We‘re all aware of the damage broken pipes, faulty appliances, or leaky taps can cause to our home. The impact of a major leak in your home is huge with damage costing thousands of dollars to repair, causing massive disruption. The Flow by Moen is our best integrated automatic water shut off valve to save the day while the EcoNet Controls is our top pick for DIY motorized bulldog valve.
More and more people are looking to sensors, water monitors, and smart valves as a way of detection and mitigation to eliminate the impact of leaks in their homes.
The beauty of some of these products is they do not require the services of a plumber to install and can be set up simply and easily.
Now in the smart home era, some new products on the market are fully connected with other devices and hubs, providing you all the tools you need to nip that leak in the bud.
Types of Automatic Water Shut Off Valves
There are two types of products you can choose from when looking to automatically shut off water flow into your home
- Integrated Valve Controller – This type of valve needs to be installed on or alongside the main supply valve. This task is best suited to a professional plumber.
- Motorizing Existing BullDog Valve – This controller can be installed over the existing shut off bulldog valve. Installation is very easy and is DIY.
The Flow by Moen system is the Rolls-Royce of smart water management.
Top Features
Auto identification of leaks across your entire home plumbing system through MicroLeak Technology
Monitor and control your whole water system remotely via the mobile app
Allows you to know your daily water consumption rate and set your water conservation goals
The Flow by Moen system contains the features of a smart water monitor, to track flow and detect leaks. If a leak is detected, the smart valve can automatically shut off water to the house, limiting water damage.
Installation
To install, you first need to drain all the water from your system. Then install the adapter into your main water line. Make sure that it’s placed after the water meter and the water reducing valve. Then, connect it to a nearby power outlet and run the health test through the Flo by Moen mobile app. To avoid any difficulty, professional installation is recommended.
How it works
The Automatic Water Shut Off Valve has three sensors that continuously monitor your home water pressure, flow rate, and temperature. These sensors work in combination with MicroLeak™ technology which proactively monitors your entire home water system for any type of leaks or damage.
Mobile App
Once installed the Flo by Moen mobile app will enable you to control your whole water system and alert you instantly if any leak or damage is detected. From the Dashboard, you’ll be able to see your daily water usage and set your consumption goals.
Smart Hub Compatibility
Flo by Moen is compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and IFTTT. You can also run it without a hub via the mobile app.
- Automatically shuts off water to prevent damage when a leak occurs
- Works with IFTTT, Google Home and Alexa
- Water monitoring and budgeting features
- Detects leaks as small as one drop per minute
- Requires a professional plumber to install
- Power outlet required for device
The EcoNet Bulldog Valve Robot is a powerhouse of smart home water management.
Top Features
Fits over existing Levered Ball Valve, no additional tool is required.
Able to create enough torque to shut-off the toughest valves
Compact and durable build quality
This Z-wave certified valve is compatible with any popular smart hub and can work with several water sensors. It can create torques that are powerful enough to turn the toughest valves also.
Installation
Installation is very straight forward and does not require a professional plumber. Firstly, position the bracket set over the valve collar with the mounting tab. Then, attach the motor assembly and position with the pivot point of the motor assembly centered over the valve pivot point. Now, complete a test stroke with your smartphone once integrated into a Z-Wave hub.
How it works
In addition to leak sensors, EcoNet’s Bulldog Valve Robot can automatically detect the water leaks and shut-off the system instantly by leaving a leak alert to your smartphone through the smart hub.
Mobile App
EcoNet’s Bulldog Valve Robot doesn’t have any dedicated app. Instead it is compatible with a wide array of existing smart hubs and their apps.
Smart Hub Compatibility
EcoNet’s Bulldog Valve Robot is recommended for its high compatibility. This z-wave certified device is compatible with Vera, SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Homeseer, Control4, Wink, Nexia, and several other DIY type controllers.
- Very easy to install
- In addition to water sensors, it can detect water leaks and shut-off the system automatically
- Compatible with almost all popular smart home hubs
- Prompt and proactive customer support
- Lack of a dedicated app maybe a challenge for some
- A few complaints reported about its connectivity with water sensors
LeakSmart Shut off Valve helps to protect your home from water damage and save your utility consumption.
