We have all been there, calling the plumber at the slightest hint of something going wrong with the plumbing, only to realize the fact that you could have fixed it yourself and saved hundreds of dollars. It can be an easy mistake when you look under the sink and met with a labyrinth of pipes and valves.
Anyone who has tried their hand at DIY plumbing knows that first and foremost, you must shut off the water valve. You should always know where the water valve is located on your property. Even if you end up calling professional help, turning off the water is always a good start.
But what happens if the water leak is dreadful? You cannot remember where the water valve is? Luckily, technology has advanced to the point where we no longer need to find the physical water valve. We can use wireless technology to shut them off.
What Can Wireless Water Shut Off Valves Do?
Wireless water shut-off valves can be easily accessed from your smartphone, meaning you do not ever have to get anywhere near the pipes and can avoid any danger.
The valves have complete control over your house’s main valve, and while you still have to use your hands, all you have to do is tap a few buttons on your phone screen. This feature is helpful for those of you whose water valve is in a hard-to-reach location as you do not have to come anywhere close to the physical valve.
The wireless shut-off valves act as your house’s emergency system. The minute you need to shut off the plumbing, you can press the button to shut it off. Due to this fast response time, water damage is easily preventable, contrary to sitting around waiting for the plumber while water leaks all over your house.
You can program the wireless shut-off valves to detect any leaks in your home, meaning they will shut off automatically once a leak is detected. It is useful when something happens when you are not home or have not noticed the leak yourself yet. Some models of wireless shut-off valves will activate when the temperature drops below zero in your home. Pipes are likely to freeze, expand and then rupture when temperatures reach sub-zero in your home.
If you own a drip irrigation system or a sprinkler system in your garden/yard, wireless shut-off valves can help automate the water supply to these systems too.
Best Wireless Shut Off Valves
Understanding how these systems work is one thing but choosing one for your home is a different thing. It can be hard to know which water shut-off valve is good for you, as there are models on the market.
With so many options to choose from, it is overwhelming. It is the purpose we have put together this handy guide, to let you see different products and select which one is right for your home.
Our guide contains 13 reviews of the top wireless shut-off valve systems. We will give each system’s qualities and features, which will ultimately help you choose the best one for you.
1. Water Leak Detection Starter Kit – Best Overall Wireless Shut Off Valve System
The number 1 choice for wireless water shut-off valves is LeakSmart’s Water Leak Detection Starter Kit. Both brands are effective and powerful. This system can be accessed from your smartphone, which means you can access the system even when you are not at home.
This system can support up to 32 sensors, making it highly capable and sophisticated. This feature allows you to the system directly to principal areas of your home, including all the plumbing and the base water supply, and prevent main water damage.
In case you are not home, and something goes wrong, this system has a built-in alarm that will let you know as soon as something happens. A notification will be sent to your smartphone. The water supply will be shut off automatically preventing as much damage as possible.
Pros:
Has 24/7 monitoring of your water valve
Easy to connect to your Wi-Fi network
Have an easy to use, consolidated approach to your water supply system
Cons:
With a singular sensor for leak detection
You will have to buy additional leak detectors online
2. Dome Home Automation Water Shut Off Valve – Budget Friendly Shut Off Vale
If it is the peace of mind that you are looking for, this shut-off valve by Dome Home is the perfect addition to your home. This system acts as more of an add-on than its separate system and is easy to attach to your home’s valve. It makes it easier to manually shut off the valve or have a system shut it off automatically if danger is detected.
It is a relatively low-priced system, considering this is an add-on, but it is still an efficient wireless shut-off system. On top of this, it has features that exceed the low price, so the value for money on this system is exceptional.
It may not have the additional sensors that come with the LeakSmart system, but it can detect leaks in your home where it is installed. It is easy to install, takes no time at all, and can be automatically shut off and remotely monitored through the app on your phone.
