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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteYes: in Smart Home Perfected’s September 2026 test, the Zooz Titan closed the valve when internet access was blocked, as long as the Homey Pro hub remained powered. A separately configured wireless leak sensor also closed it with the hub unplugged, but that was not the default setup. Phone leak alerts did not arrive during the internet outage.
What did the network-cut test establish?
Smart Home Perfected tested a Zooz ZAC36 LR Titan actuator on firmware 2.10, a Zooz ZSE42 800LR leak sensor on firmware 2.40, and a Homey Pro running firmware 13.5.0 with Zooz for Homey app 1.2.1. The tester blocked the hub’s internet access, killed existing connections, and wetted the sensor contacts.
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In three internet-blocked runs, the valve motor began closing in under one second—the same reported start time as three runs with the hub online. The local Homey automation and Z-Wave connection continued to work, and the local app could be reopened. These results apply to the tested devices, firmware, hub, and configuration; they are not a guarantee for every hub or installation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe test article reports that Zooz supplied the devices at no charge through The Smartest House, did not pay for the test, and had no say in its score.
#1 Best Overall
- CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY: Make you sure you have a standard 0.5" - 1.25" ball valve and enough space to install the Titan actuator. Measure that there is 3" clearance from the valve center to each side on the pipe, at least 1.25" clearance between the valve handle and the pipe, at least 1" clearance between the pipe and the wall. If your installation doesn't match the requirements, do not purchase the product.
- SMART FLOOD PREVENTION: Shut your main water valve automatically when a leak is detected to prevent costly water damage. The Titan actuator installs over your ball valve and comes with a plug-in leak detector to monitor water presence around it. It will work offline with the probe connected directly to the Titan but the device works best when included to a compatible Z-Wave hub (sold separately) for full wireless functionality.
- EXTREMELY STRONG: Unlike other retrofit solutions, the Titan is equipped with a powerful motor that opens and closes even the most stubborn valve reliably. It calibrates on each individual valve once installed for optimal performance.
- DIY INSTALLATION: You don't need any tools and it takes just a few minutes to mount and calibrate the device. You can use it outdoors too! Follow the steps in the manual and installation video carefully when installing the product. Check your set-up before buying: suitable for 0.5" - 1.25" ball valves only; 3" clearance from the valve center to each side on the pipe, at least 1.25" clearance between the valve handle and the pipe, at least 1" clearance between the pipe and the wall.
- Z-WAVE COMPATIBLE: Get the most of your Titan Valve Actuator when you include it to your Z-Wave hub. Program it to shut the water off if water is detected on any of your wireless leak sensors (sold separately) for complete protection. The Titan works best with the Z-Box Hub and is compatible with SmartThings, Hubitat, Ring Alarm, and Home Assistant. Check with Zooz for compatibility before buying if your hub is not listed.
Does the Zooz Titan work without internet?
In the tested setup, internet service was not needed for the local leak-to-valve action. The Homey Pro still had power and was running the automation; only its internet access was blocked. That distinction matters: this result shows local operation during an internet outage, not operation without a hub under the original configuration.
The article also reports that the Titan and sensor had no network address and made no internet requests in its capture. The Homey Pro, by contrast, made 200 blocked attempts to 33 addresses over 25 minutes, attributed by the tester to Athom, connectivity checks, and time servers. Those figures describe this firewall capture, not a general traffic profile or an independently audited privacy assessment.
Rank #2
- Connect & control your smart home — Easily link thousands of compatible devices from leading brands to create a connected home environment for lighting, comfort, voice assistants, energy use, and more.
- Automate your routines — Build custom automations using the SmartThings app to coordinate lights, sensors, switches, and other compatible devices throughout your day. Many automations now run locally for improved speed and reliability.
- Set up, manage, and automate devices using the SmartThings app on Android, iOS, or iPadOS. Works with popular voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
- Easy setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet — Set up the hub in minutes using the SmartThings app. Supports both wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Wide compatibility — Certified for Matter, SmartThings, Z-Wave Plus (V3 model only), Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Google Home, and Alexa. Designed for use in North America.
Does the Zooz Titan need a hub?
For a local rule using the tested wireless sensor
Yes, in the default Homey arrangement described in the test: the local automation ran on the Homey Pro. With the hub unplugged, the wireless sensor initially did not close the valve because direct association between the sensor and actuator had not been configured.
For wireless sensor operation with the hub unplugged
The tester configured direct Z-Wave association between the ZSE42 and Titan. The devices were joined at matching security levels; the Titan was added to the sensor’s Association Group 2, and sensor parameter 5 was set to 4. The article says this parameter requires ZSE42 firmware 2.30 or later; the tested sensor ran firmware 2.40.
