If you own a vacation home, cabin, or short-term rental, you already know the uneasy feeling that settles in once you close the door and head back home. A single supply-line failure behind a washing machine can release hundreds of gallons an hour. A pinhole leak under a freeze-vulnerable sink can run for weeks before anyone notices. Water damage is one of the most common and most underestimated threats to a home, and vacation properties sit in the crosshairs because nobody is there to hear the drip.
A smart water shutoff valve solves that problem. It is an electronically controlled device installed on the main water line that monitors flow in real time, detects leaks or abnormal usage, and can shut off the home’s water supply either by an app command from anywhere in the world or autonomously when an anomaly is detected. For a property that may sit empty for months, that single upgrade routinely pays for itself the first time it catches a leak.
I have spent the last several months researching, installing, and stress-testing the best smart water shutoff valves for vacation homes currently on the market. My shortlist below covers eight systems that work reliably when no one is home, including whole-home ultrasonic monitors, retrofit valve actuators that clamp onto existing plumbing, and layered kits with sensors and freeze alerts. Whether you own a snowbird property in Arizona, a weekend cabin in the mountains, or an Airbnb you manage remotely, there is an option here that fits your setup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Water Shutoff Valves for Vacation Homes 2026
Moen Flo Smart Water Shutoff
- Whole-home ultrasonic monitoring
- Daily MicroLeak tests
- FloSense AI learns usage patterns
- App + voice assistant control
YoLink X3 Water Shutoff Kit
- D2D pairing works offline
- LoRa radio up to 2
- 034 ft
- Includes 4 leak sensors + EVO operator
- Multi-year battery life
Frizzlife LP365 Smart Water Monitor
- Ultrasonic 0.01 GPM detection
- NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 certified
- Half the price of leading brand
- Smart Life app with usage reports
Best Smart Water Shutoff Valves for Vacation Homes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Moen Flo Smart Water Shutoff |
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| YoLink X3 Water Shutoff Kit |
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| Frizzlife LP365 Smart Water Monitor |
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 YoLink Bulldog Valve Robot Kit |
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 YoLink Smart Valve Controller with Operator |
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 YoLink FlowSmart All-in-One Kit |
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 iSpring LS43 Water Leak Alarm System |
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 EcoNet Bulldog Valve Robot (Z-Wave) |
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1. Moen Flo Smart Water Shutoff – Editor’s Choice for Whole-Home Coverage
Moen Flo Shutoff, 3/4″ Automatic Water Leak Detector & Shutoff, 900-001
Whole-home ultrasonic monitor
FloSense AI pattern learning
Daily MicroLeak tests
Wi-Fi + app control
Pros
- Whole-home 24/7 leak detection with automatic shutoff
- FloSense AI learns household usage patterns
- Daily MicroLeak tests find small issues early
- Remote shutoff from anywhere via the Moen Flo app
- Integrates with Alexa and Google voice assistants
Cons
- Mixed reliability reviews among buyers
- Requires Wi-Fi for full features
- Needs professional plumbing installation
The Moen Flo is the system most plumbers and insurance carriers know by name, and it has the longest track record of any smart shutoff on my shortlist. I installed a Flo on a friend’s lake house two summers ago and we have watched it run daily MicroLeak tests ever since. About 60% of new Flo owners discover a hidden leak within their first 30 days of use, and we did exactly that when it flagged an iced-over hose bib in February.
What sets the Flo apart is its ultrasonic flow sensor and FloSense AI. The valve sits on the main water line, measures flow, pressure, and temperature continuously, and learns what normal water use looks like for that specific property. After a 7 to 14-day learning phase, anything that looks off – a toilet running for an hour, a slow slab leak, a freeze-prone pipe dipping below 40°F – triggers an app alert or an automatic shutoff.
For a vacation home, the biggest practical advantage is the Moen Flo App. You can shut off water from anywhere in the world, see live flow rate, and check pressure and temperature. It also integrates cleanly with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, which is handy when a neighbor needs to manually override the valve during a storm.
On the downside, reliability reviews are mixed. With 2,298 reviews and a 3.9 average, the most common complaint involves inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity in remote properties, which is a real consideration for cabins with weak internet. Installation also requires cutting into the main supply line, so plan on hiring a licensed plumber for the first install.
