Acme DIY Reviews the
LeakFrog Leak Alarm
We received a frog in the mail.
Upon opening the box, two little eyes peered up at us, only this was
no pet, it was a LeakFrog. LeakFrog is a useful gadget
which sounds an alarm when and where water leaks occur. Any indoor
location where appliances, pipes or other water sources are found, the
potential for expensive water damage exists.
Whether sudden or slow, leaks have a way of going for a while before
being noticed. By the time someone does notice, thousands of dollars
of damage may have already occurred. That is why an alarm can be an important
warning device.
LeakFrog is a small plastic domed device about 4 inches in diameter
and painted to resemble a frog. The device has
two metal "sensors" on the bottom. When enough water comes in contact
with both sensors, a circuit is made and the alarm sounds. It runs on
three "AAA" batteries (included) and has a "test" button on
top to facilitate periodic testing.
We tried out the LeakFrog and were satisfied with the results. In our
tests it sounded an alarm immediately upon contact with a small puddle
of water. The alarm is a reasonably loud staccato beep that continues
as long as it is in contact with water. The manufacturer estimates that
its batteries should keep it beeping continuously for up to 72 hours.
In standby mode, batteries should be replaced at least once a year. The
manufacturer notes that it may not detect leaks near some water purification
systems, because the treated water may no longer adequately conduct electricity.
What the Manufacturer Says:
Recommended for placement near:
- water heaters
- water beds
- washing machines
- dishwashers
- fridge/icemakers
- A/C units
- sinks
- toilets
- aquariums
- attics
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In our tests, the device withstood water pouring over the
top and it floated when the water level became deep enough. We
did discover one problem when we tested it in prolonged exposure to standing
water. We left it floating in just under an inch of water. After 18 hours,
it had filled with enough water to interfere with its operation and stopped
beeping. Although after draining it, it did again resume beeping. Most
situations would not result in deep standing water. We
would however recommend to the manufacturer that the unit be made water-tight,
at least at its base. Admittedly, we were hard on it and under most
circumstances it should perform well. Only in extreme cases such as a
large pipe burst or basement flooding, might the unit become overwhelmed
by water and cease to provide the alarm.
Our other concern is its appearance. While the frog shape is their
namesake gimmick, it may be attractive to children as a toy. If it is
removed from where it has been placed as a water sentry, then it can't
do its job.
Overall, we think this device is a useful tool to guard against water
leaks in your home. It stood up satisfactorily to the abuse to which
it was subjected. At $12.99, it is a good value for early detection of
leaks that could otherwise lead to expensive water damage.
[May 2007]
Have you used the Leak Frog? How would you rate your overall satisfaction?
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