Pros:
Dome Home has an excellent customer service team if you should run into any problem
Have features such as options to remotely monitor and shut off the system
Easy to install directly onto your water supply
Cons:
It may be hard to pair with your Wi-Fi the first time
Upon its first closure of the water valve, it can sometimes fail to close the valve
3. Guardian Leak Prevention System – Long Lasting System
The Leak Prevention System by Guardian is a wireless water valve that completely replaces the existing water valve system in place in your home. It is top of the market for preventing water damage but can be a bit of a hassle to calibrate at first.
Once you have the system calibrated, you can see all features that the Guardian system offers. Look through the instructions carefully. The installation process should be smooth sailing. The problem is not the plumbing installation but the calibration. This system is quite sensitive but can detect any water leakage quickly and efficiently.
The Leak Prevention System sensors are sensitive, meaning they can detect even the tiniest leaks in your home. If you find the installation process too hard, the customer service team is user-friendly and will help you along with the process. The system has a 15-year battery life, making it the perfect system for a new home.
Pros:
It has several sensors for leak detection.
Works with pips from ½ to 1 inch in diameter, made of copper, PVC, or PEX
The water supply shut off automatically when freezing temperatures, leaks, and earthquakes are detected.
Cons:
The sensors for leak detection are overly sensitive, so take precautions when installing in a location with excess water.
4. Streamlabs Smart Home Water Monitor – Best Home Water Sensor
If your home already has a wireless valve shut-off system installed and you look to add on a water leak detection system, then the Streamlabs Smart Home Water Monitor is perfect for you!
This system tracks how much water you use in your household, cutting back on energy costs simple. The system lets you know when and where you are using too much water, so you know what to change to save on water usage.
Furthermore, this system can detect small leaks or burst pipes in your house. If you want to purchase this system but want the ability to shut down the water supply automatically, you will need to acquire a separate valve.
Pros:
The device is easy to install
Has the ability to detect any burst pipes and small leaks
You will not need to cut any pipes to installing the system
Cons:
The system requires a constant connection to the internet to work accurately.
Do not come with an automatic shut off feature
5. MyGuard Water Leak Detector – Best Laundry Room Leak Detector
The laundry room is one of the places most likely to be a source of water damage and water leakage. If you want something to ease your worries about water leakage happening in the room with all your clean clothes, try out the MyGuard Automatic Laundry Water Leak Detector.
This system is designed specifically for the laundry room, with the ability to shut off the water supply automatically. Since leaks are most likely to occur from the washing machine, this system can turn off the valves to the washing machine if any leaks are detected.
If only your laundry room generates leakage issues, this system is perfect for you, rather than splurging on a system for the whole house. It is less expensive and targets only the laundry room problem area in your house.
Pros:
There is a manual option to turn off the water
It is more cost-effective, as you are only targeting the laundry room
Has the ability to shut off the system for your washing machine
Cons:
It has known to trigger a false alarm from time to time
Only targets the washing machine system
6. Wally Wireless Automatic Shut Off Valve – Best Ball Valve
When comparing the different kinds of automatic shut-off valves, this device by Wally has one of the best solutions to the base problem. The device uses an advanced smartphone app, which allows you to access the ball valve from anywhere.
This system quickly fixes leaky pipes. The sensors installed in the system detect problems one at a time. information will send on your smartphone application. Information includes water usage, leaks, temperatures, and humidity. Having access to all this information can ensure your home is protected fully against any problems that arise.
This system by Wally is battery operated, meaning you do not need to worry if the power or internet connection goes out. All you need to do is connect it to the Wally Hub and sensors sold separately, and it will automatically shut off the water if any problems are detected. There is also the option to shut off manually the water yourself on the Wally app.
Pros:
A well-designed smartphone app that is easy to use and powerful
You can easily monitor your water usage and any leakages through the application
You can program it to control multiple different leak detectors throughout the house
Cons:
It is not recommended that you try and install this system yourself, so you will need to seek professional help.
The price range for this device is much higher than other alternatives
7. Leak Intel Z-Wave Control Valve – Best Smart Shut Off Valve
The Intel Z-Wave model is widely considered among the best water shut-off valves on the market today. With the system designed and manufactured in the USA, the developer created this system with the common problems faced in American homes.