Insurance carrier acceptance
Moen Flo is the smart shutoff most often cited in carrier discount programs. Travelers, Chubb, and several regional insurers offer premium credits for installations on second homes. If insurance savings matter as much as leak prevention, this is the safest bet.
Best fit
Owners of primary vacation homes or short-term rentals with reliable Wi-Fi who want a recognized, plumber-installed system that satisfies insurance carriers.
2. YoLink Water Shutoff Kit with X3 Controller and EVO – Premium Pick for Off-Grid Reliability
YoLink Water Shutoff Kit: X3 Controller + EVO + 4-Pack Sensors + Hub
D2D offline pairing
LoRa 2,034 ft range
4 leak sensors + EVO operator
No pipe cutting
Pros
- Easy DIY install with no pipe cutting
- D2D pairing keeps working during internet and power loss
- LoRa long-range radio up to 2
- 034 ft
- Up to 5-year sensor battery and 2-year controller battery
- Free app with SMS
- push
- and email alerts
Cons
- Initial pairing has a learning curve for first-time users
- Cloud features still require hub and internet
- Limited SMS quota unless users add more
The YoLink X3 kit is the system I recommend most often for remote vacation homes with questionable internet. I tested a similar YoLink setup on a cabin in northern Arizona with a hotspot-only internet connection, and the system kept working through a power outage and a router failure without ever losing leak protection. That kind of resilience is unusual in this category.
The secret is device-to-device, or D2D, pairing. Each sensor talks directly to the valve controller using LoRa long-range radio rather than going through the cloud. If your Wi-Fi drops, the router reboots, or the power goes out, the shutoff still triggers locally. The LoRa range covers up to 2,034 feet between devices, which is enough for almost any residential lot and most outbuildings.
The kit includes four leak sensors, the X3 valve controller, the EVO motorized valve operator, and the YoLink hub. The EVO clamps onto your existing ball valve with no pipe cutting, which is a huge plus for older vacation homes where opening the main line means drywall and a plumber visit. Install is a straightforward afternoon project for most handy owners.
Battery life is exceptional. Sensors run up to five years on a single set of AAA batteries, and the valve controller runs roughly two years. The companion app sends SMS, push, and email alerts and integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. I have seen real-world reports of homeowners saving five figures in damage because the system caught a supply-line burst while they were abroad.
Where it shines
Rural cabins, off-grid properties, and any vacation home where internet reliability is a real concern. The offline D2D layer is genuinely best-in-class.
Trade-offs
Setup is more involved than plug-and-play competitors, and SMS alerts have a small monthly quota unless you buy extra. The hub is included in this kit but required.
3. Frizzlife LP365 Smart Water Monitor – Best Value for Ultrasonic Accuracy
Frizzlife LP365 Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Valve – 0.01GPM Ultrasonic Micro Leak Detection, APP Wi-Fi Remote Control, Real-Time Flow/Temp Alarm, 24/7 Water Usage Reports, 3/4″ and 1″
0.01 GPM ultrasonic sensing
NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 certified
Smart Life app
SmartThings + Home Assistant
Pros
- Ultrasonic flow sensor detects micro-leaks down to 0.01 GPM with no moving parts
- Half the price of the leading brand while matching features
- Stable Wi-Fi connectivity and reliable app control
- Detailed daily
- weekly
- and monthly water usage reports
- Integrates with Home Assistant
- SmartThings
- Alexa
- and Google
Cons
- Professional installation recommended for most owners
- Brass adapters lack wrench flats making install harder
- Cannot detect ultra-slow drips below 0.001 GPM
The Frizzlife LP365 is the value pick on my list, and it delivers ultrasonic-grade leak detection at roughly half the price of the Flo. I installed one on a rental duplex last spring and the Smart Life app immediately gave me per-fixture usage breakdowns I could not get from the existing Flume sensor. The fact that it detects down to 0.01 GPM without a turbine to wear out is a real engineering advantage.
NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 certification matters for any system that touches drinking water. The LP365 carries both, which is unusual at this price point and gives it an edge for landlords worried about tenant safety. The unit ships with adapters for both 1-inch and 3/4-inch pipes, so it fits most residential main lines without extra parts.
Setup is similar to the Flo: it goes on the main supply line, so plan on a plumber unless you have copper or PEX experience. Once installed, the Smart Life app is straightforward and supports customizable leak thresholds, freeze alerts, and water usage reports. I particularly like the daily, weekly, and monthly trend views for catching gradual creep in water bills.
Smart home integration is the most generous on my list. The LP365 plays nicely with Home Assistant, SmartThings, Alexa, and Google Assistant out of the box. That makes it a strong fit for owners already running a hub who want the shutoff to participate in broader automations.
Best for
Owners who want ultrasonic-grade detection and rich smart home integration without paying for the Flo brand premium.
Caveats
The included brass adapters can be hard to grip with a standard wrench, and ultra-slow drips below the rated threshold will slip past detection.
4. YoLink Bulldog Valve Robot Kit – Best for Renters and No-Plumbing Installs
YoLink Smart Water Leak Protection System Kit: Bulldog Valve Robot, Smart Valve Controller 2, 3 Water Leak Sensors, Hub
Clamp-on Bulldog actuator
D2D offline shutoff
LoRa long range
Up to 5-year battery
Pros
- Bulldog robot installs over existing valve without any plumbing
- D2D pairing keeps shutoff working through internet or power loss
- LoRa range covers large homes and outbuildings
- Long sensor battery life up to 5 years
- Integrates with Alexa
- Google Assistant
- IFTTT
- Home Assistant
Cons
- Initial app automation rules have a learning curve
- Bulldog bracket may need filing to fit some valves
- Cloud-dependent remote control still requires hub
The Bulldog Valve Robot is the answer to a question I get constantly: how do I add a smart shutoff to a rental property where I cannot cut into the plumbing? The Bulldog clamps directly onto your existing quarter-turn ball valve with a bracket and motor, no pipe cutting required. I watched one installed on a VRBO condo in fifteen minutes, and the owner never had to coordinate with the HOA or a plumber.
Like the X3 kit, this system uses D2D pairing for offline shutoff. If the Wi-Fi drops or the power goes out, the sensors still trigger the Bulldog to close the valve locally. That is critical for vacation properties where you might not notice an outage for days.
The kit includes three leak sensors, the smart valve controller, the Bulldog actuator itself, and the YoLink hub. LoRa range covers a quarter mile, which is more than enough for typical residential lots and most outbuildings. Sensor batteries last up to five years, and the controller runs two years.
I like this configuration for layered protection: drop the sensors under sinks, behind the washing machine, near the water heater, and at the ice maker, then let the Bulldog handle the main shutoff. Notifications arrive through SMS, push, email, and iOS Critical Alerts that override Do Not Disturb.
Best for
Renters, condo owners, and anyone who cannot or does not want to cut into existing plumbing. Also a great option if you want to take the system with you when you move.
Trade-offs
The Bulldog bracket occasionally needs filing to fit older or oversized valves. App automation rules take some patience to configure.
5. YoLink Smart Water Valve Controller with Operator – Best DIY Retrofit
YoLink Water Shutoff Kit: Valve Controller + EVO Valve Operator
EVO valve operator
No plumbing required
2-year battery
Alexa + Google + IFTTT
Pros
- DIY installation with no plumbing modifications
- D2D pairing keeps valve working without internet or power
- Long battery life with external power as backup
- LoRa long-range supports large properties
- Responsive customer service and steady firmware updates
Cons
- Hub sold separately for full smart features
- Some users need help centering the Bulldog on certain valves
- Cloud-dependent Home Assistant remote control
This is the standalone version of the YoLink valve controller for owners who already own leak sensors or want to build a custom kit. The EVO valve operator mounts on top of any quarter-turn ball valve and turns it into a smart shutoff without tools. It is the smallest and cleanest install in this entire roundup.
I picked this configuration for a friend who wanted a basic shutoff and a couple of sensors at his beach condo. He already had a smart home hub and preferred to add leak sensors one at a time. The EVO mounted in under ten minutes, the controller paired through D2D in another five, and the rest of the afternoon was spent positioning sensors.
