Looking for a leak detector for the access space around and under our Jacuzzi tub. I could use a couple "point" detectors, but I would prefer something with a linear-type sensor "cable" that could cover a larger area... does such a thing exist in either zigbee or zwave? Or local WiFi?
HomeSeer used to offer this as an option on their "flex sensor," the HS-FS100+, presumably so named because it could be used as a leak sensor, a light sensor (LED or similar indicator light), or just as a temperature/humidity sensor and buzzer with only the base unit. I never had good luck with it using the leak sensor cable. It seemed to generate a lot of false positives. Thinking I might just have a defective unit, I even attempted pursuing a warranty claim, but they were not receptive.
I see they no longer sell this as an option. Perhaps this being a common problem (me inferring, not me knowing) is why. 
In any case, if you wanted to risk it, the "body" itself is still available, and you can likely find the cable or similar compatible cables floating around somewhere...
But as for something currently available and likely more reliable, I'm not aware of anything. Some sensors do have remote "probes," and some might let you use both the remote probe and the probe on the unit (if there is one) at the same time, though all I can think of appear to be intended to entirely replace those -- e.g., HomeSeer's other product, the LS100. (You can probably made some "homemade" extension of the probe leads, though I don't recall seeing anyone here try...)
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I have used Fibaro Flood Sensors for years with reliable operation and good battery life. There is a terminal strip inside the device that allows you to connect an external probe. The probe can be just simple wires with the ends stripped. I don't see why you would not be able to connect two or three external probes to the unit. The device isn't terribly expensive and a little experimentation should give you what you need.
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Get the leak sensor you like with the power option you want and then wire it up to one of these. This cable can sense water anywhere along the length. It's basically a twist of conductors around a plastic core. Water makes the connection across the twist. This kind of thing is good around appliances and places where you might not be able to predict where the water will run. Under cabinets. In utility spaces etc. So, perfect for coiling around a tub. I bought a coil of the stuff and wire it to Thirdreality sensors.
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I've been trying to find inexpensive sensor cable. Based on pics and comments I saw that AliExpress two-color cable looks very stiff -- it won't naturally lay flat on the ground. That's kept me from trying it so far. I've been unable to find something that is both cheap and easy to handle.
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3M copper or aluminum foil tape and a soldering gun.
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If you don't mind some tedious work;
You can get some zip cord (either lamp cord or speaker cable etc).
Every 6" or 12" or whatever you want, remove the insulation for about 1/2", not cutting the wires.
Connect this to one of the leak sensors that has provision for an external sensor.
Lay you cable with something to hold it flat to the floor.
Every area where the insulation removed can sense the presence of water & maybe beer etc.
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I don't have this problem, but they don't act like knitting yarn. Just to be correct, these are not exactly two color. The plastic is one color. The wires are bare.
Lots and lots of cable out there is various gauges. They are pliable and you can form them. They lay flat. You just need to pick the right one for you. Nothing stopping anyone from anchoring them along the length as well if you have that option. Plastic cable anchors etc. Might be smart if you have them where pets or humans my come in contact.
This is not rocket science, but buying it from Aliexpress is yards cheaper than buying purpose built sensors elsewhere. These just save you the time of engineering your own solution and do work just fine.
I really like the Third Reality leak sensors. One of these with the lamp cord idea would be perfect. You can attach the cord to the exposed sensor screws on the bottom. Uses two AAA batteries and last well over a year. Amazon.com
Thanks for all the great ideas. I think my first effort will be in this direction.
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Just be careful with the type of wire and the length. The resistance of the cable could be too high for the sensor to detect when there's a leak.
I hacked a Smaththings leak sensor for this same idea but I couldn't go longer than 10' with 20 gauge speaker wire.
For what it's worth, buy multiple sensors that will take large batteries so you don't have to change often.
Buy battery eliminator. Also you will have multiple backup if one failed.
They also give you an audible alarm. I repurposed one with a microswitch activated by a plastic bottle hanging on a string to notify low salt in the softener tank.
I'm not excited about using lamp cord and a thirdreality sensor. I see little value in doing that vs inexpensive leak wire. This is to protect you from damaging leaks. What's the advantage of lamp cord? Available today? A few bucks cheaper? You give up being able to sense a leak along the full length.
I'll likely stick with leak detecting cable, but the other options seem to work for those who recommend them.
Sure. I don't mean it as an insult to anyone. Just expressing my opinion. I've had large water losses and could not with good conscience not comment about working towards the most ideal solution for a reasonable amount of money to mitigate risk.
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It was just the first though that came to mind. After googling I found several options of cables that would do the same only over the full length. Pricing was $14 to $100's. So now I know such things exist.
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