The Intel Z-Wave detects even the minutest of leaks in the home, meaning any real danger is snuffed out before it develops. The automatic shut-off option is quite fast, and you can manually shut off the water from the smartphone application, while also monitoring your water usage.
Compared to other systems we have talked about, this one is much more advanced and hard to install, but it is worth it for the long lifespan. If you are looking for something technologically advanced, the Z-Wave can work alongside Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa by utilizing SmartThings. It means that you can voice control the water shut-off system and not even have to access your phone!
This ability to connect to various smart devices makes it the ultimate remote and wireless system. To ensure your system will do its job with no problems, the manufacturer includes a 10-year warranty upon purchasing. Additionally, the long lifespan of this system is ensured due to it being made out of stainless steel.
Pros:
Recommends remote access through your smartphone so you can control the device while monitoring other factors
Comes with a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer
Made completely from stainless-steel
Cons:
The threads can sometimes be hard to thread with this structure
You may need to seek professional help while installing the device as it is hard
8. Fortrezz Wireless Z-Wave Water Valve – Premium Water Shut Off Valve
If money is not an issue for you and you are looking for something you know will keep your home protected, you should consider getting this system by Fortrezz.
The Z-Wave Water Valve controls your entire house’s water supply. Simply connect it to your house’s main valve, then control everything from the smartphone app. If you do not notice any leaks yourself or are not at home when a leak emerges, the system’s flood sensors will turn off the main water supply to stop any damage.
While it cannot be accessed from the smartphone app, the system has a built-in moisture detector, which is a great feature. On the device, itself is a display unit that will tell you if any areas in your home have a buildup of excess moisture. Due to not being able to check this problem on the app, this system ranks lower on our list.
Pros:
Easy and quick to install
Comes with a remote control that is high quality
Cons:
It is one of the more expensive systems on this list
While the moisture detection system is great, it is not easily accessible
9. Grohe Sense Guard Smart Water Controller – Intuitive Water Shut Off Valve
Grohe is known for their home appliances in rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen, and other plumbing accessories. Fitting with their usual high standards, Grohe has designed a high-quality solution to any problems that arise from water damage. Grohe was committed to designing a system that detects any leakages in plumbing that otherwise may go undetected.
The system also comes with a host of great features, being a significant and intuitive smartphone app that controls the system. The app allows you to monitor the system while you are not home, in case any leakages occur, and you can also monitor your home’s water usage.
You will automatically be notified if the system detects any problems with the water supply. It ranges from leaks to any burst pipes. Due to the system’s premium sensors, it detects the water flow if it is out of the ordinary or if any frost damage has occurred on your pipes.
Pros:
Detects and responds to any leaks quickly and efficiently
Can detect any size of the leak, big and small
Can detect any disruptions to water flow, and frost damage
Cons:
Does not have a backup battery power supply
Can be difficult to tighten up the pipe fittings correctly
10. Watercop Z-Wave Smart Water Shut Off Valve – User-Friendly App
At first, we are not sure whether or not to include this system by Watercop on our list due to its complicated setup. However, once you become familiar with how everything works, this system is one of the best on the market right now.
The smartphone app for this system is easy to navigate but can be a little hard to understand when you first start using it. We noticed that the notifications sent by the app can be confusing. For example, if you get notified that the switch is on, it means the valve is off. It can be confusing for those who are just starting to use the system, as you may not be able to tell what state the valve is.
Once you have worked out the app and all of its notifications, it becomes a much easier app to use and navigate. It connects to the wireless smart hub quickly and the overall setup is fast and efficient.
Pros:
Set up is easy and fast
Easily integrates with the wireless smart hub
Has a user-friendly, and powerful smartphone app
Cons:
There have been known issues when users try to open and close the valve too fast
New users may find the smartphone app hard to understand
11. Linktap Wireless Water Timer and Gateway – Comprehensive Water Use System
This system by Linktap is quite different from the other products on our list, but we thought it should be included to help anyone. If you are looking for a system to install for something other than just monitoring your house’s water flow, then keep reading.
