Water alarms

Place water alarms around your home to know when potential water issues are detected.

On this page

• Who should take action
• What it is
• Benefits
• What you'll need
• What's involved
• Cost
• When to do it
• Be flood ready

Who should take action

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Landlords and property managers
• All homes with coastal, rainfall, and riverine flood risk
• Most important for homes with:
  • previous water damage and basement flooding cracks (previously sealed or unsealed) in basement floors, walls and near windows

What it is

A water alarm uses sensors to detect water in your home. It's also known as a leak detector.

These alarms provide an early warning when water is detected, such as a sound alarm, digital message, or a visual indicator. An alarm can be triggered by:

• a puddle of water
• water seeping through cracks
• humidity

Some smart models can be programmed to notify you through a mobile application or through your home's central alarm system.

Remember that a water alarm can't identify the cause or issue. Check what caused the alarm and take steps to fix the issue, whether it's repairing a burst pipe or clearing a clog to stop an overflowing drain. Alarms should not replace your regular home inspection for leaks and other potential water issues.

Use water alarms with other systems such as backwater valves to protect your home.

Benefits

• Water alarms can provide early detection of what could become a costly issue
• Smart models connected to a mobile device can provide peace of mind when you're away from home
• Some insurance companies offer discounts for installing water detection systems
  • Check if you need an automatic water valve shutoff, which is an add-on feature

What you'll need

• A water alarm
• Batteries
• Wi-Fi hub that connects smart alarms to your home's Wi-Fi
  • This is included with the device

What's involved

Water alarms can be purchased from hardware or retail stores. They're easily installed by following the instructions provided with the device.

Consider purchasing multiple water alarms for your home, especially if your home's water sources are spread across a large space or multiple floors.

Place the devices in areas where water damage could occur, such as:

• basement floors near sump pumps, under windows, or near foundation cracks
• washing machines
• hot water tanks
• near the following in your basement or lowest floor of your home:
  • floor drains
  • toilets
  • under sinks

Cost

• A water alarm can range from $20 to $75 or more
  • Costs depends on the model purchased
• Costs may vary across Canada

When to do it

• Replace your water alarm batteries annually or as instructed by the manufacturer
• Test your alarm annually
  • Place it in a bathtub or small container and run water until it makes contact with the alarm's sensor
  • Once the alarm sounds, dry it off and return it to its spot

Remember to monitor your alarms. They can issue false alarms, and fail due to age or lack of power.

Be flood ready

Flood readiness requires regular upkeep just like any other home or property maintenance task. Add water alarm maintenance to your annual task checklist.

Seek support from a local professional, friend, family or community member, if you are unable to complete this task on your own.