Smart home technology has finally made its way into your pipes. Water leak detectors, smart shut-off valves, and connected water heaters can now talk to your Google Home speaker — and setting them up is easier than you’d think. This guide walks through the process on Google Home app version 2.x, which rolled out in late 2018.
Devices That Work With Google Home (As of Late 2018)
Not every smart plumbing gadget supports Google Assistant yet, but the list is growing fast. Here are the ones we’ve confirmed work:
- Flo by Moen — Smart water shut-off and leak detector. Works via Google Assistant voice commands and the Google Home app.
- Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector — Connects through IFTTT to Google Home. Not native, but functional.
- Rheem EcoNet Water Heater — If you have a newer Rheem hybrid or tankless unit with the EcoNet module, you can ask Google to adjust the water temperature.
- WaterCop Leak Detection System — Integrates via SmartThings, which connects to Google Home through their SmartThings skill.
Step 1: Set Up Your Google Home Device
If you haven’t already, plug in your Google Home (first-gen) or Google Home Mini and walk through setup in the Google Home app. You’ll need a Google account and a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The app is free on both iOS and Android.
Step 2: Link Your Plumbing Device’s App
Open the Google Home app and tap the “+” button in the top left, then select “Set up device” → “Have something already set up?” Search for your device brand (e.g., “Flo by Moen” or “Rheem EcoNet”). Sign in with your device account credentials when prompted.
Step 3: Test Voice Commands
Once linked, try a few commands:
- “Hey Google, ask Flo what my water usage is today.”
- “Hey Google, set my water heater to vacation mode.”
- “Hey Google, turn off the water.” (Flo/WaterCop only)
Using IFTTT as a Bridge
For devices without native Google Home support, IFTTT (If This Then That) is still the most reliable bridge. Head to ifttt.com, create a free account, and search for applets combining your device with Google Assistant. In 2018 the free IFTTT tier supports unlimited applets, so you won’t need to pay anything.
Note: IFTTT recently announced some changes to their pricing, so check their site for the latest.
What About Amazon Alexa?
Most of these same devices also support Alexa. If you’re an Echo household, the setup steps are nearly identical — just go to the Alexa app and search for the device skill instead of using Google Home.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the device doesn’t show up in Google Home, try unlinking and relinking the account.
- Make sure your Google Home and the plumbing device are on the same Wi-Fi network (both 2.4 GHz).
- Some devices require the manufacturer app to be installed and the device fully set up before Google Home will recognize it.
Final Thoughts
Smart plumbing isn’t mainstream yet, but it’s getting there. Leak detection alone can save homeowners thousands of dollars in water damage, and being able to monitor usage from your phone — or shut off the water with a voice command — is genuinely useful. If you’re building a smarter home, your plumbing is worth including in the plan.