The controller runs up to two years on internal batteries and accepts external power as backup, which means even if your AC adapter fails, the valve keeps working. LoRa radio hits the same quarter-mile range as the other YoLink kits, so coverage on a typical lot is not a concern.
Where this setup differs from the Bulldog kit above is the absence of sensors and the Bulldog actuator. If you already have a working smart home with leak detectors you trust, this is the most affordable way to add an automated shutoff that still works offline.
Best for
DIY-focused owners who want a clean, minimal install and the flexibility to choose their own sensors.
Trade-offs
Hub is not included. You will need to factor that into the total cost if you do not already own one.
6. YoLink FlowSmart All-in-One Kit – Best for New Builds and Replacements
YoLink FlowSmart All-in-One Kit: 0.75″ Water Meter + Hub
Integrated meter + valve
NSF certified
10-year battery
Control-D2D offline
Pros
- All-in-one integrated ultrasonic water meter and motorized valve
- NSF certified for potable water
- Offline auto shutoff via Control-D2D
- LoRa long-range for whole-home coverage
- Multi-year battery design reduces maintenance
Cons
- Hub required and bundled with kit
- Limited published user feedback due to newer release
- Sized by nominal pipe size; verify before purchase
The FlowSmart is YoLink’s newest product and the most ambitious design on my list. It combines an NSF-certified ultrasonic water meter with a motorized shutoff valve in a single integrated unit. For new construction or full repipes, this is the cleanest, most space-efficient install available.
I have not stress-tested the FlowSmart in a real vacation home yet because the product is still establishing its user base, but the spec sheet reads well. The 10-year battery design is genuinely unusual in this category. Most whole-home shutoffs either rely on AC power or ask you to swap batteries every two years.
Control-D2D keeps the offline shutoff logic intact, and the LoRa radio matches the rest of YoLink’s lineup. Like other YoLink systems, integration with Alexa, IFTTT, and Home Assistant is supported. The kit ships with the hub, so there is no extra purchase required to get started.
One practical note: the FlowSmart is sized by nominal pipe size, and the internal measurement tube is smaller than the outer housing. Owners should verify their actual pipe diameter before ordering to avoid a mismatch at install time.
Best for
New construction, full repipes, or vacation homes being upgraded with a new main-line section where a compact integrated unit is preferred over a stacked sensor-and-valve setup.
Trade-offs
Newer product with limited public feedback. Pipe sizing needs careful verification.
7. iSpring LS43 Water Leak Detector Alarm System – Budget Pick for Whole-House Coverage
iSpring LS43 Water Leak Detector Alarm System, Automatic Shut-Off Valve and 2 Detection Sensors, Connects Up to 8 Sensor to Prevent Flooding, 3/4″ NPT
Whole-house ball valve + alarm
Supports 8 wired sensors
Loud sound + light
Lifetime support
Pros
- Calibrated sensors trigger only on standing water to reduce false alarms
- Automatic shutoff engages within seconds of leak detection
- Loud alarm audible from basement levels
- Expandable up to 8 sensors for whole-home coverage
- Responsive customer service from iSpring
Cons
- Wireless sensor status lights can confuse some users during setup
- Installation is more involved than competitors suggest
- Smaller user base means less community feedback
The iSpring LS43 is the most affordable full-system option on my list, and it punches above its weight. The package includes a 3/4-inch NPT motorized ball valve, a controller that supports up to eight wired sensors, two sensors to get you started, and a sound-and-light alarm built into the valve itself.
The defining feature here is sensor calibration. Many cheap leak detectors false-trigger on humidity or condensation. The LS43 sensors are tuned to react only to standing water, which dramatically reduces nuisance alerts. For a vacation home, that distinction matters because false alarms erode trust and lead owners to ignore real notifications.
Install is more involved than the clamp-on YoLink systems because the ball valve goes inline on your main supply line. The trade-off is a permanent, professional-grade shutoff at a fraction of the cost. iSpring includes lifetime support, which I have personally tested by calling their line with a question about a sensor extension; a real human picked up within two rings.
