oil based products/mineral spirits, learn how to properly dispose of things like brushes and rags, they can spontaneously combust if left in a heap!
  
• Be aware that on high-end drills, there's a button that can lock them into "always on" mode.
  
  Tool List
  
  
• Non-contact voltage tester (and other useful items)
  
• 3M Full Face Gas Mask There's cheaper chinese knockoffs. You have to buy cartridges (get a set for dust and at least one set for VOC - aka gasses like mineral spirits and ammonia)
  
• Variable Speed Foot Pedal Can be used like a deadmans switch by fully depressing.
  
• Water/leak alarms for peace of mind or sudden failures
  
• Stud finder with live AC and metal detection
  
• Hearing Protection
  
• Goggles (observe where the vents are and if it looks like dust can easily fall into them) or just use the face mask
  
• Acetone
  
• Mineral Spirits
  
• Metal, lidded, disposal bucket. A paint bucket with a lid also works. Note that paint buckets are a different kind of plastic specifically made to resist solvents.
  
• A large pack of disposable gloves (make sure they aren't something you or a helper are allergic to, eg latex).
  
• Inspection Camera
  
  Projects to avoid as a beginner
  
  
• Major reconstruction (wall removal)
  
• Retaining walls over 1' tall
  
• HVAC
  
• Tile
  
• Traditional wood plank flooring (BUT engineered/click-lock is super easy)
  
• Plumbing that isn't compression fittings or threaded (aka, plex/sharkbite/welding)
  
• Anything on the roof
  
• Anything attached to the outside of your home (where you might inadvertently create leaks or rot in your exterior walls)
  
• Precise woodworking (altering your cabinets in your kitchen)
  
  Projects I'd always recommend hiring out
  
  
• Tile with real stone, metal or glass
  
• Granite anything
  
• Decks (probably, although make sure the deck builder knows how to properly attach to a house. 70% of decks in the USA aren't and are causing rot and damage)
  
• Structural engineering (wall removal/additions, tall retaining walls)
  
• Most HVAC
  
• Solid wood plank floor or refinishing. (Refinishing is possible, it's just a good 10 hours of work per 50 sqft, or more, super dusty, and makes the house pretty unlivable. Easy to screw up. Best to get an experienced pro in to do it quickly).
  
• Anything near your "mains" that feed into your breaker-box (the part coming from the electrical company). Such as replacing the breaker box itself.
  
  Home improvement is very satisfying and not all that hard. Most people have a story of being lazy once or twice and having a near accident. I've been shocked by 120v (like in your wall)... twice. I've had saw blades break. Just be safe for that 5% of the time you're using something dangerous, and never get too lazy to grab the safety gear.

After experiencing a leaky dishwasher and sink drain pipe, I installed a wirelessly controlled main water line valve and wireless water sensors.

The valve automatically closes if water is detected by any of the sensors. The water sensors have been installed in the laundry room, all the bathrooms, the kitchen, and in the utility room near the water heater. I rigged each water sensor with an extension cable to cover a larger area. It won’t prevent a leak, but should reduce the water damage. I also get text notifications if there’s a leak.

Honeywell RWD80/A1 Water Defense Water Sensing Alarm Extension Cable
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FTFQ4W/

https://domeha.com/z-wave-water-main-shut-off-valve

This one even looks like a smoke detector.

Congrats OP. I have that set and while the dryer had been trouble free for the past 15 years the washer has broken a few times.

Parts are cheap and YouTube videos plentiful to repair so it's easy to keep it up and running if you have access to some basic tools.

If funds and space allow I'd recommend a tray and a water alarm...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eastman-30-in-x-32-in-Washing-Machine-Pan-in-White-52525/206188631?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD29A%7CMulti%7CWhirlpool%7CPLA%7C71700000036365208%7C58700004382753196%7C92700036834799793&gclid=CjwKCAiAodTfBRBEEiwAa1haunJ66hTzkqhL50hdyxytLI-BBo4AcUtuFBGMT2Ch5jpMpyN24n_ZaxoC8T8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds - Confirm measurements, don't recall what one I ordered.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074Z273R9/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_eqv9BbFTBFBS3

That is assuming it's in a space where you care if it leaks. Also the tray isn't going to be able to hold all the water in case of a major leak but it'll buy you time to do something (had my water pump start leaking once and the tray saved me some headache).

