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Leak Detection and Flow Monitoring Devices

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Household leaks can be a major source of water waste, causing utility bills to be higher than necessary and sometimes even damaging homes. Undetected water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including old piping, worn plumbing fixtures, corrosion, cold temperatures, irregular water pressure, equipment malfunctions, and incorrect installation or application of water fixtures. 

Leak detection and flow monitoring devices can help you identify leaks or alert you when there is irregular water use in your home and reduce the water waste and damage caused by leaks. These devices rely on moisture detection, which alerts homeowners to unexpected dampness, or flow monitoring, which measures how much water is flowing and detects water consumption patterns that may be indicative of a leak or other irregularity.

Leak Detection and Flow Monitoring User Guide

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WaterSense has developed a user guide to help consumers understand the benefits of installing leak detection and flow monitoring devices, available technologies on the market, and tips for selecting a device and performing maintenance to reduce water waste at home. While this guide focuses on use of these devices in homes, they can also be used in multifamily, commercial, and institutional buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and hotels, to save water and reduce damage from leaks. 

  • Fact Sheet - Know Your Flow: Leak Detection and Flow Monitoring Devices (pdf) (294.99 KB)
  • Know Your Flow and Curb Water Waste: A WaterSense Guide to Leak Detection and Flow Monitoring Devices (pdf) (1.82 MB)

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Last updated on February 27, 2026
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