One of the things I love about the home automation community is that video ideas often come from conversations we’re having online. This one started with a Reddit discussion about inexpensive water leak sensors for the IQ Panel 4.
The Redditor was attracted to a sale on a Zooz ZSE42 Leak Sensor, but unfortunately they are not compatible with the IQ Panels. So, the question became simply, What’s the least expensive flood sensor that’s compatible and available?
That led me to the Ecolink WST-621. At under $20, it’s certainly not the newest sensor on the market, and it uses the legacy 319.5 MHz protocol, but it has a few things going for it. Not only does it provide flood detection, but it also includes a freeze sensor that learns into the panel separately, effectively giving you two sensors in one device.
I created a video (part of the How To series) to show:
- Adding the flood sensor to an IQ Panel 4
- Adding the freeze sensor to an IQ Panel 4
- The proper sensor type selections during enrollment
- Testing functionality once added
The WST-621 is definitely a different generation of solution when compared to the PowerG+ Water Tile, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. At under $20, I could see throwing one under every sink in the house or behind appliances where I might otherwise not bother installing a sensor at all.
Personally, I’d still reserve critical locations like my water heater or sump overflow for the PowerG lineup, but for less critical spots, I think there’s a lot to be said for having more sensors in more places.
After all, the best water leak sensor is the one that’s there when you need it.
I’d love to hear how everyone else approaches leak detection. Are you putting sensors everywhere? Reserving them only for critical locations? Mixing and matching based on risk and budget?
Please note that I have no affiliation with Ecolink and have not battle tested this sensor - but so far so good. Throwing them under my fridge and kitchen sink tonight!