Top Features
Auto-detection of water leakage by LeakSMART sensors and instant shut off the main water supply by LeakSMART’s automatic shut-off valve
Easy-to-understand indicators – Green LED light on the display indicates open and the red LED light indicates the closed valve status
Comes with 100% battery back-up in case of a power outage
LeakSmart automatic water shut off valve not only detects leaks but also immediately shuts off the main water supply and sends a notification to your mobile device through the LeakSmart app.
Installation
To install, place the LeakSmart’s Snap Valve Controller on to your main water supply valve either vertically or horizontally and push the U-bracket together to tighten up. Then hand tighten the T-handle crank into the LeakSmart’s Snap to clamp the device firmly with the main water supply pipe. Finally, connect the nearest AC power supply to the controller.
How it works
LeakSmart water shut off works in combination with four different devices. LeakSmart Valve connects to the main water line and receives signals from LeakSmart Sensor that detects leaks and monitors temperature. The LeakSmart Hub then communicates between sensors & valve and notifies you through the LeakSmart App.
Mobile App
The dedicated LeakSmart app will enable you to monitor temperature and water pressure, show you backup battery life and notify you immediately when a leak is detected.
Smart Hub Compatibility
This device is compatible with Google Assistant, Google Hub, Control4, Wink, and Amazon Alexa.
The Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant is a unique device that can protect the entire house’s water system from a single location.
Top Features
Automatic water leak detection and water monitoring system
Automatic water shut-off as soon as a problem is detected
Receive real-time alerts and water usage data to your smartphone through the free Phyn app
The Phyn Plus Water Shut Off Valve connects to your existing home Wi-Fi network so there is no need to purchase an additional smart home hub.
Installation
Install Phyn Plus on the main water supply pipe immediately after the main shut-off valve and before the line starting branching. Then pair the device with your home Wi-Fi connection. As the installation process is a little tricky, it’s recommended to install the device by a licensed plumber.
How it works
Phyn Plus can measure microscopic changes in water pressure (240 times per second). It generates a fingerprint based on the unique pressure profile of each fixture in your home. So when you run a faucet, Phyn can identify that as a faucet, and if that faucet leaks, Phyn can instantly let you know that through smart connectivity.
Mobile App
The Phyn app is available for both iOS and Android. When the device detects a potential leak, it automatically sends an alert to your smartphone with all the information thats needs to help diagnose the issue and fix it with a plumber. Phyn app also lets you turn off your whole water system from anywhere.
Smart Hub Compatibility
Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
- Analyzes the water consumption rate and sends you statistical data to help you manage your usage
- Can detect plumbing problems like unsafe pressure levels or small leaks before they become larger issues
- Can sense any ice crystals forming in your pipes before they have a chance to freeze and burst, giving you the notification to take action.
- No additional or ongoing subscription costs
- Complicated to install and need a plumbing professional
- No battery backup feature
- Set up is restricted to below 1 1/4″ water supply line
Guardian Valve Controller can shut off your entire water system automatically if a leak, frozen pipe or earthquake is detected to prevent further damage.
Top Features
Comes with three automatic leak detector sensors
Can sense leak, low temperature & earthquake and generate an instant notification
Can run for up to 12 hours on the optional battery backup
The Guardian Wireless Leak Detectors can be placed up to a thousand feet away from the Valve Controller which enables this device to cover even the largest homes.
Installation
To install, first, locate your main water shut-off valve and close it. Align the fork to fit over the valve handle and hand tighten the clamps. Then plug it into a standard power outlet and check it manually. Now, connect to your smartphone through the Guardian App and Wi-Fi network. Finally, calibrate the controller with a mobile device.
How it works
At the moment the Leak Detectors sense water, low temperature, or a vibration, the Valve Controller will automatically shut off the main water supply to prevent further damage, and send a notification to the smartphone via the Guardian App.
Mobile App
Through the Guardian App you will receive notifications for any kind of problems like leaks, extreme cold or earthquakes. You’ll also have remote access to shut-off the whole system and see the backup battery profile.
Smart Home Compatibility
Guardian Leak Prevention System is a standalone smart home product. It’s not compatible with any smart home hubs.
