Water Leak Sensor Offline or Low Battery

Overview

Shipshape water leak sensors are your early warning system against one of the most damaging things that can happen to a home. They sit quietly in high-risk areas, like under your water heater, near your washing machine, or beneath bathroom sinks, waiting to detect even the smallest amount of moisture. When they find it, SAM alerts you immediately.

Because these sensors are battery powered, they do not need to be wired into your home's electrical system. That makes them easy to place anywhere. But it also means they need a fresh battery from time to time.

This guide covers what to do when your leak sensor shows a low battery warning or goes offline entirely.

Understanding Leak Sensor Batteries

Shipshape water leak sensors use a CR123A lithium battery. Here is what you need to know:

• Battery life: Typically 1 to 2 years depending on how often the sensor reports data and environmental factors like temperature.
• Battery type: CR123A (also labeled "123" or "DL123A"). These are common lithium batteries available at hardware stores, pharmacies, or online. They are the same batteries used in many security cameras and flashlights.
• Not rechargeable: CR123A batteries are single-use. Do not attempt to recharge them.
• Temperature matters: Sensors in very cold locations (unheated crawlspaces, detached garages) may see shorter battery life because cold temperatures reduce battery capacity.

Low Battery Alert

When a sensor's battery starts running low, SAM will send you a notification in the app. Here is what to expect:

• The alert comes early. SAM notifies you when there is still enough battery for the sensor to keep working for approximately 2 weeks. You do not need to rush, but do not ignore it either.
• The sensor continues monitoring. A low battery alert does not mean the sensor has stopped working. It is still detecting leaks and reporting data.
• Replace within 2 weeks. Once you receive the low battery notification, plan to replace the battery within the next 14 days. After that window, the sensor may die unexpectedly.

Why Your Leak Sensor Might Show Offline

If your leak sensor shows "Offline" in the app, it could be one of several things:

• Dead battery. If the battery is fully depleted, the sensor cannot communicate at all. This is the most common cause of an offline leak sensor.
• Out of range. The sensor may be too far from the gateway or a Z-Wave repeater. This is more common in larger homes or when the sensor is in a remote location like a crawlspace.
• Gateway is offline. If your gateway is down, all sensors will appear offline. Check the gateway status first.
• Sensor malfunction. Rare, but possible. If a battery replacement and range check do not fix it, the sensor itself may need to be replaced.

How to Replace the Battery

Battery replacement is simple and takes about 2 minutes. No tools are required.

What You Need

• One CR123A lithium battery (fresh, not rechargeable)
• That is it. No tools needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate the sensor. Water leak sensors are typically placed on the floor near water-using appliances. Common spots include:

   • Under the water heater
   • Behind the washing machine
   • Under kitchen or bathroom sinks
   • Near the sump pump
   • Near the HVAC condensate drain

2. Pick up the sensor. It is small and lightweight. Gently lift it from its position.

3. Open the battery compartment. Depending on your sensor model:

   • Slide-open models: Push the battery cover in the direction of the arrow printed on the case, then lift it off.
   • Twist-open models: Rotate the back cover counterclockwise about a quarter turn, then lift it away.
   • If you are unsure which type you have, look for a small arrow or "open" marking on the case.

4. Remove the old battery. Note which direction the positive (+) end is facing before you remove it. The compartment usually has markings showing the correct orientation.

5. Insert the new CR123A battery. Match the positive (+) and negative (-) ends to the markings inside the compartment. The positive end is the one with the small raised bump.

6. Close the battery compartment. Slide or twist the cover back into place until it clicks or seats firmly.

7. Wait 1 to 2 minutes. The sensor will automatically begin its startup process and attempt to reconnect to your gateway.

8. Check the app. Open the Shipshape app and verify that the sensor now shows online. You may also see a fresh battery level reading.

After Replacement

• Place the sensor back in its original position. Make sure the moisture detection contacts (the small metal prongs or pads on the bottom) are facing down and touching the floor or the surface you want to monitor.
• Dispose of the old battery responsibly. CR123A lithium batteries should be recycled, not thrown in the trash. Most hardware stores and battery retailers have recycling bins.

If the Sensor Does Not Come Back Online After Battery Replacement

Try these additional steps:

1. Remove and reinsert the battery. Sometimes the contacts do not make a clean connection on the first try. Take the battery out, wait 10 seconds, and put it back in.

2. Check the battery orientation. Confirm the positive and negative ends are correct. An upside-down battery will not damage the sensor, but it will not power it either.

3. Verify the battery is fresh. If the battery came from a drawer or has been sitting around for years, it may already be partially depleted. Try a brand-new battery from a sealed package.

4. Check the gateway. If the gateway is offline, the sensor cannot report in even with a fresh battery. Confirm the gateway shows online in the app.

5. Check range. If the sensor is far from the gateway (especially through multiple walls or floors), it may not have enough signal strength. Move the sensor closer to the gateway temporarily to test. If it connects when closer, you may need a Z-Wave range extender near the sensor's intended location.

6. Contact support. If none of the above resolves the issue, the sensor may need to be replaced. Shipshape support can verify the sensor's status remotely and arrange a replacement if necessary.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Leak Sensors

• Keep spare CR123A batteries on hand. Buy a 2-pack or 4-pack and store them with your household supplies. When SAM sends a low battery alert, you can replace it the same day instead of waiting for a store trip.
• Check sensor placement during cleaning. When you clean under the sink or behind the washing machine, make sure the sensor has not been bumped out of position. The moisture contacts need to be in contact with the surface to detect leaks.
• Do not submerge the sensor. Leak sensors are designed to detect moisture on their contact points, not to survive being submerged in standing water. If you find your sensor sitting in a puddle, dry it off thoroughly after addressing the leak.
• Replace batteries proactively. If you know a battery has been in service for 18 months or more and you are heading into a season when you will be away from home (vacation, snowbird travel), swap it out early for peace of mind.

Battery Life Quick Facts

| Detail | Information | |---|---| | Battery type | CR123A lithium | | Expected life | 1 to 2 years | | Low battery warning | About 2 weeks before depletion | | Replacement time | About 2 minutes | | Tools needed | None | | Where to buy | Hardware stores, Amazon, pharmacies | | Disposal | Recycle at battery drop-off locations |

When to Contact Support

Reach out to Shipshape support if:

• The sensor remains offline after a fresh battery and the gateway is confirmed online.
• The sensor shows online but the battery level reads critically low immediately after replacement.
• You notice physical damage to the sensor (cracked housing, corroded battery contacts).
• You are unsure where the sensor is located in your home. Support or your service professional can help you find it.