"cheap, simple, and loud enough to catch early drips"
Those basic alarms are definitely handy for catching leaks early, but I'm curious—have you thought about pairing them with automatic shut-off valves? I've installed a few systems that trigger a valve closure as soon as water is detected. They're pricier and take some effort to set up (you'll need to splice into your main line), but they can stop a leak instantly even if you're not home. Could be worth considering if leaks have been a recurring issue...
Those auto shut-off valves sound great in theory, but honestly, I've seen them cause headaches too. Had a client whose valve triggered falsely when condensation built up around the sensor—ended up shutting off water to the whole house while they were away for the weekend. Came home to no water and a fridge full of spoiled groceries. They're definitely useful, but I'd say weigh the pros and cons carefully before diving in...
