Flo Smart water system-Automated water shutoff valves

[Aggieland]

I am looking into installing a automated valve shut off system. I landed with Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff system.

For folks that have this installed- Any feedback on these devices? Maintenance, functionality, experiences etc.

Thank you!

[InMyDreams]

A related thread
viewtopic.php?t=307587

I'm interested in setting up a water detection/shut off system, so will follow this thread.

I just tried to install Flume's monitoring system - not compatible with my city's meter system

[flarf]

Have had a Flo installed at a weekend property for two years, no major issues.

When there is abnormal usage, I get a notification on my phone from the app and a phone call before it cuts off the water. There have been a couple of times I haven't had my phone within reach and it has turned off the water while someone is taking a long shower. It's supposed to learn from these events, but they're fairly low frequency so I'm not too annoyed.

It tries to report water usage by fixture (sink, dishwasher, shower, toilet, etc.) but it's hardly precise.

I've had two different homeowners insurance carriers over that time, both have given a discount.

[CoatHanger]

I had the Flo installed at the beginning of a huge renovation in 2019 because Chubb wouldn’t continue my policy during the project without it (they also insisted on lots of fire extinguishers and No Smoking signs, interestingly enough). I like it and I eventually bought a set of three of their water detectors, which also integrate with the iPhone app. I think the whole system works well, and on at least a couple of occasions it’s caught potentially bad issues.

[Aggieland]

This is helpful. Thanks for the feedback and the links. Ordered flo and plan to install this week.

[mfng]

I've had one for a few years and really like it. Long showers and multiple people showering at the same time seem to trip the alarm. If you don't override it quickly enough, the water gets shut off mid-shower.

I have a friend whose washlet (bidet toilet seat) sprung a leak while he was on vacation and caused over $100k in damage. Having the Flo gives me peace of mind that a disaster like that won't happen to me. That's the biggest benefit in my opinion.

[Glockenspiel]

I have one. Works great. Can see what exactly is using water, if you have any drips, toilet leakages, etc. Sometimes the water softener or the irrigation system have tripped the shutoff, but you can reset the Flo to "re-learn" and it helps avoid the auto shut-off.

[NYCaviator]

Anyone that has it compare it to the Phyn? We need to get one installed, but I was pretty skeptical of the Flo based on some of the reviews online. It sounds like they work ok for a year or two and then start to have issues, just when the warranty runs out.

And curious how much you paid and what your insurance savings is? We were quoted just over $1k and our main water line is in the utility closet in the basement with a bunch of room, and right next to an outlet so the install should (theoretically) be pretty darn easy.

[desiderium]

I have had a Flo unit for more than 2 years. Works fine, never a problem, shutoff issues as previously noted. Not sure what to think about online reviews. Working properly, it isn't something that ever comes to mind.

[stats99]

I bought Flo in 2019. Failed during warranty so they replaced. Then in 2022 the unit started measuring about 1/2 of the usual flow. Tried their procedures to remove, take apart and clean debris. Did that a number of times but the unit then measured 0 water flow. Moen said they would replace for $250. I have not done that, the part that needs to be replaced in a small plastic impeller. Had been hoping to be able to just buy that replacement part, but nothing yet.

[hoofaman]

I have a Phyn plus 2nd Gen that I had installed last year:

https://www.phyn.com/plus-smart-water-assistant/

The Phyn has been pretty good at not only monitoring water usage, but also automatically identifying anomalies like leaky toilets that needed the flap replaced, the hose being left on, and high water pressure alert after our PRV valve failed. Can't speak to it's longevity yet, but so far so good after 10 months

Regarding the installation as I assume other devices are similar:

When we had it installed, I had the plumber add a manual bypass loop so that I can close 2 valves manually to use a straight pipe and then remove the Phyn myself using a wrench incase I need to send it in for warranty repair or something, I also had plumber install using water meter couplings which allow it to be installed/removed in place without cutting pipes

[Aggieland]

I bought Flo in 2019. Failed during warranty so they replaced. Then in 2022 the unit started measuring about 1/2 of the usual flow. Tried their procedures to remove, take apart and clean debris. Did that a number of times but the unit then measured 0 water flow. Moen said they would replace for $250. I have not done that, the part that needs to be replaced in a small plastic impeller. Had been hoping to be able to just buy that replacement part, but nothing yet.

Is the warranty through Moen or do I need to buy a separate warranty from third party?

Thanks!

[InMyDreams]

I bought Flo in 2019. Failed during warranty so they replaced. Then in 2022 the unit started measuring about 1/2 of the usual flow. Tried their procedures to remove, take apart and clean debris. Did that a number of times but the unit then measured 0 water flow. Moen said they would replace for $250. I have not done that, the part that needs to be replaced in a small plastic impeller. Had been hoping to be able to just buy that replacement part, but nothing yet.

I think that's what I've read about Moen's system. I live in an area with fairly hard water, so it might fail pretty fast.

Not mentioned in reviews I've read for any system - I have high water pressure, altho I do use a PRV. Great showers

Phyn is mentioned in the other thread (plumber installation). another is Bulldog by EcoNetControls (https://www.econetshop.com), which looks like something I could install, plus add water detectors in case of other leaks sneak by it.

[aerofreaky11]

Moen units are made by Phyn. Check if your parts are available from Phyn!

[GmanJeff]

I don't have a system yet, but just received a quote for homeowner's insurance from Pure. An automated water shutoff system would result in a $300 annual savings in premiums for me.

[seawolf21]

If you don't need auto-shutoff, Flume is self-installed. Detects toilet tank with a fill valve that didn't close properly.

[InMyDreams]

If you don't need auto-shutoff, Flume is self-installed. Detects toilet tank with a fill valve that didn't close properly.

Yes, but check to see if it's compatible with your water meter before purchasing.

[michaelingp]

When you install the Flo, be sure to install (or have already) a back flow preventer. I don't have one, and my Flo reports a lot more water used in a week (like maybe 10%) than a real water meter (like what I'm billed for). When I asked Moen, they said that it was caused by fluctuating water pressure, and the water went back and forth through the Flo. Sounds a bit unlikely to me, but then again, I don't have a back flow preventer, and the tech seemed to have a lot of data of my water usage.

Other than that, which is not really an issue, it does seem to learn. When we first got it it would complain (and turn off the water) for things like a long shower. Now, it's settled down, and for the most part, only watering the lawn seems to make it grumpy. When I do have issues is when I'm not home and someone else (like a daughter) is at my home and has a different water usage pattern, which does cause what I'd call nuisance shut-offs. We've had it about 2 years and it has worked perfectly other than the nuisance shut offs.

Bottom line, keep your phone handy, and know how to turn the water back on. It's reasonably intuitive once you get the hang of it. You don't have to be home to turn the water back on, just have internet access.

For me, the big benefit is that my main shut off valve is located in a fairly tight crawl space. It is SO NICE not to have to crawl down there any more!

[Aggieland]

Update:

Install the flo valve today and it was a breeze. Plumber took 15 mins to get it on and the Moen system is fast. It is in the Learning mode and is able to instantly detect water use!

So far so good!

Thanks to this thread for guidance!

[hoofaman]

If you don't need auto-shutoff, Flume is self-installed. Detects toilet tank with a fill valve that didn't close properly.

Yes, but check to see if it's compatible with your water meter before purchasing.

And I think some water companies/municipalities don't allow them (or anything in the box next to meter), check with your water company first

My dad has a flume though and im amazed at how well it works