With a water sensor you prevent severe flooding and thus serious water damage. You can find out exactly how such a water detector works and what you should pay attention to when buying it in our guide.
Water sensors warn of floods so that worse can be prevented
Our recommendations
our recommendation
devolo Home Control water detector package (smart home starter package, Z-Wave, house control via iOS/Android app, easy installation, contains: control panel, alarm siren and water detector) white
To the product| Type | wired |
|---|---|
| battery | lithium ion |
| smart home | Yes |
| responsiveness | high |
| signal volume | 110dB |
The Home Control water detector from devolo inspires on the one hand with its large scope of delivery and functions and on the other hand with the high quality of the functions themselves. It is designed as a smart home system and comes with all the necessary components. The required lithium-ion battery is also included. In addition to the app notification, the advantages include the immense volume and the integrated battery, which ensures that the system remains operational for up to 24 hours in the event of a sudden power failure. The reviewers at Amazon define the water sensor as "really reliable" and "easy to install".
our recommendation
Homematic IP Smart Home starter set water alarm - intelligent alarm also on the smartphone, 153405A0
77.97 EUR To the product| Type | wireless |
|---|---|
| battery | Alkaline (3AA + 2AAA) |
| smart home | Yes |
| responsiveness | high |
| signal volume | 77dB |
In terms of the basic principle, the Homematic IP water detector has the same structure as our comparison winner, which we determined based on the customer reviews on Amazon in particular. However, the smart home system is operated with conventional alkaline batteries, which are also part of the scope of delivery. As far as the volume is concerned, the device is in the lower, but still tolerable range. The users describe the wireless water sensor as an "excellent system" and "ideal for entering the smart home". Incidentally, the system, like that of devolo, can also be expanded - with compatible devices of the same brand.
our recommendation
ABUS water detector HSWM10000, white, 55082
EUR 10.90 To the product| Type | mix type |
|---|---|
| battery | Alkaline (1 9V block) |
| smart home | no |
| responsiveness | high |
| signal volume | 85dB |
The water detector from ABUS is our price-performance winner. We don't need to say much about the brand - it is one of the world market leaders in the security industry. It is all the more impressive that the manufacturer is offering this high-quality water sensor at such a low price. The model also impresses with its flexibility of use: you can use it wirelessly or with a cable (cable length 1.5 meters). The integrated block battery should last up to three years. The water detector seems to work perfectly and is "nicely" loud. Only criticism: there is no off switch, so you have to remove the battery to silence the device.
Purchase Criteria
Type
There are two types of water sensors: those without a cable and those with a cable. Both variants have their specific advantages and disadvantages. The effortless and compact installation speaks for a wireless water detector, but it can be damaged at a water level of several centimeters and is uncomfortable to use. The water doesn't bother a wired water sensor and it can be operated without uncomfortable bending down, but the assembly is a bit more complex.
contact points
With wireless versions, the contact points are located directly on the device, with wired models, however, at the end of the cable. It is precisely this end piece that needs to be placed on the floor and fixed there - at the point where the water would first escape in the event of a leak. Important: When using wired water sensors, make sure the cable is long enough.
Assembly
Simply place wireless water sensors on the floor under the leak-prone device. You can still fix the water sensor with an adhesive tape so that it cannot slip away. If you opt for a wired model, the effort is a little higher because it needs to be mounted on the wall - depending on the product with screws and dowels, adhesive pads or suction cups. Don't forget to attach the end piece to the floor as well.
battery(s)
Most of the water detectors are operated with standard AA or AAA batteries, which are usually included in the scope of delivery. However, there are also water sensors with high-quality lithium-ion batteries that last up to ten years and thus minimize the maintenance effort for you. Rarely do the water detectors have a plug for the socket. Such models are particularly inexpensive, but also more expensive and dependent on an existing socket near the "danger zone".
smart home
There are now numerous water detectors compatible with WiFi or Bluetooth. These devices have one key advantage: They enable you to be notified of a water leak even if you are on the other side of the world. In this case you will receive the message about the (imminent) flooding directly on your smartphone. We advise you to prefer a water detector with WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity for a smart home system.
trigger speed
Make sure that your selected water detector triggers the alarm immediately as soon as the sensors come into contact with the dangerous water. Some models may take up to a minute to respond - a long time in which a lot of water may have accumulated. Do not rely solely on the manufacturer's information, but also read reviews from other customers. And: Do the test yourself as soon as you have your water sensor.
signal volume
What should always be avoided with other household and garden helpers is one of the most important points here: Make sure that the signal that draws attention to the leak or the water escaping is very loud so that you can still hear it , if you happen to be in a distant room. It should be over 75 decibels. A little tip: Wear hearing protection during the test.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a water sensor?
A water sensor, also known as a water alarm, is a practical and compact device that is intended to give you an early warning if water is leaking as a result of a burst pipe or other leak in the water pipes. The sounding signal allows you to react quickly and prevent extremely bad water damage.
How does a water detector work?
A water sensor is usually battery powered. Depending on the model, it is either placed on the floor under the endangered device or mounted on the wall. The water detector has several electrical contacts that constantly try to establish a power connection - which only succeeds when water enters between the contacts. The detector then triggers a shrill alarm.
Where should I use water sensors?
Floods usually spread unnoticed, since they usually take place in places that are not constantly visible. This is primarily the laundry room - next to the washing machine, the domestic waterworks or other pumps. But even if there is a water leak under the kitchen unit, you often only notice it (too) late.
Which brands offer good water detectors?
The best-known brands for high-quality water sensors include ABUS, Grohe and devolo. You can also get good models from Homematic IP and Honeywell Home. If you would like to get started with very cheap water detectors, take a look at the versions from mumbi, Sebson and Generic.
our recommendation
Water Detector Water Alarm Water Leak Sensor Detector Leak Detector for bathroom
5.27 EUR To the productWhere is the best place to buy a water sensor?
Water sensors are usually available in well-stocked hardware stores such as OBI, toom, Bauhaus, hagebaumarkt, Hornbach or Raiffeisen. With a bit of luck you will also find what you are looking for in the household department of a large supermarket. To be on the safe side, it is best to look around on Amazon in the first place. There you also have the most diverse selection.
How much does a water detector cost?
Basically, a water detector is always many times cheaper than the price you would have to pay in the event of an unnoticed water leak. The trade already has very inexpensive models from around ten euros from well-known brands. Particularly functional water sensors with WLAN connectivity cost more, but generally not more than 80 euros.