Smart home products have come a long way, but one area often overlooked is water management. Aqaras newly launched Valve Controller T1 is changing that by turning your existing water valves into smart components of your home. Originally announced at IFA 2024, this retrofit device pairs with water leak sensors and integrates seamlessly into HomeKitHomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apples smart home framework.One of the major features of the Valve Controller T1 is its ability to act as an automated safety net against water damage (which as a homeowner, keeps me up at night). Paired with Aqara leak sensors, it provides24/7 monitoringand automatically shuts off the water supply if a leak is detected. Whether youre out of town or simply want peace of mind during the night, this feature ensures your home is protected from costly water damage that might include new floors, cabinets, etc.Qqaras retrofit design means the Valve Controller T1 can attach to most standard home water valves without needing plumbing overhauls. It supports valve sizes from 1/2 inch to 1 inch and runs on four AA batteries, offering up to two years of battery life. The low-power Zigbee protocol ensures reliable operation without the hassle of wiring or recurring battery swaps.HomeKit and MatterFor HomeKit users, the Valve Controller T1 integrates with your existing setup, enabling automation through the Home app. Do you want your water valve to shut off if a leak sensor detects an issue? HomeKit automations make it easy. Plus, thanks to Matter compatibility via an Aqara hub, the device can work across platforms like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.Heres a quick video on how to install it.Automations allow you to remotely control or schedule your water usage, helping to conserve resources. Whether youre setting up an eco-friendly irrigation schedule or safeguarding against leaks, this device offers flexibility and reliability.Wrap upThe T1 Value Controller is the first of its kind that Ive seen with HomeKit and Matter support. Water damage is one of the fastest way to rack up home repair bills and this product could save you tens of thousands of dollars.Use code PRNAVCT1 to save 15% off the new Aqara Valve Controller T1 on Amazon.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel