Can I use Aqara sensors without Aqara Hub?

Yes! Aqara sensors work with Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA via a Zigbee USB coordinator like SONOFF ZBDongle-E or Conbee II. However, it's 'unofficial' and some features may be missing.

How many leak sensors do I need?

At minimum: 1 by washing machine, 1 by dishwasher, 1 by water heater. Ideally: also under kitchen sink, toilet, and in basement. 4-6 sensors cover most homes.

Can I automatically shut off water without Flo/Phyn?

Yes! Combine Zigbee leak sensors with an Aqara Valve Controller T1 or Tuya Zigbee water valve. HA automation closes the valve when sensor triggers.

Do sensors work in wet areas like bathrooms?

Aqara sensors are IP67 rated and handle humidity. Place them where water collects during leaks, not where there's normally water (e.g., not in the shower).

What happens during power outage?

Aqara Valve Controller T1 can be operated manually. Flo by Moen keeps valve in last position during power failure. Leak sensors are battery-powered and continue working.

Smart Water & Leak Detection

Water Safety Automation

Water damage is one of the most costly home disasters. With smart water monitoring you can detect leaks early and automatically shut off water before catastrophe strikes.

🏠 Water Monitoring Overview

Product Comparison

System	HA Integration	Type	Auto-stop	Price
Flo by Moen	✅ Native	Whole-home	✅ Yes	💰💰💰
Phyn Plus	⚠️ IFTTT	Whole-home	✅ Yes	💰💰💰
Flume 2	⚠️ HACS	Whole-home	❌ No	💰💰
Aqara Sensor	✅ Z2M/ZHA	Point	❌ No	💰
Aqara Valve T1	✅ Z2M/ZHA	Valve	✅ Yes	💰💰
Shelly Flood	✅ Native	Point	❌ No	💰

🌊 Flo by Moen (Native HA - Recommended)

Price: ~$500 (Smart Water Shutoff) Sensor price: ~$50 (Smart Leak Detector)

Native Home Assistant integration:

✅ Water flow rate (real-time)
✅ Water pressure measurement
✅ Temperature monitoring
✅ Automatic water shutoff
✅ Daily water consumption
✅ Micro-leak detection
✅ Away/Home/Sleep modes
❌ Requires plumber installation

Native Integration

# Settings → Devices → Add Integration
# Search "Flo"

# Requires:
# - Flo by Moen email
# - Flo by Moen password

# Entities created:
# - switch.flo_valve (open/close valve)
# - sensor.flo_water_flow_rate
# - sensor.flo_water_pressure
# - sensor.flo_water_temperature
# - sensor.flo_daily_consumption
# - binary_sensor.flo_pending_alerts

Services

# Available services:

# Run health test
- service: flo.run_health_test
  target:
    entity_id: switch.flo_valve

# Set to Away mode
- service: flo.set_away_mode
  target:
    entity_id: switch.flo_valve

# Set to Home mode
- service: flo.set_home_mode
  target:
    entity_id: switch.flo_valve

# Set to Sleep mode (pauses monitoring)
- service: flo.set_sleep_mode
  target:
    entity_id: switch.flo_valve

Automatic Water Shutoff

automation:
  # Shut off water on leak
  - alias: "Water - Shut Off on Leak"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id:
          - binary_sensor.aqara_water_leak_kitchen
          - binary_sensor.aqara_water_leak_bathroom
          - binary_sensor.aqara_water_leak_laundry
        to: "on"
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_off
        entity_id: switch.flo_valve
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          title: "🚰 WATER SHUT OFF!"
          message: >
            Leak detected: {{ trigger.to_state.name }}
            Water automatically shut off.
          data:
            push:
              sound:
                name: "alarm.caf"
                critical: 1

  # Away mode when everyone leaves
  - alias: "Water - Away Mode"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: group.family
        to: "not_home"
        for: "00:30:00"
    action:
      - service: flo.set_away_mode
        target:
          entity_id: switch.flo_valve

  # Home mode on arrival
  - alias: "Water - Home Mode"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: group.family
        to: "home"
    action:
      - service: flo.set_home_mode
        target:
          entity_id: switch.flo_valve

Buy: Moen.com, Amazon

Price: ~$600

AI-powered leak detection:

✅ 240 measurements per second
✅ Learns your home’s water pattern
✅ Detects leaks before they grow
✅ Automatic water shutoff
✅ Freeze alert
⚠️ No native HA integration
⚠️ IFTTT or custom API only
❌ Requires plumber installation