Water level - https://www.adafruit.com/products/2656

Water level analog to digital - MCP3008 - https://www.adafruit.com/products/856

Water leak detection (use a CAT5 connector and splice the yellow and green lines to a voltage divider circuit to the MCP3008 for resistance measurement) - http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-RWD80-Defense-Sensing-Extension/dp/B004FTFQ4W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1452221677&sr=8-5&keywords=honeywell+water+leak

Water flow sensor (cheaper than atlas) - https://www.adafruit.com/products/828

Water flow serial chip (makes life simple) - https://www.atlas-scientific.com/product_pages/circuits/ezo_flow.html

Serial port expander - https://www.atlas-scientific.com/product_pages/components/port_expander.html

Isolated power - https://www.atlas-scientific.com/product_pages/circuits/pwr-iso.html

Filter/co2 relays - http://www.amazon.com/JBtek-Channel-Relay-Arduino-Raspberry/dp/B00KTELP3I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452221234&sr=8-2&keywords=relay+raspberry+pi

digital Temperature sensor - https://www.atlas-scientific.com/product_pages/probes/env-tmp-d.html

Probe holder - http://www.aquariumplants.com/CarbonDoser-External-Probe-Holder-Mount-p/ph1.htm

ph Probe, serial chip, calibration, power isolation, and bnc connection - https://www.atlas-scientific.com/product_pages/kits/ph-kit.html

dosing pump - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHRRDGS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s03

solenoid - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EP30YE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

solenoid to 0.17" water connection - http://www.mcmaster.com/#5058k43/=10l3gjn

Divorce attorney is extra.

Once it's fixed, add a dishwasher pan below the dishwasher. Also add one of these

Definitely clean the gutters and drains, and see how it goes. There are various guards to keep junk out of the gutters but sometimes they clog as well or cause roof leaks because the water backs up under the shingles. Usually one spring and one fall cleaning does the trick. Hire someone if you don't feel comfortable on ladders.

The sump pit may be sealed to prevent radon gas intrusion, which is good. (Did they do a radon test? There's a kit for that at Home Depot.) If/when you need to change the pump you can also upgrade to a better sump pit cover like this one for $100 that seals but can easily be opened. I'd recommend keeping an eye on it and putting some kind of flood alarm near it so you can quickly catch a problem if it fails. Sump pumps are notorious for failing at the worst time.

These things sometimes just start leaking by themselves, almost certainly due to thermal expansion and contraction.

Do you pour hot water down the sink, say from cooking? How about cold water, maybe ice water from the dinner table?

The pipes expand and contract each time you do this. Vinyl expands and contracts much more than steel or iron too. It's rarely anything to worry about so tighten them up, make sure the leak stops, and just check it occasionally.

If it's a big concern to you, put one of these under the sink:

https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-RWD21-Water-Leak-Alarm/dp/B00BIBD4EY/ref=lp_7491105011_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1568648889&sr=1-8

Leak sensor.

Wasserstein WiFi Water Leak Sensor, Smart Flood Detector (1-Pack, White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078TG5NT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ll0ODb4K7ESQN

I've been happy with these. Just stuck them under sinks and next to toilets and water heater. Absolutely worth the investment - saved me once so far.

Hmm, $69.99 for HomeKit version on US store. Weird it would be $150 for .ca

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA5FM54/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_op0PAb44KXK4G

Here is a simple wifi smart leak detector by Zircon:
Zircon Leak Alert WiFi- 2 Pack - Smart Electronic Water Detector Alarm with Email, Audio and Visual Alerts - Battery Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXW4X8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rX8FDbQJH57S5


Here is a wifi connected leak & freeze detector from honeywell:
Honeywell CHW3610W1001 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector, 1 -Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I58G0OS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mY8FDb1YX3PX5

There are others, and there is leaksmart.com that is a whole smart leak system that can even turn off water in case of a leak

Likely a water leak sensor / alarm.
Link to product [LINK]

Needs a bit of setup, but check this one out: https://www.amazon.com/Zircon-Leak-Alert-WiFi-Electronic/dp/B0748RK2XQ

Fibaro Homekit Flood Sensor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA5FM54/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't think that's the purpose. If you're asleep or not home it breaks sooner than if it wasn't there, causing more damage. It would move only make sense if there was a water leak detector and solenoid valve. Like this.