As well as being able to detect leaks in your home, this system is capable of helping you with your gardening! It includes a timer feature that allows you to automate when your fruits and vegetables get their well-needed watering.
This system is exceptional for those who love to garden but might not have the time to water their plants manually if they are out at work all day. The system offers six different modes that you can choose from. It allows you to control the timetable and the amount of water used. If you are conscious of how much water you might be using, the system’s ECO functions are great for keeping water usage to a minimum!
Pros:
Can control water flow in your home, as well as outside in your garden.
The automated watering will not occur if it has already rained that day
Easy to connect to the app so that you can decide on a watering schedule
Cons:
Known to be unreliable when detecting leaks
The device is primarily for watering rather than detecting leaks and problems.
12. Orbit B-Hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer – Best Wireless Faucet Timer
This device does exactly what it says on the tin, it is a timer for your faucets. You can easily connect the system to your phone through your wireless internet, which makes controlling the system while you are not at home easy as pie!
The system’s main hub is capable of connecting to multiple timers, meaning you have better control over larger areas of your property. Connection to the hub is done through either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. When simultaneously using multiple timers in different locations, your signal strength will be boosted through network meshing, ensuring connection at all times.
You can track how much water is used when watering the plants through the built-in flow meter. You can also track the water usage when doing other tasks such as washing the car or filling your pool. This feature allows you to understand how you are spending your water and means you can efficiently cut back on water usage.
Pros:
The powerful smartphone app is compatible with both Apple and Android devices
A great and efficient system for automatic watering of your garden
The system is compatible with Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa
Cons:
Set up of the device and application can be hard
It has been known to skip some watering scheduled
13. LeakSmart 888000 Automatic Shut Off Valve
The last device on our list is the LeakSmart 888000, a very efficient and powerful device. It can detect small leaks, comes with a battery backup, and is easy to connect with any smart home platform.
Although this device is last on our list, it surely is not the least. The system can switch to its battery backup as quickly as possible if the power to your home should go out, meaning you do not have to worry about anything going undetected.
The system will automatically shut off the valve to your water supply should any leaks be detected, meaning water damage is prevented. It is easy to see the status of your device due to the device’s LED light system. Although this system is fast and efficient, you will need to purchase the hub separately.
Pros:
Leaks are detected quickly
Can connect with any smart home platform
You will be notified on your phone of any leaks straight away
Cons:
You will need to seek professional help to install the device, as the installation is quite hard
The hub will need to be purchased separately
Wireless Water Shut Off Valve Guide
Even though you are now more educated on your wireless water shut-off valves, you may still have a difficult time finding the perfect fit for you. So, to help you even further, we have put together all the relevant information you should consider before purchasing. We have also further explained these devices and what they will do for your home.
What is a Smart Wi-Fi Water Shut Off Valve?
If you are still not familiar with what we have been talking about, smart Wi-Fi shut-off valves allow homeowner to turn off their water supply remotely from their smartphone. Furthermore, these valves automatically turn off the water supply should a leak be detected in the home.
Most of these systems are retrofit solutions, working alongside the PEX, PVC, or copper pipes already installed in your house’s plumbing system. Some devices are designed to target specific areas and appliances, while others monitor the whole house.
How do I Install a Smart Wi-Fi Water Shutoff Valve?
Most of the devices listed above are installed through DIY, but there may be devices that require a professional because of how advanced they are. With the right tools and an understanding of the instructions, you should be able to install the basics by yourself.
DIY solutions may require you some prior plumbing knowledge, as you are working with your home’s plumbing system. If you feel that you do not possess this knowledge, it may be worth calling someone you know who has these skills or investing in a professional to ensure it is installed correctly.
Either way, each system comes with detailed instructions with step-by-step instructions to ensure an easy installation process.
What Makes a Smart Water Shut Off Valve Smart?
What makes these devices capable of detecting leaks in your home is the built-in sensors. With these intuitive sensors, leaks detect immediately, and the water shut off, or you have the option to turn it off manually.
