Compare water alarms by what they detect and what happens next
A water alarm can detect water at a particular location. Another system can monitor water flowing through a pipe and close a valve. These functions can also be combined. Start with two questions: where does a leak need to be detected, and what should happen when it is detected?
Three ways to monitor water
Flood / point detector
In this example, the point sensor sits beside the leak. Water needs to reach its contacts for the sensor to respond.
- Detects pooling water when it reaches the contacts
- Does not detect drops that stay away from its contacts
- Does not sense across a mat-sized surface
Flow monitor
The flow sensor monitors the water supply. The illustration also shows a leak at the drain, away from where the flow is measured.
- Monitors water flowing through the supply pipe
- Can shut off the supply when equipped with a valve
- Does not directly sense water leaking from a drain
Dripspy sensor mat
A few drops. No puddle needed.
In this example, drops reach the mat’s sensing surface and trigger an alarm. Placement determines whether water reaches the sensor.
- Alerts at a few drops on its sensing surface
- Senses across the entire mat surface
- Detects water from supply, drain or appliance when it reaches the mat
The ticks and crosses describe the functions shown, not every product or combination. A point sensor can also respond to drops if they reach its contacts. Dripspy needs water to reach its sensing surface and does not itself shut off the water.
The illustrations show examples of how the sensors work. Always follow the product’s installation instructions and the requirements for collecting trays. These functions can complement one another.
Point sensor, cable or mat?
| Function | What you are comparing | Question before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Local point sensor | Detects water at the sensor’s sensing point. | Can water from the anticipated leak location reach the sensor? |
| Sensor cable | A cable can detect water along its sensitive section. | Which part of the cable is sensitive, and how should it be positioned according to the instructions? |
| Sensor mat | A mat provides a continuous sensing surface. | Do the mat’s dimensions and approved placement suit the space? |
| Monitoring with shutoff | The system can monitor the water pipe and control a valve. | Which events trigger an alarm, and which shut off the water? |
Shape alone does not determine which solution is suitable. Check the instructions for the specific model and which components are included. A sensor, cable and valve can be parts of the same system.
Alarms and shutoff are different functions
A notification on your phone tells you that something needs checking. Automatic shutoff also means that the system controls a valve. Check whether the valve is included, what equipment is required and who should install it.
Some systems combine local water detection with monitoring of the water pipe. Compare the complete installation, rather than only the sensor shown in the product photograph.
Check connectivity and responsibility
- Does it need WiFi, a separate hub or a gateway?
- Who receives the alarm, and who can respond on site?
- Which functions work if the internet connection is lost?
- How does the manufacturer say to check the battery, connection and operation?
For a property with many apartments, responsibility for connectivity, monitoring and maintenance also needs to be clear.
Where does Dripspy fit?
Dripspy uses a sensing mat to detect water that comes into contact with it. The WiFi model also has a 2 m sensor cable. Read about Dripspy WiFi for the home or LoRaWAN for properties.
Always follow the instructions for your model. A sensor and a collecting tray perform different jobs. The support page has product documents and contact details for installation questions.
Sources and scope
Planning a kitchen installation in Sweden? Also read about moisture sensors and trays under Säker Vatteninstallation 2026:1 (in Swedish).
The descriptions of functions are based on manufacturers’ documentation, checked on 25 September 2026. This guide is not a comparative product test.