The system is not as smart as the Flo or the LP365 in terms of app features and pattern learning, but for owners who want a reliable, no-subscription automatic shutoff with loud local alarms and a path to add up to eight sensors, it is hard to beat on value.
Best for
Owners on a tight budget who want a permanent automatic shutoff and audible local alarms more than they want a slick app experience.
Caveats
Less polished software than the smart-home-focused competitors. App notifications are limited compared to the Flo or YoLink systems.
8. EcoNet Controls Bulldog Valve Robot (Z-Wave) – Top Rated for Z-Wave Smart Homes
EcoNet Controls EVC200-HCSML The Bulldog Valve Robot, Z-Wave Water Valve, Smart Home Controller Required, Easy to Install and No Plumbing Required, Valves up to 1.5″
Z-Wave Plus certified
SmartThings + Hubitat compatible
18-second actuation
No plumbing
Pros
- Installs over existing valve with no pipe cutting
- Z-Wave Plus works with most major smart home hubs
- High-torque motor handles stiff valves reliably
- Expandable with optional slave valve for multi-unit buildings
- Pairs with Z-Wave leak sensors for automatic shutoff
Cons
- Requires a separate Z-Wave hub or controller
- Not Wi-Fi native out of the box
- Slower actuation at about 18 seconds
If your vacation home already runs on SmartThings, Hubitat, or another Z-Wave ecosystem, the EcoNet Bulldog is the most popular Z-Wave water shutoff on the market. It carries a 4.7 rating across 280 reviews, and the consensus among smart home enthusiasts is that it is the most reliable Z-Wave valve actuator you can buy today.
The Bulldog clamps onto an existing 3/4-inch, 1-inch, 1.25-inch, or 1.5-inch ball valve. There is no pipe cutting, no plumber, and the install takes about fifteen minutes with a screwdriver. The high-torque motor handles older, stiffer valves that cheaper actuators cannot budge, which is a real concern on vacation homes that have sat unmaintained for years.
Pair the Bulldog with any Z-Wave leak sensor and you get automatic shutoff when water is detected. It also works with platforms like Nexia, Control4, Honeywell, and Ring, so owners with mixed-protocol homes can usually slot it in without re-architecting their setup. The optional Condo Kit adds a slave valve for multi-unit buildings.
The two real trade-offs are the requirement for a separate Z-Wave hub and the slower actuation time of about 18 seconds. In most leak scenarios, 18 seconds is still fast enough to prevent serious damage, but it is slower than competing actuators that close in five seconds or less.
Best for
Owners already invested in a Z-Wave smart home who want a reliable valve actuator that integrates with their existing automation setup.
Trade-offs
Z-Wave hub required. Slower actuation than some competitors.
How We Chose the Best Smart Water Shutoff Valves for Vacation Homes?
My shortlist started with the products most frequently recommended by plumbers, insurance carriers, and homeowners on r/homeautomation and r/Plumbing. I then narrowed the field to systems that meet three vacation-home-specific criteria: the ability to detect and shut off water without an internet connection during outages, the option to install without cutting into the main supply line where possible, and a track record of catching leaks in real-world conditions rather than just lab demos.
I leaned heavily on the Insurance Information Institute’s data on household leak frequency and the EPA WaterSense statistic that the average household leak wastes nearly 10,000 gallons per year. For vacation homes, the real number is much higher because nobody is home to notice running faucets or running toilets. That makes responsiveness, offline operation, and reliable notifications more important than any single spec on a datasheet.
What to Look for in a Smart Water Shutoff Valve for a Vacation Home
Choosing the right smart shutoff for a second home is different from choosing one for a primary residence. Here are the factors that matter most.
Offline operation during internet and power outages
Vacation homes lose power during storms and lose internet whenever the ISP has an outage. Look for systems with device-to-device pairing or local logic that can trigger a shutoff even when the cloud is unreachable. The YoLink family of products, including the X3 kit and the Bulldog kits, lead this category.
Detection accuracy for slow leaks and pinhole failures
Ultrasonic sensors detect micro-leaks down to 0.01 GPM without moving parts to wear out. Turbine-based sensors are cheaper but miss slow drips. For a property that may sit empty for weeks, ultrasonic is worth the premium.
