Choosing Your Device
Compare PlumBuddy Valve, PlumAssist, and PlumSense to find the right water monitoring solution for your home.
Which PlumBuddy Device Is Right for You?
PlumBuddy offers three products, each designed for a different level of protection. You can use them individually or combine them for comprehensive coverage. This guide will help you choose the right starting point.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PlumBuddy Valve | PlumAssist | PlumSense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Motorized smart valve | WiFi leak detection puck | Extension detection cable |
| Flow monitoring | Yes | No | No |
| Water contact detection | No | Yes (sensing pins) | Yes (cable sensors) |
| Auto shutoff | Yes (built-in) | Triggers valve when paired | Triggers valve via PlumAssist |
| Remote valve control | Yes | No | No |
| Standalone device | Yes | Yes | No (plugs into PlumAssist) |
| Installation | Professional | DIY | DIY (plugs into PlumAssist) |
| Power | USB-C (AC adapter) | Battery (CR123A, ~5 yr) | Powered by PlumAssist |
| WiFi | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz | N/A (wired to PlumAssist) |
| Best for | Whole-home protection | Point-of-use leak detection | Extending detection area around pipes |
PlumBuddy Valve
View PlumBuddy Valve on plumbuddy.co
The PlumBuddy Valve is the most comprehensive solution. It installs directly on your main water supply line and replaces your existing manual shutoff valve with a motorized one that you can control from anywhere.
What It Does
- Monitors flow rate, water pressure, and temperature 24/7
- Detects leaks based on abnormal flow patterns
- Automatically shuts off your water supply when a leak is confirmed
- Lets you open or close the valve remotely from the PlumBuddy app
- Learns your household’s water usage patterns to reduce false alarms
- Tracks daily, weekly, and monthly water consumption
Who It’s For
The PlumBuddy Valve is ideal for homeowners who want full automatic protection. It’s especially valuable for:
- Homes with a history of water damage — insurance companies may offer premium discounts for homes with automatic shutoff devices
- Vacation homes or seasonal properties — protect your home when you’re away for extended periods
- Families with busy schedules — peace of mind knowing your home is protected even when everyone is out
- New homeowners — install it once and have protection from day one
Installation
The PlumBuddy Valve requires professional installation by a licensed plumber. The valve installs on your main water supply line, typically near where water enters your home. Installation usually takes 1-2 hours and involves cutting into the existing pipe.
Compatible pipe sizes: 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”
PlumAssist
View PlumAssist on plumbuddy.co
PlumAssist is a WiFi leak detection puck that you place anywhere water damage is a risk. It detects water contact through sensing pins on the bottom of the device and sends instant alerts to the PlumBuddy app. When paired with a PlumBuddy Valve, a PlumAssist detection triggers automatic water shutoff.
What It Does
- Detects water leaks through contact-based sensing pins
- Sends instant push notifications when water is detected
- Triggers PlumBuddy Valve auto-shutoff when paired
- Supports an optional PlumSense extension cable for expanded coverage
- Battery-powered with approximately 5-year battery life
Who It’s For
PlumAssist is designed for anyone who wants point-of-use leak detection:
- Homeowners with a PlumBuddy Valve — add location-specific detection so the system knows exactly where a leak is and can shut off water automatically
- Renters — place them under sinks or near appliances with no plumbing modification required; take them with you when you move
- Anyone with appliances that use water — washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators with ice makers are all common leak sources
- Multi-story homes — place pucks on upper floors where a leak could cause catastrophic damage to floors below
Installation
PlumAssist is a DIY installation that takes about 10 minutes. Place the puck on the floor with the sensing pins facing down, or mount it to a wall or cabinet using the included bracket. Insert the CR123A battery, pair with the app, and you are done. No tools or plumber needed.
PlumSense
View PlumSense on plumbuddy.co
PlumSense is an extension detection cable that plugs into a PlumAssist puck to expand its leak detection coverage. It is not a standalone device — it requires a PlumAssist to function. The cable can be wrapped around pipes, stretched along surfaces, or placed in areas where the PlumAssist puck itself cannot reach.
What It Does
- Extends the detection area of a PlumAssist puck
- Wraps around pipes for coverage at potential failure points
- Detects water contact along the length of the cable
- When water is detected, it triggers the PlumAssist it is connected to, which sends alerts and can trigger valve shutoff
Who It’s For
PlumSense is an add-on for PlumAssist owners who want expanded coverage:
- Homeowners with exposed pipes — wrap the cable around pipe fittings and joints where leaks are most likely
- Utility rooms and basements — stretch the cable across a wider area than a single puck can cover
- Behind appliances — reach into tight spaces where the PlumAssist puck cannot be placed directly
Installation
Plug the PlumSense cable into the jack on the bottom of a PlumAssist puck. Extend the cable and position it where you want coverage. Make sure the cable is not taut or under tension — leave some slack. The PlumAssist puck has one jack, so the PlumSense cable replaces the included probe extender when connected.
Recommended Setups
Starter Setup
2-3 PlumAssist pucks — Place them at the highest-risk spots in your home: near the water heater, behind the washing machine, and under the kitchen sink. Good starting point if you are not ready for professional valve installation.
Standard Setup
PlumBuddy Valve + 3 PlumAssist pucks — Full automatic shutoff with leak detection pucks near your water heater, washing machine, and under the kitchen sink. When any puck detects water, the valve shuts off automatically. This covers the most common leak sources in a typical home.
Complete Setup
PlumBuddy Valve + 6 PlumAssist pucks + PlumSense cables — Maximum coverage. Place pucks under every sink, behind every toilet, near the dishwasher, and in the basement. Add PlumSense extension cables to pucks near exposed pipes for even wider detection. The valve provides automatic shutoff, and the pucks tell you exactly where the problem is.
Total Protection Pack (Recommended)
The easiest way to get started with whole-home protection. The Total Protection Pack bundles 3 PlumAssist pucks with 1 PlumBuddy Valve at a discounted price. It is the setup we recommend for most homeowners.
Making Your Decision
If you are unsure where to start, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you own your home? If not, PlumAssist pucks are your best option since they do not require plumbing modifications.
- Do you want automatic shutoff? If yes, you need the PlumBuddy Valve. Nothing else can physically stop the water. Pair it with PlumAssist pucks so the valve knows where the leak is.
- Are you often away from home? If yes, the PlumBuddy Valve’s auto-shutoff provides protection even when you cannot respond to an alert.
- Do you want extended coverage around pipes? If yes, add PlumSense extension cables to your PlumAssist pucks for wider detection zones.
For most homeowners, the Total Protection Pack (1 PlumBuddy Valve + 3 PlumAssist pucks) provides the best balance of protection and value.