A stuffing box leak detection system utilizes a reflective member on the outside surface of the stuffing box. A photoelectric sensor emits a light beam which is directed at the reflective member and a reflective beam is reflected back to the photoelectric sensor by the reflective member. A processor is connected to the photoelectric sensor, where the processor is configured to detect a change in intensity of the reflected beam. Upon detecting a change in the intensity of the reflected beam, the processor activates a trip alarm. Notifications of the trip alarm may be distributed to pre-selected recipients. The processor may also activate a camera directed at the stuffing box to provide still images or live stream video to recipients.