How do I determine what hardware to get for my condo?
The bare minimum
- Install leak sensors – any brand. Even if you are out of town, a smartphone alert will tell you if you have a leak, and you can call CMI to shut off your water.
- YoLink: ~$200
- Put a “puck” sensor in the cupboard under every sink, and under the valves for every toilet
- Put a “tailed” sensor under the fridge, washing machine, and dishwasher (if possible) – the long “tail” sensor covers a lot more area than the “puck” sensors
- YoLink: ~$200
Better
- Install external actuators for existing water shut-off ball valves.
- Not possible in some units as the hot-water and cold-water lines are too close together. If they can be moved apart by a qualified plumbing vendor, this will work.
- Clutch pin allows manual operation of valve.
- YoLink: ~$420
Best
- Install automatic shutoffs
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- Most robust, reliable solution
- Allows manual shut-off as well as automatic
- May require modification of the plumbing manifold
Where can I buy YoLink stuff?
YoLink has their own web site (https://shop.yosmart.com), and Amazon has it too, usually at the same prices. It pays to check both, as there are often special sales. Amazon’s site is generally easier to navigate and find stuff.
You’ll want to start with a starter kit – it’s the hub and 4 of the square sensors
- Starter kit – Hub + 4 sensors ($80): https://shop.yosmart.com/products/yolink-4-pack-smart-water-leak-sensors-lora-1-4-mile-open-air-range-hub-included
You’ll probably need more than just 4 of those sensors:
- 1 sensor ($18): https://shop.yosmart.com/collections/all-products/products/yolink-lora-1-4-mile-long-range-smart-water-leak-sensor-easy-installation-alexa-ifttt-hub-required
- 3-pack of sensors ($50 – $16.67 ea): https://shop.yosmart.com/products/yolink-3-pack-smart-water-leak-sensors-alexa-ifttt-lora-1-4-mile-open-air-range-hub-required
- 10-pack of sensors ($158 – $15.58 ea): https://shop.yosmart.com/products/10-pack-water-leak-sensor-alexa-and-ifttt-yolink-hub-required
For under the fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine, you’ll need the sensors that use a cable to detect water (if you have a steam dryer, you may want to order an extra cable for the washing machine, so you can route the cable under both of them):
- Sensor with 4’ sensor cable – detects water anywhere touching the cable, not just the box – use under dishwashers, fridge, washing machine ($23 ea): https://shop.yosmart.com/products/yolink-lora-1-4-mile-long-range-smart-water-leak-sensor-2-with-cable-sensor-works-with-alexa-and-ifttt-hub-required
Finally, if you want toinstall the automatic shutoffs, you’ll need 2 of the automatic shutoffs – see Automatic Shutoff options for details
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