Mini-Water Leak Detector

The Mini-Water Leak detector is part of the Sensible Living family of wireless sensors. It works just like the original but is ¼ the size, half the price and operates for a year on a single coin cell battery.

Note: If you don't already have a system it will be easier to order the full Starter Kit and change the sensor choice (on the lower right) to the Mini-Water Leak sensor

Like the rest of the Sensible Living sensors, it requires the Desktop Application and Receiver (sold separately) to let you know when there is a problem. The Mini-Water Leak detector is typically attached to a wall near your appliance using the included adhesive Velcro pads and the sensor (the white, sea shell or smiley face shaped piece) is placed on the floor under the appliance (refrigerator, washing machine, hot water heater, sink, toilet etc.). If it ever gets wet it will let you know. It can take as little as a few drops of water to trigger the alarm. The sensor checks for moisture every fifteen seconds, if it's still dry it goes back to sleep. Note: it can take 5 to 10 seconds to react to the water.

Like the rest of the Sensible Living sensor family it is designed as a low power, battery operated, sensor that sleeps most of the time and wakes up once per hour (default setting) and updates its status.

The Sensible Living Receiver and Desktop application are designed to work with the Mini-Water leak sensor node. The Desktop App can then be configured to send you a message if the sensor ever gets damp.

Also available on this site:

• Receiver
• Mini-Plant Sensor
• Mini-Temperature Monitor
• Mini-Water leak detector
• Mini-Tilt Sensor
• Mini-Light Sensor
• Mini-General Purpose Sensor
• Temperature and Humidity Monitor
• Refrigerator/freezer temperature monitor
• Quad AC Current monitor (monitors up to four circuits simultaneously)
• Wireless MQ2 Combustible Gas sensor
• General Purpose Sensor board
• Motion Sensor
• Range Extender

Why did you make it?

I have heard from so many friends about water leaks from ice makers, washing machines, water heaters, toilets and sinks, frozen water lines etc. and the damage and expense they can cause to your home that I built this sensor. I have not had this happen yet but now I’m prepared.

All of these were built to address specific needs around my home and for my family.

What makes it special?

The Water leak sensor works for more than a year on a single battery. If you ever have a leak under that appliance it will let you know before it becomes a disaster. The commercial sensors I have seen simply make a noise if they detect a leak. With this sensor and the desktop app it can send you an email or text message right to your cell phone wherever you happen to be. (Requires the Sensible Living Desktop application and Receiver.)

Arduino Enthusiasts

If you are interested in playing with wireless sensors this is an inexpensive and easy way to get started. These sensors are ATTIny85 based. They are a little more difficult to program than their bigger brothers (no monitor or boot loader) but still simple once you get the hang of it. I use the USBTinyISP from AdaFruit to program them and the ATTINY85 (External 8MHZ clock) board package. Contact me for schematics and sketches or for more information.