While some devices can only shut off the supply if they detect a leak, more advanced systems are capable of shutting down in case of emergencies. It could be due to an earthquake or sub-zero temperatures causing your pipes to freeze. These features all depend on what device you choose to invest in.
Are Smart Water Shut Off Valves Worth the Money?
When you weigh up how much one of these devices costs, alongside the potential damage you may have to pay in water damages, they are worth the money. You may also be able to save money on your home insurance policy, depending on who your provider is. Since your device is at a lower risk of water damage occurring with one of these devices, insurance providers are known to provide discounts. If this interests you, contact your insurance provider and ask about their policies surrounding these devices.
Overall, the device will pay for itself just by preventing a single leak, as without the device you may have had to pay thousands in water damage repairs. These devices prevent problems from developing into large-scale disasters.
How Do You Choose a Wireless Water Shut Off Valve?
These devices should not be chosen based solely on how expensive or cheap they are. Getting the proper device means considering all factors to ensure that you get your money’s worth. You also need to find a device suitable for all of your needs, not just one that looks the best. Take a look at some of these factors below.
Area of Protection
You need to decide what you want your device to do and where you want it to work. First, choose if you want a device that controls a single water line or your whole house’s water supply. Getting a device that can protect your house from leaks is the best option. So, make sure you read the device’s features carefully before purchasing.
If you purchase a device designed for a specific part of your house or a single appliance expecting it to cover the whole house, you may be surprised when leaks appear in other areas. If you do choose a device with limited protection, be sure to buy some extra sensors to cover other problem areas of your home.
Sensor Communication and Connections
If you learned anything from our list above, it should be that the wireless water shut-valves work wirelessly, without connecting to any cables. Wi-Fi is the best option, but you could connect to Z-Wave or Zigbee systems if the devices are versatile.
Due to being wireless, it should be easy to control the system and integrate them into any automatic platforms you may already have at home. If a Wi-Fi connection is not available, some systems offer a Bluetooth connection to your phone.
Detection Range
These systems will be useless if the sensors are not strong enough. You must check the device and its sensor’s range before purchasing. Having a decent range will allow the sensors to detect leaks more efficiently. You should also check how many detection points the system comes to.
If the leak sensors boast a long-range, you will need fewer to cover large areas of your home. Some models have sensors between 100 and 1000 feet – the longer the range, the further the system’s signal will reach. Furthermore, the more detection points you have, the better the system detects leaks.
Response Time
A device needs to have a quick response time. The water needs to shut off as soon as the leak is detected. If it takes too long for the valve to shut off the water supply, getting an automatic shut-off valve do you much good.
Ideally, whatever device you decide on should detect and turn off the water supply in under 5 seconds so that no further damage can occur.
Valve Material
A device made of high-quality material, such as stainless steel has a longer lifespan. Those who have just moved into a new house should opt for something made of stainless steel or something similar.
Other materials used in construction could be bronze and brass, which are capable of taking damage over time. Whatever material your device is made out of, just make sure that it is long-lasting and able to withstand pressure changes, varying temperatures, and moisture.
Available Accessories
We think it is best to look for a system that comes with a complete kit, not one that requires you to buy the add-ons separately. Opting for a system with a full package means you are ready to install right away and get the device up and running.
Ease of Installation
If you are big into DIY and are looking for a project, then look for a device that is easy to install. Fortunately, this is the case for most models on the market, all you need is basic plumbing knowledge, and you will be well on your way. Just follow the written instructions carefully.
Battery Life
If you can find a device that has long-lasting battery life, we recommend you invest in it. Some devices on the market offer a battery life of up to 15 years, which means you do not have to worry about a power outage as your valve will operate on the battery backup.
Final Words
As a homeowner, it may bring you great peace of mind to install one of these systems in your home. People can sometimes take their plumbing for granted, but with everything else in your life automated and connected to smart devices, why not attach your plumbing too?
While it may seem like a high-cost investment, you need to think about how much money you will be saving by preventing further water damage. Investing in a wireless water shut-off valve system is worthy of your time and money.