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 motorized valves
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- Most robust, reliable solution
- Allows manual shut-off as well as automatic
- May require modification of the plumbing manifold
- YoLink hardware: $220, plumbing: ~$2000-$3000
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.
You’ll want to start with their 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:
- 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 to install the automatic shutoffs, you’ll need 2 of the motorized 1-inch ball valves:
- The motorized ball valve ($110 ea): https://shop.yosmart.com/products/smart-water-valve-controller-with-1-inch-motorized-ball-valve-hub-required