Do these steps to reduce burst-pipe and water-leak risk — whether you're home or traveling.
- Know your main water shutoff location: Locate it and make sure everyone in the home knows it.
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Set thermostat minimums: Keep heat steady and avoid big temp drops overnight.
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Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls: To let warm air circulate.
- Slow, steady faucet drip: Drip faucets on exterior walls or furthest from water line entry.
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Protect exposed pipes in garages/basements/crawl spaces: Insulate or warm those areas.
- If you're leaving home: Shut off water if safe/appropriate and drain lines.
- Test your StreamLabs leak alerts: Make sure your phone notifications are enabled and you can receive real-time leak alerts.
Where to place your water leak sensors:
- Water heater & drain pan area: This is one of the most common sources of catastrophic home water damage. A sensor here is critical.
- Under the kitchen sink: Especially if it's on an exterior wall, this area contains multiple water lines and a garbage disposal, making it a high-risk zone.
- Basement / mechanical room: Place a sensor near your main water line entry point to catch leaks at the source.
- Laundry / washing machine hoses: Washing machine supply hoses are under constant pressure and can fail without warning.
- Bathrooms: Place sensors under the vanity sink and behind the toilet, as these are common, slow-leak locations.
- Near sump pump / floor drains: For homes with basements, a sensor can alert you if your sump pump fails or a floor drain backs up.
How StreamLabs supports you during winter storms
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Early leak detection: When water shows up where it shouldn't
- Fast notifications: So you can act before damage spreads
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Water monitoring insights: To spot abnormal usage patterns
- Easy DIY setup (Monitor & Scout): So you can get protected quickly
Choose your level of water leak protection
BasicLeak alerts in key areas Best for: Apartments / condos / renters / quick coverage Shop Sensors |
BetterWhole-home monitoring + alerts Best for: Homeowners who want broader visibility Shop Monitoring |
BestAutomatic shutoff + monitoring Best for: Frequent travelers / second homes / highest risk Shop Shutoff |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this help if I'm away from home?
Yes. You can get notified quickly when a leak is detected so you can act—contact someone nearby, a plumber, or take the next step based on your setup.
What happens if Wi-Fi goes out during the storm?
If Wi-Fi goes down, real-time remote notifications may pause until connectivity returns. Best practice: keep your router on a battery backup if possible, and make sure your phone notifications are enabled.
What happens during a power outage?
Power outages can affect connected devices depending on your setup. If storm outages are common in your area, consider a backup power option for your modem/router and key devices so monitoring stays online longer.
Where should I place my first sensors before the freeze?
Start at the highest risk points: water heater area, under kitchen sink, basement/mechanical room, laundry hoses, and bathroom vanities.
How quickly will I know if there's a leak?
The goal is fast detection and notification so you can respond early—especially overnight or when you're away.
I'm a renter/condo owner—does this still make sense?
Absolutely. Early alerts help you respond quickly and potentially reduce damage. Start with sensors in kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas.
Do I need a professional installation?
Many setups are DIY-friendly. If you're adding a auto-shutoff device or changing plumbing components, a professional installation is recommended.
How many sensors do I need?
Start with 2–3 for the highest-risk areas, then expand room-by-room. Coverage grows quickly when you prioritize the water heater, kitchen, and laundry first.
What's the best "storm-ready" setup?
A practical approach is: sensors in key leak zones + monitoring insights for abnormal usage + (where applicable) automatic shutoff for maximum peace of mind.