Water Leak Detection Devices

[Phillip Dwyer]

After 2 weeks of dealing with several different forms of water damage (leaking water heaters, refrigerator lines cracking, toilet tank seal cracking, etc), I'm going on the offensive.  I started researching leak detection devices, and was wondering if anyone has experiences good or bad with these.  

[Roy N.]

Phillip:

We use a variety of liquid, moisture, and humidity sensors with our building monitoring set-up to detect leaks (or when a bathroom fan or the HRV needs to be switched on) and have begun incorporating them into our renovations.

That said, with the exception of humidistats on bathroom fans, the best offence we've found is prevention.  We use flow arrestor lines on washing machines and dishwashers and inspect them annually; we do not use refrigerators with water dispensers or ice makers (they are less energy efficient anyway) and we install trays and floor drains under appliances and hot water tanks whenever possible.