IFTTT Integration

# Via IFTTT webhooks

# IFTTT Applet:
# IF: Phyn detects leak
# THEN: Webhook to HA

automation:
  - alias: "Phyn Leak via IFTTT"
    trigger:
      - platform: webhook
        webhook_id: phyn_leak_detected
    action:
      - service: notify.all
        data:
          title: "🚰 Phyn: Leak detected!"
          message: "Phyn has detected a possible leak"

Custom REST Integration (Advanced)

# Phyn has unofficial API
# See: github.com/MizterB/homeassistant-phyn

# HACS custom component required

Buy: Phyn.com

📡 Zigbee Leak Sensors (Recommended DIY)

Price: ~$20 per sensor

The most popular Zigbee sensor:

✅ Zigbee 3.0
✅ IP67 waterproof
✅ Detects 0.5mm water
✅ CR2032 battery (2+ years)
✅ Temperature sensor
✅ HomeKit (via Aqara Hub)
⚠️ Works with Z2M/ZHA (unofficial)

Zigbee2MQTT Setup

# Pair sensor:
# 1. Hold down on top until blue LED blinks
# 2. Allow pairing in Z2M

# Entities:
# - binary_sensor.aqara_water_leak_xxx
# - sensor.aqara_water_leak_xxx_temperature
# - sensor.aqara_water_leak_xxx_battery

Buy: Amazon, AliExpress

Price: ~$25 per sensor

Officially Home Assistant compatible:

✅ Zigbee 3.0
✅ 120dB built-in alarm
✅ Drip detection
✅ AAA batteries (easier replacement)
✅ Works with HA badge
✅ Works with all Zigbee hubs

# Zigbee2MQTT device:
# Manufacturer: ThirdReality
# Model: 3RWS18BZ

# Entities:
# - binary_sensor.thirdreality_water_leak
# - sensor.thirdreality_battery

Buy: Amazon

Price: ~$25 per sensor

Premium Zigbee sensor:

✅ Zigbee 3.0
✅ Drip indicator (top)
✅ Floor sensor (bottom)
✅ Temperature sensor
✅ LED and siren alarm
✅ Solid build quality

# SmartThings Water Leak Sensor (Aeotec)
# Works with ZHA and Z2M

# Entities:
# - binary_sensor.water_leak
# - sensor.temperature
# - sensor.battery

Buy: Amazon, SmartThings

🔧 Smart Water Valves

Price: ~$60

Best Zigbee water valve:

✅ Zigbee 3.0 + Matter
✅ Fits DN15/DN20/DN25 (½”, ¾”, 1”)
✅ 4x AA batteries (2 years)
✅ Manual backup on power failure
✅ Home Assistant, HomeKit, Alexa
✅ Easy DIY installation
❌ Requires Aqara Hub

Integration

# Via Aqara Hub → HA integration
# Or Zigbee2MQTT (experimental)

# Entities:
# - switch.aqara_valve_t1
# - sensor.aqara_valve_t1_battery

automation:
  - alias: "Shut off water on leak"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.water_leak
        to: "on"
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_off
        entity_id: switch.aqara_valve_t1

Buy: Aqara.com, Amazon

Price: ~$40-60

Budget alternative:

✅ Zigbee or WiFi versions
✅ Fits standard ball valves
✅ Timer and scheduling
✅ Tuya/Smart Life app
✅ Works with Z2M
⚠️ Requires neutral

# Tuya Zigbee valve via Z2M
# Search for: TS0001 valve

# Entities:
# - switch.tuya_valve

Buy: AliExpress, Amazon

Price: ~$90

Smart garden watering with flow:

✅ Zigbee 3.0
✅ Flow rate sensor
✅ 180 days history
✅ Capacity and scheduling
⚠️ Flow doesn’t work in HA yet

# SONOFF SWV (Smart Water Valve)
# ZHA: Only on/off exposed
# Z2M: On/off + flow (0 bug)

# Waiting for firmware update

Buy: ITEAD, Amazon

📍 Placement Guide

Where to place leak sensors?

Location	Priority	Risk
Under dishwasher	⭐⭐⭐ High	Hose burst
Under washing machine	⭐⭐⭐ High	Hose burst
Under kitchen sink	⭐⭐⭐ High	Leaky fitting
By water heater	⭐⭐⭐ High	Tank leak
Under toilet	⭐⭐ Medium	Condensation, leak
By sump pump	⭐⭐ Medium	Flooding
Basement/utility room	⭐⭐ Medium	Groundwater
By refrigerator	⭐ Lower	Ice maker leak

🤖 Complete Automation Suite

automation:
  # ===== LEAK RESPONSE =====

  # Critical leak alarm
  - alias: "Water - Critical Leak"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id:
          - binary_sensor.water_leak_kitchen
          - binary_sensor.water_leak_bathroom
          - binary_sensor.water_leak_laundry
          - binary_sensor.water_leak_basement
        to: "on"
    action:
      # Shut main valve
      - service: switch.turn_off
        entity_id: switch.water_main_valve