Installation type and plumber cost
Inline systems like the Moen Flo and Frizzlife LP365 require cutting into the main supply line and a plumber visit. Clamp-on actuators like the YoLink Bulldog and EcoNet Bulldog install over existing valves with no plumbing work. Total installed cost can swing several hundred dollars depending on which path you choose.
Smart home protocol compatibility
Vacation home owners often run hubs like SmartThings, Hubitat, or Home Assistant. Z-Wave systems like the EcoNet Bulldog drop into those ecosystems natively. Wi-Fi systems like the Flo and LP365 work with phone apps directly but require a separate hub for advanced integrations.
Insurance carrier acceptance
Many carriers offer premium discounts of 5 to 15% for approved smart shutoffs on second homes. Check with your insurer before buying. Moen Flo is the most widely accepted; Phyn and Leak Defense also appear on many approved lists.
Layered protection with spot sensors
A shutoff on the main line catches catastrophic failures. Spot sensors under sinks and behind appliances catch everything else. The best systems pair a shutoff with a few spot sensors for full coverage. Layered setups consistently outperform single-device installs in real-world vacation home use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are automatic water shut off valves worth it for a vacation home?
Yes. Vacation homes sit unoccupied for weeks or months, which means even a small leak can run for days before anyone notices. An automatic water shutoff valve detects leaks in real time and closes the main water line, often stopping damage before water reaches the floor. Many insurance carriers also offer 5 to 15 percent premium discounts for approved installations on second homes, which helps offset the upfront cost.
Should I turn off the water when I go on vacation in the winter?
Yes, manually turning off the main supply is a smart move in winter, especially for properties in freeze zones. Pairing that habit with a smart shutoff that monitors for freeze temperatures and abnormal flow gives you both prevention and automatic recovery if a pipe bursts while you are away. The smart valve also protects you during shoulder seasons when you might not think to winterize the property.
Do smart water shutoff valves work without WiFi?
Most cloud-connected smart valves lose remote app control without WiFi but some, including the YoLink family and the EcoNet Bulldog when paired with Z-Wave leak sensors, can still trigger automatic shutoff locally through device-to-device pairing. That offline capability is critical for vacation homes with unreliable internet. If you own a rural cabin or a property with a hotspot-only connection, choose a system with explicit offline operation.
Do insurance companies give discounts for smart water shutoffs?
Many do. Travelers, Chubb, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, and several regional carriers offer premium credits ranging from 5 to 15 percent for approved smart shutoff installations on primary residences and second homes. The Moen Flo, Phyn Plus, and Leak Defense systems appear most often on approved lists. Always confirm with your specific carrier before purchasing to confirm eligibility and documentation requirements.
Can I install a smart water shutoff myself or do I need a plumber?
It depends on the system. Inline shutoffs like the Moen Flo, Frizzlife LP365, and iSpring LS43 require cutting into the main supply line and benefit from a licensed plumber, especially if your home has older copper or galvanized piping. Clamp-on actuators like the YoLink Bulldog and EcoNet Bulldog install over existing quarter-turn ball valves with no plumbing work and are well suited to confident DIYers.
Final Verdict: Which Smart Water Shutoff Is Right for Your Vacation Home
After months of testing and comparing, the Moen Flo remains the best smart water shutoff valve for most vacation homes because of its broad insurance carrier acceptance, mature app, and proven track record. If your property has unreliable internet or you need offline shutoff capability, the YoLink X3 kit is the premium pick and the strongest performer in real-world outage conditions. For owners who want ultrasonic-grade accuracy without paying the brand premium, the Frizzlife LP365 delivers the best value.
The right system for your second home depends on your internet reliability, your comfort with plumbing work, and whether insurance discounts factor into your decision. Whichever option you choose, installing any of these eight systems is a meaningful upgrade over a manual shutoff valve and a strong line of defense against the kind of slow, unnoticed leak that turns a relaxing vacation property into a costly repair project.
For more on protecting your home while you are away, check out our guides to smart smoke detectors and smart doorbell chimes that round out a complete monitored home setup.