Rank #3
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
After that setup, the sensor closed the valve when wet and it remained closed after the sensor dried in three of three runs with the Homey Pro unplugged. This is a specific tested configuration, not a claim that hub-independent operation is automatic or that the same steps apply to every hub. For security, use matching security levels and retain S2 where the hub supports it; the test’s Homey-specific inclusion problem is not a reason to disable security generally.
For the wired probe
The Titan’s wired probe closed the valve in the test without a hub or internet connection. The product information describes the probe as able to close the valve when the hub is down. If a leak indication persists after the leak is cleared, dry the probe contacts before clearing it.
Rank #4
- Matter Bridge for Smart Home Integration: Bridge Zigbee, BTHome, and eWeLink devices to Matter platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. Connect different smart home ecosystems and enjoy seamless cross-platform device control.
- Local Web Console, No Cloud Required: Access the local Matter Bridge web interface directly from your LAN without downloading an app or relying on cloud services. Configure and manage device bridging while keeping your data private and secure.
- Smart Home Security Protection: Pair with Zigbee sensors to create a local home security system. When intrusion is detected, the built-in 90 dB alarm and instant mobile notifications help keep you informed and your home protected.
- Support Home Assistant: Easily integrate Zigbee devices with Home Assistant through MQTT or bridge Home Assistant devices to Matter-compatible platforms, enabling greater flexibility across your smart home setup.
- Zigbee Hub with Broad Compatibility: Works as a Zigbee Hub and Zigbee Gateway, supporting SONOFF and a wide range of third-party Zigbee devices. Create local automations and build a reliable, connected smart home experience.
Will I get a leak alert if my internet is down?
Not on the phone in this test. Leak push alerts raised during the outage were not delivered later, although the events remained visible in Homey’s Timeline. As the test author put it, “The push for them is lost, not delayed.”
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →In this run, the hub sent an offline push seven minutes after internet access was cut; after access returned, the reconnect push arrived about a minute later. Those are observations from one test, not promised notification times or service guarantees.
Best Value
- Z-WAVE CONTROL: Add Z-Wave to your lamps or small appliances and enjoy the convenience of scheduling and smart rules for an elevated daily routine (up to 15 A resistive load; no dimming control); Z-Wave hub required (sold separately); scroll down for compatibility.
- POWER MONITORING: Track energy use and save money based on real time data from your smart home.
- 800 SERIES CHIP & ZWLR: Z-Wave Long Range ready with ultra reliable connection to the hub (your system needs to support ZWLR). Equipped with SmartStart and S2 Authenticated Security, the device incorporates the latest safety feature of the Z-Wave protocol.
- SIGNAL REPEATER: Boost the signal of your network with extra range from the plug. It acts as an extender to all of your Z-Wave devices for better communication speed and lag-free wireless experience (repeater functionality not available in Z-Wave Long Range networks).
- LIFETIME TECH SUPPORT: Get your questions answered by a Z-Wave expert 7 days a week. Register your product within 30 days for an extended 5-year warranty.
Does the Zooz Titan require a subscription or account?
The test article reports that the actuator’s core operation did not require a Zooz account or subscription. The app and remote-control experience depend on the hub ecosystem. Zooz says remote control requires a compatible Z-Wave hub, so check that the hub you intend to use supports the actuator and the features you need.
What should you check before installing it?
The ZAC36 is an actuator for ball valves, not a universal shutoff fitting. Check the actual valve type, valve size and clearance, pipe layout, access to power, and compatibility with your Z-Wave hub before buying or installing. Zooz lists supported hubs and physical fit requirements in its product information.
- Valve and clearance: Confirm that the actuator fits the specific ball valve and surrounding pipework.
- Hub support: Verify compatibility and which security features your hub supports. Zooz states that the ZAC36 supports S2 security.
- Power: The actuator remained powered throughout the hub-unplugged test. The test did not establish operation during a whole-house electrical outage; Zooz identifies an optional backup battery pack for the actuator.
What the test did not show
The results do not establish behavior on Hubitat, Home Assistant, Z-Box, or Z-Wave Long Range; long-term stability of the direct association; performance with multiple sensors; or torque on a stiff or corroded valve. The test also reports state-display discrepancies in Homey after hub recovery, so check the Titan’s indicator rather than assuming the valve is open based only on the recovered hub status.
On security, repeated S2 inclusion attempts for the Titan failed on the tested Homey Pro, and the article reports that the device joined only after S2 was skipped. A separate Zooz ZST39 LR controller running Z-Wave JS completed S2 Authenticated inclusion with DSK validation. These are observations from two configurations, not a conformance result for all hubs.
Quick Recap
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