How to Set Up Your Samsung SmartThings Water Leak Sensor

What You Will Need

• Samsung SmartThings Water Leak Sensor
• SmartThings Hub v3 (already set up and online)
• SmartThings app (iOS or Android) with a Samsung account
• CR2 battery (pre-installed or included)
• A location prone to water leaks (near water heater, washing machine, under sink, basement, etc.)

Step 1: Prepare the Water Leak Sensor

1. Remove the sensor from its packaging.
2. Pull the plastic battery tab to activate the pre-installed battery, or open the battery compartment and insert a CR2 battery.
3. The LED on the sensor will flash, confirming it is powered on and ready to pair.

Step 2: Add the Sensor in the SmartThings App

1. Open the SmartThings app and tap the + icon, then select Add Device.
2. Tap Samsung or SmartThings, then select Water Leak Sensor.
3. Choose your SmartThings Hub as the connecting hub.
4. The hub will enter Zigbee pairing mode and begin searching for the sensor.
5. If the sensor does not appear within 60 seconds, use a pin to press the reset button on the back of the sensor to force it into pairing mode.
6. Once discovered, name the sensor (e.g., "Water Heater Leak," "Washer Leak," "Basement Floor") and assign it to a room.

Step 3: Place the Sensor

The water leak sensor must be placed directly on the floor where water would pool if a leak occurs. The two metal contact probes on the bottom of the sensor detect the presence of water. Recommended locations include:

• On the floor next to your water heater
• Behind or beside your washing machine
• Under your kitchen or bathroom sink
• Near a sump pump in the basement
• Near refrigerator water lines or ice makers
• In any area where pipes run through walls or floors

The sensor should sit flat on the floor surface with both metal probes touching the ground. Do not place it on carpet or thick rugs, as these absorb water and may prevent the probes from making contact.

Step 4: Set Up Notifications and Automations

1. In the SmartThings app, go to SmartThings Home Monitor.
2. Tap Water Leak and add your sensor to the monitoring list.
3. Enable push notifications so you receive an immediate alert on your phone when water is detected.
4. Optionally, create automations:
   • Send alerts to multiple family members' phones.
   • Trigger a smart siren or alarm when water is detected.
   • If you have a smart water shutoff valve, create an automation to shut off the water supply when a leak is detected.

Step 5: Test the Sensor

1. Place a small amount of water on a flat, waterproof surface (like a tile floor or a shallow plate).
2. Set the sensor's metal probes into the water.
3. Within seconds, you should receive a leak detection alert on your phone through the SmartThings app.
4. Dry the sensor thoroughly after testing.
5. Verify the sensor shows as dry in the app once the probes are no longer in contact with water.

Tips for Best Performance

• The sensor communicates via Zigbee and should be within range of your SmartThings Hub (approximately 50 to 100 feet indoors). Use a SmartThings smart plug as a Zigbee repeater to extend range if needed.
• The sensor also measures temperature, which can be used to monitor for freezing conditions near pipes.
• Battery life is approximately two to three years. Replace the battery promptly when the app notifies you of low battery to maintain protection.
• Periodically clean the metal contact probes on the bottom of the sensor to ensure reliable water detection.
• Water damage is one of the most expensive home repair issues. Placing leak sensors near all water sources is one of the most valuable smart home investments you can make.