GoKawiilWater damage is one of those problems where a single sensor can save you a major repair bill on your floors, cabinets, etc. Leak sensors have been among the best values in the smart home for years, and Shelly’s new Flood S Gen4 makes it even easier to get started. It’s under $30, Matter-certified, and works with Apple Home out of the box.
HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.
Bigger sensors
Most leak sensors on the market today use small metal pins on the bottom, which means water has to pool in exactly the right spot before anything triggers. Shelly went a different direction with its new sensor, with three large stainless steel pads spread across the bottom of the unit. A larger contact area means water is detected faster and in more places, which is the whole point of putting a sensor under a water heater or washing machine in the first place.
The pads are also sensitive enough to detect clean or low-conductivity water, such as AC condensate. These leaks are often a lot harder to detect. The Flood S Gen4 is also low profile enough to slide under appliances, behind toilets, and beneath sinks, which is exactly where you want these things to live.
Matter/Apple Home support
The Flood S Gen4 is Matter certified and supports Wi-Fi and Zigbee, so it works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant. Once it’s in Apple Home, the automation possibilities open up:
Cut power to a washing machine or dishwasher the moment water is detected (if it’s on a smart outlet)
Trigger every smart bulb in your house
Simple alerts to your iPhone of a leak detected (incredibly helpful if out of town)
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