One of the worst problems for homeowners to deal with is water leaks, which can be incredibly destructive. What may start as a small drip can quickly turn into a flooding nightmare, especially if it’s a water leak you aren’t aware of. Whether caused by burst pipes, a leaky toilet, or a faulty appliance, water leaks can be hard to detect, and can ultimately result in expensive repairs. The longer a leak goes undetected, the more damage it does, destroying furniture and decorations, while also causing mold to grow, and even threatening the structural integrity of your home. This is where having a water leak detector comes in handy. These devices constantly monitor for potential leaks in places where water damage can occur, allowing homeowners to take action as soon as water leaks are detected. For a water leak detector that’s easy to setup and reliable to use, go with the First Alert L1.
The First Alert L1 is a smart water leak and freeze detector that monitors temperatures and humidity while also keeping track of potential water leaks through a set of built-in water sensors, along with a 5 ft. cable sensor that detects water along its entire length. The device also integrates an LED status light and a 100 dB alarm that are activated when water leaks, specific temperatures or high humidity levels are detected, a built-in reset button, and boasts Wi-Fi connectivity and up to 2 years of battery life. It offers homeowners a simple setup and can be used alone or ultimately paired with additional units to create a bigger water leak detection system, for which it also supports compatible devices such as the Resideo L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve. Via the First Alert App, you’re sent mobile and email notifications alerting you of water leaks, freezing temperatures and humidity changes outside of the set range, and you can also monitor its operation.
Designed to help you avoid costly home repairs caused by water damage, this device enables you to detect and stop water leaks before they get out of hand, making it ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and basements, or anywhere else where water poses a potential risk for damage.
Below is our comprehensive review of the First Alert L1, where we talk more about how this smart water leak and freeze detector works and you’re supposed to use it.
DESIGN & SPECS
First off, this smart water leak and freeze detector has a very small footprint, as the device measures only 3.9 inches long by 1.1 inches wide by 2 inches tall.
The First Alert L1 also has a sleek and discreet design, featuring a pill-shaped body that comes in a Matte White and Gray color. The device also has a rugged, waterproof construction.
We’ll now have a closer look at the device’s main components. For monitoring temperatures and humidity and detecting water leaks, this smart water leak and freeze detector comes equipped with a set of two (x2) built-in water sensors integrated at its bottom side, which can accurately measure humidity levels and low temperatures that can lead to burst pipes as well as detect water leaks with great precision when they come in contact with water.
The device also comes together with a 5 ft. cable sensor that can detect water along its entire length. Its cable sensor plugs directly to the water leak detector through a connection port located at the left side of the device.
In addition to its water sensors, the First Alert L1 also integrates an LED status light and a 100 dB alarm with two siren holes located at the top side of the device, all of which are activated whenever water leaks, specific temperatures or high humidity levels are detected.
The device’s 100 dB alarm is loud enough to be easily heard throughout your home.
Its LED status light will flash in an Orange light color to warn you of detected anomalies (can be either a water leak and/or dangerous low temperatures or high humidity levels), and will charge into a solid Blue light color once the detected issues have been resolved. (Note that the device’s light also flashes in a White light color during firmware updates).
SET UP / INSTALLATION
In regard to its installation, know that this smart water leak and freeze detector is designed to offer homeowners a quick and simple setup.
To set it up, simply install the device under a sink, near a washing machine, a water heater, a sump pump, or anywhere else where you’re looking to detect water leaks.
The device also comes with a screw for mounting it on a wall if necessary.
Once you’re done installing it, you need to pair the device to its mobile app to complete its configuration.
As for the device’s included cable sensor, it can be easily looped through a basement or utility room to enhance the First Alert L1’s detection capabilities for low temperatures, high levels of humidity, and water leaks.
Its cable sensor’s detection range can be extended up to 500 feet by connecting it to additional 5 ft. cables (sold separately for $14.99 each).
Integrated at the left side of the First Alert L1, there’s a built-in reset button through which you can easily reset the device after it detects a leak.
In case you’re using the device together with its cable sensor, you should also unplug and completely dry its cable sensor, then plug it back into the device, and it’s ready to use again.
While this smart water leak and freeze detector can be used alone, it can also be paired with additional devices to create a bigger water leak detection system in places where there’s risk of water leaks.
The device also supports compatible devices such as the Resideo L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve, which can be used to have it automatically shut off the water in your home whenever a leak is detected. The Resideo L5 Shutoff Valve can be purchased for around $200, but it must be installed by a professional.
CONNECTIVITY
For establishing a wireless connection with its mobile app, this smart water leak and freeze detector uses Wi-Fi connectivity, supporting only 2.4Ghz networks.
BATTERY & BATTERY LIFE
For its power, the device utilizes two (x2) AA batteries (included in the box), which give the device approximately 2 years of battery life.
When it comes to replacing its AA batteries, the device comes equipped with a removable cover that protects its battery compartment. Simply take out its removable cover, swap out the batteries with new ones, re-install its cover, and the device can be used again.
THE SMARTPHONE COMPANION APP – The First Alert App
For monitoring the device’s operation, users are required to install the First Alert App on their smartphones, which is available to download for iOS and Android devices.
Via the First Alert App, you’re sent mobile and email notifications whenever the First Alert L1 detects water leaks, freezing temperatures, or hazardous humidity changes outside of the set range.
Furthermore, the app also enables users to check the device’s current temperature and humidity readings, allowing homeowners to monitor its operation in real time.
Lastly, the app also lets you visualize a timeline of sensor activity, showing you the type of event that was detected, the time it occurred, and when it was resolved.
FINAL THOUGHTS
All in all, this smart water leak and freeze detector allows you to monitor your home for water leaks, high humidity, and low temperatures that could lead to burst pipes, while also alerting you in real time whenever such events are detected, giving you peace of mind against water damage.
If you’re interested in purchasing it, you can either go with the full kit, which is priced at just $64.49 and comes with a cable sensor, or you can purchase the device alone without a cable sensor for $47.80. Each purchase is also accompanied by a 2-Year Warranty.
You can order it online either directly from Resideo’s official shopping page, or you can buy it on Amazon.
