Stay one step ahead of costly water damage

Monitor leaks 24/7 with the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff by Moen

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When it comes to home damage, fire is often the greater fear. Its immediate, life-threatening impact is undeniably destructive. Water damage, on the other hand, might seem less dangerous – except during catastrophic natural disasters – but it can be just as devastating over time. Gradual leaks can ruin property, weaken structures, and create hidden health risks, leading to costly repairs.

Fortunately, advancements in smart home technology, such as the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff by Moen, provide an effective and affordable way to minimize the risks of water damage.

This innovative device pairs with the Moen Smart Water Network app and connects directly to your home’s incoming water supply. It continuously monitors your water’s pressure, temperature, and flow rate and sends alerts at the first sign of trouble.

Using Moen’s MicroLeak Technology, the Flo Smart Water Monitor performs proactive daily tests, detecting leaks as small as a drop per minute from worn-out pipes, drains, or valves. If a leak is identified, you can shut off the water manually through the app or configure the system to trigger an automatic shutoff. This is especially helpful if frozen pipes burst while you’re away, perhaps relaxing on a beach in Mexico.

The Smart Leak Detector is a low-cost standalone device that can be placed anywhere water might be present.

Installation of the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff is straightforward for those with DIY skills.

The Flo Smart Water Monitor incorporates Moen’s latest FloSense 3.0 technology. This machine-learning algorithm analyzes your family’s water usage patterns to improve detection accuracy.

Beyond identifying leaks, the system can flag shifts in water consumption. For example, the device will send you an alert if your usual five-minute shower suddenly stretches to 20 minutes. This feature isn’t just practical for home protection – it also helps eco-conscious users stay mindful of their water usage.

From Day one, the Flo Smart Water Monitor learns your household’s typical water habits. During its initial seven- to 10-day learning period, it gathers data without sending alerts, giving you a chance to monitor your usage patterns.

Alerts can be sent via email, text, phone call, or through the app, offering flexibility and convenience. The app’s control panel also allows you to monitor your system in real-time.

The system offers three modes:

• Normal mode for daily use.
• Away mode for stricter monitoring while you’re travelling.
• Sleep mode to avoid unnecessary alerts, such as when filling a pool or hot tub.

It’s also compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, making it easy to integrate into your smart home ecosystem.

The Flo Smart Water Monitor connects to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and is powered by a standard AC outlet. It comes with a 10-foot cord and an optional 25-foot low-voltage extension. In the event of a power failure, a special hex key allows you to operate the water shutoff knob manually.

Installation is straightforward for those with DIY skills. The device includes connection fittings and spare parts, but you’ll need basic tools. It’s installed after the water meter, main shutoff, and pressure-reducing valve (if applicable). The app provides step-by-step guidance, and helpful videos are available. However, hiring a plumber is recommended for added peace of mind.

For even more protection, the Moen Smart Leak Detector is a versatile addition to your home. This device, consisting of a base unit and a mini remote sensing disc, monitors moisture, humidity, and temperature. It can alert you to leaks from dishwashers, water heaters, or even a furnace failure that causes a drop in ambient temperature.

The Smart Leak Detector is a low-cost standalone device that can be placed anywhere water might be present. When paired with the Flo Smart Water Monitor, it adds another layer of security by automatically triggering the water shutoff in case of a leak.

No special installation is required. The device includes a wall mount base and hardware and runs on a 3V CR123A lithium battery, which lasts up to two years.

My verdict

The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff is available in three configurations for 3/4”, 1”, or 1.25” pipes, starting at $699. It’s sold at Home Depot and Amazon. The Moen Smart Leak Detector retails for $75 or about $185 for a 3-pack, available at Amazon, Home Depot, and Canadian Tire.

For an additional $5 per month, you can subscribe to Flo Protect, which covers up to $5,000 of your insurance deductible for water damage and extends the warranty to five years. Installing a smart shutoff device may also qualify you for insurance discounts.

Together, these devices provide an affordable and convenient solution for safeguarding your home from water damage, whether you’re at home or away. It’s peace of mind well worth the investment.

Greg Gazin, also known as Gadget Guy or Gadget Greg, is a Troy Media columnist with deep expertise in technology. He’s also a respected speaker on communication, leadership, and tech-related topics. Beyond writing, Gazin is a versatile professional who works as a facilitator, blogger, podcaster, and author. His broad range of skills and insights has made him a prominent and influential voice in the tech community.

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