Roost Smart Water and Freeze Detector

My Roost Smart Water and Freeze Detector arrived today. It was well packaged and easy to set up using the Roost app. I tested it out on my countertop with a small bit of water and it did exactly what it was supposed do. Within 20 seconds my phone was alerting me to a potential water leak. I also have the Roost battery in my smoke detectors and I'm a big fan of the company. I would recommend the new leak detector to anyone concerned about a water leak when they are away from their home. Update 3/19/17 - I've had my Roost Water and Freeze Detector now for a bit more than a week. I received an email from Roost notifying me that "Leak Detector has not checked in". I initially reset it and put it back down in the floor, but received the same email again in a few days. This time I responded to the email and immediately received a note back from Roost to help me work through the issue. Ultimately, it turns out that I have a WiFi dead spot behind my washing machine. After moving the Roost to the side of the washing machine, all is well. Kim at Roost followed up with me several times to confirm that everything is now working as it should. She was able to confirm this by monitoring my specific Roost on their servers for several days. I rarely get that kind of customer service. Another positive for buying from Roost in my book.

This is a WiFi-enabled water, temperature and humidity sensor with alarm capabilities. It is similar to the Honeywell Lyric (which I also own) but about $30 cheaper. CNET has a nice review of this device. I received my unit 3 days after ordering. The instructions are minimal but adequate; basically you download the iOS or Android app and follow the instructions there. It has an interesting pairing system, whereby you enter your WiFi password into the app and it communicates the information audibly to the sensor. It took a couple of tries for mine to pair but it did work just fine. Easier than having to change WiFi settings around. The unit sensed water immediately and sounded a (rather pathetic) alarm from the sensor. In less than 10 seconds the app on my phone notified me of the alert as well. When the unit was removed from the water it took about 20 seconds to stop alarming, but the "all clear" was displayed promptly by the phone app. The only downside (for some) will be the lack of a sensing cable (which the Lyric comes with). According to Roost this will be coming soon (albeit at an additional cost, around $20). For me this is unimportant, but it might be for some. Owning both the Roost and the Lyric I would say they are equivalent. If you are already invested in either ecosystem (Honeywell thermostats or Roost Smoke detectors) you'll probably want to stay with that manufacturer.

I tried the setup multiple times and could not get the device connected to the Wifi (via Samsung S7). I intend to return it. Tech support tried to be helpful, so will give them credit for that. Apparently, the leak detector does not work unless it is connected to Wifi. At least if it worked as a stand alone device that made a siren sound when detecting water, it would be of some use.

I've been using two of these for several months now, and I love them. The data report makes sense to me, and my testing included setting off the alarms to make sure I could hear the alarms. They worked perfectly. After suffering a flood from a leaking refrigerator last year, I am more confident of leaving my home with the Roost detection system in place now.

Straightforward to set up. Alerts to my phone work fine, plus the app allows me to monitor room temperature and humidity. Only wish the alarm was MUCH louder...I have it installed in my basement by the hot water tank, and I can't hear it when I'm upstairs in the first floor.

Very difficult to pair with cell phone.

Didn't have one yet but I inquired about about features prior to purchasing. I asked if it emitted a sound on the device itself and if it can be silenced with app. It does emit a sound but I was told you cannot silence with app. Bummer.

Excellent product that was very easy to set up....have recommended it to our condo association.