- Easy to install – no need for professional plumbing
- Can shut-off the system during leaks even when Wi-Fi is down
- Infinitely Expandable – can add as many leak detectors as required to protect any building
- Turn on or off the valve controller from anywhere and check up on the status of leak sensors
- Can work with copper, PVC or PEX pipes
- Not compatible with smart home hub
- Can be difficult to calibrate or configure the app
Grohe Sense Guard is a Wi-Fi-connected water controller that is set on the mains water supply pipe.
Top Features
Detects micro leaks, pipe breaks, frost temperature, and unusual water flow
Allow automatic, remote or manual shut on/off function to limit water damage
Indication of valve position (open/close) via LED light
Grohe Sense Guard continuously monitors your home water system and detects every anomaly from minor leaks to a major burst. If any deviation from normal is detected, it shuts-off the water system immediately.
Installation
As the device is required to be installed on the main water supply pipe, professional installation is highly recommended.
How it Works
The Grohe Sense Guard continuously monitors water pressure in the pipes while the Aqua self-learning algorithm learns the patterns of water consumption. If it detects the water consumption is higher than usual, even detects any minor leaks, it automatically shut-off the water system by leaving an alert to the smartphone.
Mobile App
Grohe ONDUS app is compatible with both iOS and Android. It features the remote or automatic control of the water system and creates daily water usages stat.
Smart Home Compatibility
Grohe Sense Guard is not compatible with any smart home hubs.
Should I buy an automatic water shut off valve?
There are many reasons why purchasing a smart water valve is a good decision
Prevent Costly Repairs
Smart water valve controllers and water leak detectors work together to detect leaks, burst pipes or earthquakes and automatically shut off the water system to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Instant Alerts
These devices can generate instant alerts to your smartphone as soon as the damage is detected and make you informed about potential repair work to undertake
Reduce Utility Bills
By using smart water management mobile apps you’ll be able to set water consumption goals. It’ll ensure that you do not need additional utility costs.
Automatic Water Shut Off Valve Features to Consider
Device and Installation Costs
It can cost between $300 to $600 for a smart valve based on features required and if professional installation is needed.
Alert or Action
Next on the list is what you want from your smart water system. Do you want it to simply alert you to the problem or do you want it to stop the problem from developing further by automatically cutting water supply?
The sensors and monitors will provide you with those smart alerts, by email or app. However to stop the problem from developing you will need an automatic water shut off valve.
DIY or Plumber Install
If you would like to avoid the expense of hiring a plumber, then a motorized bulldog valve is the best option as it can be DIY installed. Otherwise you will need a professional plumber to make some changes to your mains supply line to install the device.
Micro Leaks
Some devices are more sensitive than others. It’s worth reviewing the granularity of leak detection as some devices can identify leaks as low as one drop per minute.
Integrating your Smart Water Leak Detector
Most of the devices listed above connect to Amazon Alexa at a minimum.
However, to avoid even more smart home apps, you can choose devices that integrate with your smart home hub/gateway (via Z-wave or Zigbee) or are IFTTT compatible.
Power outlet available
Automatic water shut off valves typically require a nearby outlet power. Some devices also come with backup batteries in case of a power outage.
Common Questions relating to Water Shut Off Valves
How do water leak shut off valves work?
A water leak shut off valve can automatically detect water either by monitoring the flow in the supply pipe or by sensing water on the outer floor. When an irregular flow or moisture is detected, the valve instantly shut-off the water flow via an internal ball valve. This can prevent catastrophic water damage.
How do I install a water leak shut off valve?
Water Leak Shut Off Valves can be installed by integrating a device into the main supply line or by motorizing an existing bulldog valve. The devices are then typically powered via a nearby power outlet and connected to your smartphone via the local Wifi or Smart Hub network.
What causes water leaks?
There may be several problems that result in water leaks. Some of the most common causes of household water leaks are broken seals, clogged lines, corrosion, excessive water pressure, loose water connectors, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
How many automatic water leak shut off valves do I need?
For single-family use, you just need one. Place it next to your main supply valve as it can shut off the main supply line in case a leak is detected.
The Verdict
The Flow by Moen is our best integrated automatic water shut off valve to save the day while the EcoNet Controls is our top pick for motorized bulldog valve.
The Flow by Moen system is the Rolls-Royce of smart water management.
Top Features
Auto identification of leaks across your entire home plumbing system through MicroLeak Technology
Monitor and control your whole water system remotely via the mobile app
Allows you to know your daily water consumption rate and set your water conservation goals
