Technology
Aqara’s new DIY-ready smart water shutoff works in more smart homes with Matter
Aqara’s Smart Valve Controller T1 is now available, bringing an interoperable Matter-compatible valve controller option to the smart home for the first time. The $69.99 T1 connects to your water shutoff valve so you can operate it remotely or shut it off automatically when a leak is detected.
The Aqara hub lets this T1 integrate with any of the major smart home platforms, unlike some pricier options from companies like Moen, Kohler, and Belkin. Right now, only Samsung and Home Assistant support smart valve controllers like this, but that will change as others expand their Matter device support.
The T1 attaches to the lever or butterfly handle of most household valves. Aqara says it’s “DIY-friendly as it requires no major modifications to existing plumbing” and has compatibility with half-inch, three-quarter-inch, and one-inch pipes.
Aqara says the T1 will run on four AA batteries for up to two years. For automation, the company also makes a cheap leak sensor, or you can use a different one that works with your preferred smart home platform after support is added.