Leak Detection’s Second Best Selling Point

Plumbing leaks can destroy homes. Extreme home insurance rates can force people out of their homes. Leak detectors mitigate both disasters. 

Just a few years ago, there were only two manufacturers of note in the category of “leak detection.” Now, you have many alternatives to consider. That being said, I’d still contend that Phyn Plus and Flo by Moen are probably the most solid brands, because they’ve had years to work out the bugs in their products.

Nonetheless, let’s look more closely at what’s available, and how it ties in with the home insurance crisis.

Something I discovered when shopping overpriced home insurance in Florida recently, is that some insurers now offer a sizable discount for leak detection, nearly $500 annually. Every little bit helps, and if you combine a leak detector with a wind-mitigation upgrade (such as adding a third nail to hurricane straps), you can cut the total insurance on a home by 50 percent in some cases. If you’re a builder, that’s a perk you may be able to offer to clients, at minimal additional cost to your bottom line.

Let’s keep it simple. Here are 5 of the best leak-watching and leak-stopping  products currently available. All of these products are accepted by at least some home insurance companies:

1. Phyn Plus

Key Features:

• Monitors water usage in real-time.
• Detects leaks and shuts off water automatically.
• Provides detailed insights into water consumption patterns.
• Integrates with smart home systems.

Average Retail Price: $579; You can buy this through Amica insurance at a 15 percent discount at this writing.

2. StreamLabs

Key Features:

• 24/7 monitoring for leaks and unusual water usage.
• Premium version includes automatic shutoff.
• Standard version (monitor only) allows for DIY install.
• Sends alerts to smartphones in case of anomalies.
• Compatible with major smart home platforms.

Average Retail Price: $389 (monitor only); $1189 (with shutoff)

3. Flume 2

Key Features:

• Offered at affordable cost but with no automatic shutoff.
• Powered by lithium batteries that should last 2 years, so it does not need a power source at install.
• No cutting of pipes required for installation.
• Continuously monitors water usage and alerts users of leaks.
• Provides insights into water consumption trends.
• Integrates with popular smart home ecosystems.
• Company encourages DIY installation.
• Company website includes the ability to check meter compatibility.

Average Retail Price: $249 with wifi bridge

4. Guardian by Elexa

Key Features:

• Easy install without cutting pipes. No special tools needed assuming you have an accessible master shutoff valve on incoming water supply.
• Requires electricity, but has 12-hour battery backup.
• Detects leaks with individual battery-powered water sensors.
• Offers remote water shut-off functionality.
• Integrates with smart home devices.
• Provides historical water usage data.

Average Retail Price $299 for kit with sensors and valve shutoff

5. Flo Smart Water Shutoff (by Moen)

Key Features:

• Higher end system for automatic peace of mind.
• Includes automatic shutoff feature.
• Monitors water flow without individual sensors to detect leaks.
• Alerts users via smartphone notifications.
• Allows for remote water shut-off.
• Works with leading smart home platforms.
• Professional install recommended.

Average Retail Price: $549 

Publisher’s Note: Green Builder's 20th Anniversary celebration is sponsored by: Carrier and Trex.