How to Set Up Your Aqara Water Leak Sensor

The Aqara Water Leak Sensor detects the presence of water and sends an immediate alert to your phone, helping you catch leaks before they cause serious damage. This compact Zigbee sensor connects to your Aqara Hub and can be placed near water heaters, washing machines, sinks, and anywhere else leaks might occur.

What You Will Need

• Aqara Water Leak Sensor
• Aqara Hub (M2, M3, or Camera Hub G3) already set up on your network
• Aqara Home app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
• CR2032 coin cell battery (included)

Preparing the Sensor

1. Remove the sensor from its packaging and locate the battery isolation tab on the bottom.
2. Pull the plastic tab to activate the battery. The LED indicator on the top of the sensor should flash once to confirm power.
3. If you need to replace the battery later, twist the top cover counterclockwise to separate it from the base, then swap the CR2032 battery.

Pairing with Your Aqara Hub

1. Open the Aqara Home app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner to add a new device.
3. Select Water Leak Sensor from the device list, or scan the QR code on the packaging.
4. Choose the hub you want to pair this sensor with.
5. Press and hold the reset button on the top of the sensor for 5 seconds until the LED begins flashing rapidly, indicating pairing mode.
6. Wait for the app to discover and connect to the sensor. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.
7. Once connected, assign the sensor to a room and give it a name like "Water Heater Leak Sensor" or "Under Kitchen Sink."

Choosing the Right Placement

The water leak sensor detects moisture through two metal contact points on its underside. Proper placement is essential for reliable detection:

• Place the sensor flat on the floor with the metal contacts facing down, directly where water would pool if a leak occurred.
• Position it under or beside appliances that use water — washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators with ice makers.
• Place sensors near bathroom toilets, under sinks, and near sump pumps in basements.
• Ensure the sensor is within Zigbee range of your hub, typically within 10 to 15 meters with minimal wall obstructions.
• Avoid placing the sensor on thick carpeting or uneven surfaces where the metal contacts cannot touch pooling water.

Configuring Alerts and Automations

The sensor will automatically send push notifications through the Aqara Home app when water is detected. You can enhance your leak response by setting up automations:

• Sound an alarm — Configure your Aqara Hub to play its built-in alarm sound when the sensor triggers.
• Shut off water — If you have an Aqara smart valve controller, create an automation to automatically close the water valve when a leak is detected.
• Flash lights — Turn Aqara smart lights to red or flash them to provide a visual alert.

To set up an automation, navigate to the Automations tab in the Aqara Home app, tap +, select the water leak sensor as the trigger, choose "Water Leak Detected" as the condition, and add your desired actions.

Testing the Sensor

1. After setup, test the sensor by placing a few drops of water across the two metal contact points on the bottom.
2. Within a few seconds, you should receive a notification on your phone and see the status change in the Aqara Home app.
3. Dry the sensor thoroughly after testing.

Maintenance Tips

• Check the sensor every few months to make sure it has not shifted out of position.
• The CR2032 battery typically lasts about two years. Replace it when the app reports a low battery warning.
• Keep the metal contacts clean and free of dust or debris to ensure reliable water detection.
• Test the sensor periodically with a small amount of water to confirm it is still functioning properly.