Smart Leak Detection: Protecting Your Home From Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and costly forms of home damage in the UK — caused by burst pipes, boiler leaks, washing machine failures, and roof ingress. Smart leak detection systems can identify a leak within seconds and automatically shut off the water supply before significant damage occurs.

Smart water sensors placed under sinks, behind appliances, and near boilers detect the presence of water and alert you via a smartphone app. More sophisticated systems monitor water flow through a smart valve fitted to the mains supply — detecting abnormal flow patterns that suggest a leak (even a slow one) and shutting off the supply automatically. Some systems can distinguish between normal usage and a leak based on flow rate, duration, and time of day.

Point sensors (such as those from Govee, Aqara, or Fibaro) detect water at a specific location and alert you, but take no action. Whole-home systems (such as Grohe Sense Guard, Phyn, or Honeywell Lyric) fit to the mains supply, monitor total water usage, and can automatically shut off the supply — protecting you even when you are away. For holiday homes or investment properties, an automatic shut-off system is particularly valuable.

Water damage claims are among the most common and most expensive home insurance claims. A smart leak detection system with automatic shut-off can prevent a minor leak from becoming a major loss.

— Association of British Insurers

High-value locations for water sensors include: under the kitchen sink; behind the washing machine and dishwasher; under the boiler and hot water cylinder; in the loft near cold water tanks; under the bathroom basin and behind the toilet; and in the airing cupboard. Each sensor should be placed in a position where water would pool before reaching a drain.