This is what I use in our sump pump, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E2561LG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479865139&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=everspring+water+detector&dpPl=1&dpID=31iZlZUgAcL&ref=plSrch

So on 2nd picture I spotted model number - JPS225V

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-0-25-HP-Pre-Plumbed-Sink-Tray-System-Sump-Pump-THD1035/205616019

First thing it says: Great for washing machines, air conditioners and more

However the reviews aren't the best to say the least. But it looks like a regular shitty Everbilt pump in an enclosure. I had a pedestal one shit the bed on me when my hot water tank sprung a leak and it seized due to hot water (plastic impeller came off the shaft). I don't know if you do laundry on hot settings but that's something to ponder about.

I'd take a look if you can open it and swap out the pump itself for something like this to stay on the safe side and also I'd get a $5 water leak sensor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X0DEDC/

https://www.amazon.com/Instapark-Battery-powered-Detection-Batteries-Included/dp/B01IWTCLHA/

Thx, can't find any reviews on Amazon..
Also, found this , but looks like it doesn't detect low water pressures .

Streamlabs Smart Home Water Monitor with Wi-Fi – Detects Leaks & Water Usage – No Pipe Cutting, 5-Minute Install, Real-Time Alerts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078SDZ3QG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3QqQBb4S48GY0

After three toilet leaks (each a different reason), I bought one of these to put into a removable ceiling panel below the plumbing. https://www.amazon.com/Govee-Detector-Wireless-Notification-Security/dp/B07QP153GT/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=govee+wifi+water+leak+detector&qid=1568350880&sprefix=govee+wi&sr=8-3

Well, if you’re going to automate the tub, a flood sensor is a must, but I was thinking a tub full sensor. Behind the toilet is a pretty good spot though, hides it and covers toilet flooding too.

This for example.

https://www.amazon.ca/Everspring-Z-Wave-Wireless-Flood-Detector/dp/B00E2561LG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541642554&sr=8-2&keywords=zwave+flood+detector

See the little prongs? I was thinking with something similar you could drill 2 small holes in the tub for those prongs in a inconspicuous place and seal it with silicone (leaving enough prong uncovered to trigger of course) and have it shut off the tub when its full.

That’s getting a touch crazy though.

I use an older version of this one but it has never really inspired a ton of confidence. I got it after we had a bad basement leak go undetected a couple of years ago, and it has never once notified me of anything. In that time there hasn't been anything legitimate to detect, but every time I go to the app it has me logged out, so I always wonder if it will notify me when the time comes. Something Z-wave set up through Home Assistant may turn out to be more reliable.

Have you seen this? No cutting involved.
Flume Smart Home Water Sensor - Monitors Water Usage and Lawn Sprinklers - Leak Detector - No Pipe Cutting, Easy Install, WiFi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GPXKN8Z

I use this water sensor and it uses AA batteries that last a year plus. Not sure that helps you, but thought I'd comment.

https://www.amazon.com/Utilitech-Water-Detector-Indoor-Sensor/dp/B07DQXTSY5/

There's a couple ways you can go, something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Wi-Fi-Water-Sensor-Detector/dp/B078TG5NT2

is probably what you want.

Intelligent Leak Detection I have one of these, and it's perfect for my situation.

Or [This] (https://amazon.com/Streamlabs-Smart-Water-Monitor-Wi-Fi/dp/B078SDZ3QG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549085866&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlabs) may work if you have a separate supply line running to your irrigation system.

is this a piece of crap or am i ok with it?
https://www.amazon.com/FloodStop-Automatic-Valve-Water-Heater/dp/B00HYHXBE4/ref=pd_ybh_a_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=31JV9RAN1N689S6D49BH

edit: it's a bit cheaper and i'm cheap.

Well.. it depends. It will be a lot of fun if you are into making things yourself. If you prefer ready-to-use stuff, perhaps this Sump monitoring system is worth a try (I just found it - never used).

Maybe this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073XRSYGL/ref=mp_s_a_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1510080606&sr=8-20&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Bayit&dpPl=1&dpID=51vGvGjW9TL&ref=plSrch

To address the monitoring piece, I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AQ1ADYA/

It connects to my home wifi and I am alerted (via cloud monitoring) if the device loses connection to its mothership or if the device detects liquid touching it's lead that I have circling my sump opening.

I get an email and an SMS text when the device goes in to alarm (for either reason) and when it goes back to normal state. I've tested it by unplugging it and getting it wet. Works well.