      # Critical notification
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          title: "🚨 WATER LEAK!"
          message: >
            {{ trigger.to_state.attributes.friendly_name }}
            Water automatically shut off!
          data:
            push:
              sound:
                name: "alarm.caf"
                critical: 1
                volume: 1.0
            actions:
              - action: "REOPEN_WATER"
                title: "Reopen water"

      # Turn on lights
      - service: light.turn_on
        entity_id: light.all_lights
        data:
          brightness_pct: 100

      # TTS alarm
      - service: tts.speak
        target:
          entity_id: media_player.kitchen_speaker
        data:
          message: "Warning! Water leak detected. Water has been shut off."

  # Handle reopening
  - alias: "Water - Reopen after alarm"
    trigger:
      - platform: event
        event_type: mobile_app_notification_action
        event_data:
          action: "REOPEN_WATER"
    condition:
      # Only if leak stopped
      - condition: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.water_leak_kitchen
        state: "off"
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_on
        entity_id: switch.water_main_valve
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          message: "✅ Water reopened"

  # ===== PREVENTION =====

  # Freeze warning
  - alias: "Water - Freeze Warning"
    trigger:
      - platform: numeric_state
        entity_id: sensor.water_pipe_temperature
        below: 4
    action:
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          title: "❄️ Freeze Warning"
          message: >
            Water temperature: {{ states('sensor.water_pipe_temperature') }}°C
            Risk of frozen pipes!

  # ===== WATER USAGE =====

  # Abnormal usage
  - alias: "Water - Abnormal Usage"
    trigger:
      - platform: numeric_state
        entity_id: sensor.flo_daily_consumption
        above: 500  # liters
    condition:
      - condition: time
        after: "23:00:00"
    action:
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          title: "💧 High water usage"
          message: >
            Today's usage: {{ states('sensor.flo_daily_consumption') }} liters
            This is above normal.

📊 Dashboard

type: vertical-stack
cards:
  # Water status
  - type: entities
    title: "💧 Water Monitoring"
    entities:
      - entity: switch.flo_valve
        name: "Main Valve"
      - entity: sensor.flo_water_flow_rate
        name: "Flow rate"
      - entity: sensor.flo_water_pressure
        name: "Pressure"
      - entity: sensor.flo_daily_consumption
        name: "Today's usage"

  # Leak sensors
  - type: glance
    title: "🚰 Leak Sensors"
    entities:
      - entity: binary_sensor.water_leak_kitchen
        name: "Kitchen"
      - entity: binary_sensor.water_leak_bathroom
        name: "Bathroom"
      - entity: binary_sensor.water_leak_laundry
        name: "Laundry"
      - entity: binary_sensor.water_leak_basement
        name: "Basement"
    state_color: true

  # Usage graph
  - type: history-graph
    title: "Water Usage (7 days)"
    entities:
      - entity: sensor.flo_daily_consumption
    hours_to_show: 168

🛒 Buying Strategy

Budget DIY (~$80)

Aqara Water Leak Sensor (4x) (~$80)
Zigbee coordinator (if not existing)
Total: ~$80-120

Standard Smart (~$200)

Aqara Water Leak Sensor (4x) (~$80)
Aqara Valve Controller T1 (~$60)
Aqara Hub M2 (~$60)
Total: ~$200

Complete Whole-home (~$650)

Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff (~$500)
Flo Smart Leak Detector (2x) (~$100)
Plumber installation (~$50)
Total: ~$650

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Ofte stillede spørgsmål

Can I use Aqara sensors without Aqara Hub?: Yes! Aqara sensors work with Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA via a Zigbee USB coordinator like SONOFF ZBDongle-E or Conbee II. However, it's 'unofficial' and some features may be missing.
How many leak sensors do I need?: At minimum: 1 by washing machine, 1 by dishwasher, 1 by water heater. Ideally: also under kitchen sink, toilet, and in basement. 4-6 sensors cover most homes.
Can I automatically shut off water without Flo/Phyn?: Yes! Combine Zigbee leak sensors with an Aqara Valve Controller T1 or Tuya Zigbee water valve. HA automation closes the valve when sensor triggers.
Do sensors work in wet areas like bathrooms?: Aqara sensors are IP67 rated and handle humidity. Place them where water collects during leaks, not where there's normally water (e.g., not in the shower).
What happens during power outage?: Aqara Valve Controller T1 can be operated manually. Flo by Moen keeps valve in last position during power failure. Leak sensors are battery-powered and continue working.

📚 Next Steps

Smart Alarm

Protect your entire home.

See guide →

Energy Management

Monitor usage and save money.