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This 3-pack of smart Wi-Fi water sensors alerts you of leaks for $30 (Update: Expired)

Normally $50, this must-have Govee kit notifies you three different ways if it detects any unexpected water.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read
govee-wifi-water-sensor-kit

For just $27 you get three Wi-Fi water sensors and a hub.

Govee

True story: A couple weeks ago, I heard an alarm sound coming from my kitchen. At first I couldn't fathom what it might be, but then I remembered: Earlier this year I placed a water-leak sensor under the sink. And it was going off. And it was because water was dripping from the base of the faucet.

How long would it have been until I'd noticed the leak myself? Probably not before some real damage had been done. So, yeah, I'm pretty glad I bought these things. You should, too, especially while this deal is happening: For a limited time, and while supplies last, the Govee WiFi Water Sensor three-pack is $30with the on-page $10-off coupon. Regular price: $50. That's a couple bucks higher than a recent Prime Day flash-sale, but still well worth it.

The kit employs a Wi-Fi hub that plugs into any outlet and three battery-powered sensors. The batteries are included and installed; you just pull a tab to activate the sensor. Although it took me two tries to get the hub properly connected to my home network, after that it was smooth sailing. (Your mileage may vary; if you look at the user reviews, you'll see that some people had difficulty getting everything set up.)

Read more: Best mesh Wi-Fi system of 2020  

In addition to the kitchen, I put one of the sensors alongside my basement water-softener system and one under the master-bathroom sink. Initially, I'd tested one by placing it on a plate with just a little water on it. In a matter of seconds, its loud (but not deafening) alarm sounded. A few seconds after that, I received a notification on my phone. And in my inbox I found yet another notification.

The sensors also have built-in drip detectors on top, so if you place one directly underneath a potential leak source (such as a faucet), it'll catch those, too. Need more than three sensors? The system can accommodate expansion.

Here's the potential deal-breaker for some buyers: The kit requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network; it can't work on those that run only at 5GHz. (My Eero system can do both simultaneously, one reason I'm glad I spent a little extra when choosing a mesh network.)

This thing has absolutely paid for itself already. I'm not saying it's foolproof, merely that I have much greater peace of mind where water leaks are concerned -- and clear evidence that it works as advertised.

Your thoughts?

Originally published earlier this year. Updated to reflect new price and availability.


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