Editorial Integrity &
Review Standards
This page explains exactly how the DU Tech Team researches, writes, and maintains content. It exists because we believe our methodology should be as transparent as our findings.
Specs Over Buzzwords
Every claim is expressed in measurable units. GPM, PSI, dB, Hz, mAh. Marketing language is translated into technical reality.
Primary Sources Only
FCC filings, patent databases, UL certifications, and manufacturer spec sheets — not other review sites.
Commission-Blind Rankings
Rankings are finalized before affiliate links are added. A $30 sensor that outperforms a $500 system will be ranked higher.
Where Our Data Comes From
The DU Tech Team does not perform physical lab tests. Our authority comes from rigorous analysis of primary technical documentation — the same sources that engineers and patent attorneys use.
FCC Filings
Wireless protocol certifications for Matter, Thread, WiFi, and LoRa devices — verifying actual frequency bands, power output, and range claims
Patent Filings
USPTO patent databases for sensor detection mechanisms, valve actuation systems, and acoustic sensing technologies — revealing how devices actually work
UL/ETL Certifications
Safety certification documentation verifying electrical safety, water resistance ratings (IP codes), and operating temperature ranges
Manufacturer Spec Sheets
Full technical datasheets — not marketing pages — including flow rate tolerances, pressure ratings, frequency response curves, and battery chemistry specs
Verified Owner Reports
Aggregated analysis of thousands of verified purchase reviews, filtered for technical specificity and cross-referenced against known failure modes
US Insurance Data
Publicly available insurance industry datasets on water damage claim frequency, average costs, and discount program eligibility criteria
The Four Non-Negotiable Standards
These rules apply to every piece of content published on LeakCheckPro.com — guides, product reviews, tool outputs, and social content.
The No-Fluff Rule
We prioritize technical specifications over marketing language. Flow rates are expressed in GPM. Pressure in PSI. Sound levels in dB. Frequency ranges in Hz. Battery capacity in mAh. If a manufacturer claims "industry-leading sensitivity" without a frequency range, we note the omission.
- We write: "Detects leaks at 0.1 GPM flow variance" — not "ultra-sensitive detection"
- We write: "915 MHz LoRa, 1/4-mile range through concrete" — not "long-range connectivity"
- We write: "CR2032, 220 mAh, 18-month typical life" — not "long battery life"
The Primary Source Rule
Every technical claim on this site must be traceable to a primary source: a manufacturer spec sheet, FCC filing, patent document, or peer-reviewed study. We do not cite other review sites as sources. If we cannot verify a claim from a primary source, we explicitly state that it is unverified.
- Protocol claims are verified against FCC ID database filings
- Range claims are cross-referenced with IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread) and LoRa Alliance specifications
- Insurance discount claims are verified against publicly available insurer program documentation
The Conflict of Interest Rule
Affiliate commission rates are never considered during research or ranking. Products are evaluated on technical merit, consumer reliability data, and value-for-money. A product with a 4% Amazon commission that performs poorly will be ranked below a product with a 1% commission that performs well.
- Rankings are finalized before affiliate links are added
- Negative findings are published even when they affect high-commission products
- We decline manufacturer requests to remove or soften negative findings
The Correction Protocol
When errors are identified — by our team or by readers — we publish corrections within 48 hours. Corrections are noted inline with a timestamp and a brief explanation of what changed and why. We do not silently edit content.
- Corrections are marked with a visible "Updated [date]" tag
- The original claim and the correction are both documented
- Readers who report verified errors are credited by name if they wish
Update Frequency by Content Type
The smart home market moves fast. Matter 2.0 firmware updates, new Thread certifications, and insurance program changes can make content outdated within months. Here's our audit schedule.
"Best Of" product lists and compatibility matrices
Matter 2.0 firmware updates, new device certifications, and price changes require regular verification
Protocol deep-dive guides (Thread, LoRa, WiFi)
Wireless protocol standards evolve — Thread 1.4, Matter 2.0 revisions, and LoRa Alliance updates require guide revisions
Insurance discount program documentation
US insurer programs change annually — discount percentages, eligibility requirements, and participating providers are re-verified each year
Factual corrections and product discontinuations
When products are discontinued, recalled, or significantly updated, we update affected content within 48 hours of confirmation
Pre-Publication Checklist
Every guide and product review passes through this checklist before publication. Each item is signed off by the responsible team member.
Found an Error? Tell Us.
If you find a factual error, outdated specification, or broken link on this site, please report it. We publish corrections within 48 hours and credit reporters by name if they wish. Accurate information protects homeowners — we take corrections seriously.
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