The Moen 900-001 Flo Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor is a state-of-the-art leak detection and water monitoring system that helps homeowners prevent costly water damage. This smart device continuously tracks water flow, pressure, and temperature, identifying leaks as small as a single drop per minute. Designed to optimize water usage and prevent waste, it offers real-time alerts and can automatically shut off water to stop leaks before they cause damage.
With FloSense technology, the system learns a home’s unique water usage patterns and adjusts security settings accordingly. Homeowners receive instant notifications via the Moen Smart Water App, emails, and phone calls in case of irregular water activity. Whether at home or away, users can monitor and control their water system remotelyto shut off leaks before they become major problems. The system integrates with popular smart home platforms, including Google Assistant, Ring, and Alarm.com, providing seamless protection and automation.
Installation requires attaching the Flo Smart Water Monitor directly to a home’s main water line—a process that is best handled by a professional. The device fits pipe diameters between 3/4-inch and 1-1/4-inch, making it compatible with most residential plumbing systems. Designed for continuous monitoring and proactive water management, the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor is an ideal solution for homeowners looking to safeguard their property from water damage while optimizing water efficiency.
Pros and Cons of the Moen 900-001 Flo Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor
The Moen 900-001 Flo Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Sensor is a high-tech, proactive leak detection system designed to safeguard homes from water damage. This smart device continuously tracks water flow, pressure, and temperature, alerting homeowners to any abnormalities and automatically shutting off the water supply in case of a detected leak. While the Moen Flo system provides invaluable protection, it is important to weigh its benefits and potential drawbacks before making an investment. Below is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor.
Pros of the Moen 900-001 Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff Sensor
1. Proactive Leak Detection and Prevention
One of the biggest advantages of the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor is its ability to detect even the smallest leaks. It can identify leaks as tiny as a single drop per minute, preventing potential water damage before it escalates into a costly disaster. Several users reported that the device detected small leaks from toilets, faucets, and pipes, allowing them to fix the issue before it became a major problem.
Moreover, homeowners who installed the device as a precautionary measure later discovered hidden leaks that would have gone unnoticed without it. Some customers have even credited Moen Flo with saving their homes from major water damage, proving its effectiveness in proactive monitoring.
2. Automatic Shutoff for Enhanced Protection
The automatic shutoff feature is a major selling point of the Moen Flo system. If the device detects abnormal water flow that resembles a leak or an unintended water usage pattern, it can automatically turn off the water supply to prevent flooding.
For instance, one user shared that while they were on vacation, a garden hose left pressurized by a contractor burst, but the Moen Flo immediately detected the issue, shut off the water, and sent a notification—saving their home from what could have been thousands of dollars in damage.
This feature is especially beneficial for:
- Vacation homeowners who are away for extended periods.
- People living in areas prone to frozen pipes, where burst pipes can lead to serious damage.
- Elderly homeowners who may not be able to manually shut off the water in an emergency.
3. Real-Time Notifications & Alerts
Another standout feature of the Moen Flo system is its instant notifications. Homeowners receive alerts via push notifications, email, and even phone calls whenever an issue is detected. The ability to monitor water usage in real-time via the Moen Smart Water App provides an extra layer of security, ensuring that users are always informed about the status of their plumbing system.
Users also appreciated how the app alerts them not just for leaks, but also for excessive water use—such as long showers or faucets left running—helping them cut down on water waste and high utility bills.
4. Detailed Water Usage Insights
Beyond leak detection, the Moen Flo provides valuable insight into household water consumption. Many users were surprised by how detailed the usage reports were, allowing them to track water usage patterns down to individual fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers.
For instance, one homeowner noticed an unexplained spike in their water usage. Upon investigating using Moen Flo’s hour-by-hour tracking, they discovered that a buried irrigation pipe under their slab foundation had a slow leak. Without the Flo, this leak could have remained undetected for months, leading to higher water bills and potential structural damage.
By monitoring daily water consumption, users can identify inefficiencies, fix unknown leaks, and even reduce their water bills over time.
5. Integration with Smart Home Ecosystems
The Moen Flo integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant, Alarm.com, Ring, and NICE, allowing users to manage their water system using voice commands or home automation systems. This makes it an ideal choice for smart home enthusiasts looking to centralize their home security and water management in a single platform.
Additionally, some users connected their Flo sensors to their Alexa-enabled water shutoff valve, creating a fully automated leak protection system.
6. Easy-to-Use App & Remote Access
The Moen Smart Water App is intuitive, well-designed, and easy to navigate. Users can remotely monitor water usage, receive alerts, and manually shut off water with a single tap.
For people who travel frequently or own rental properties, being able to shut off the water from anywhere in the world provides immense peace of mind.
7. Professional Installation is Quick & Easy
The installation process is straightforward, particularly for those comfortable with basic plumbing work. Several homeowners successfully installed the system themselves using shark-bite fittings in under 30 minutes. However, for those unfamiliar with plumbing, hiring a professional plumber is recommended.
Some users also praised Moen’s clear and easy-to-follow installation instructions and online tutorial videos, which make DIY installation much easier.
8. High-Quality Build & Reliable Customer Support
While some components of the Moen Flo system are made of plastic, the overall build quality is sturdy and durable. Many users who have had the system installed for 3+ years reported that it continues to function flawlessly.
Additionally, Moen’s customer service has received praise for quick responses, free replacement parts, and helpful troubleshooting assistance. Several customers who experienced issues with the turbine measuring water usage were sent free replacement kits, ensuring their device remained operational.
Cons of the Moen 900-001 Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff Sensor
1. Expensive Upfront Cost
One of the most common complaints about the Moen Flo system is its high cost. While it offers long-term savings by preventing water damage, the initial investment can be steep for some homeowners.
Additionally, if homeowners want extra leak sensors, they have to purchase them separately, adding to the overall cost.
2. Occasional False Alarms & Overly Sensitive Shutoff
Some users found that Moen Flo’s auto-shutoff feature can be too sensitive, leading to false alarms or unnecessary shutoffs.
For example:
- One homeowner placed the system in “away mode” while camping, and when their son stopped by to check the house, the system mistook water usage as a leak and shut off the supply.
- Another user found that pressure fluctuations triggered water usage alerts, even when no water was actually used.
Fortunately, the auto-shutoff can be disabled or adjusted via the app to reduce false alarms.
3. Requires Strong Wi-Fi Signal Near Installation Site
The Moen Flo system requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to send notifications and allow remote access. Some users had difficulty maintaining a reliable connection because their main water line was in a basement or crawl space with weak Wi-Fi signals.
To resolve this, homeowners may need to invest in a Wi-Fi extender to ensure a stable connection.
4. Professional Installation May Be Necessary for Some Homes
While many users successfully installed the system themselves, others found installation challenging due to limited access to their main water line or confusion about pipe sizing. Professional installation can add $200 to $500 to the total cost.
5. Subscription-Based Features for Advanced Insights
While basic monitoring is free, some advanced features (such as detailed water usage history and home insurance reports) require a paid subscription. Some users felt that these features should be included in the purchase price.
Final Verdict: Is the Moen 900-001 Flo Smart Water Monitor Worth It?
✅ Best for:
✔️ Homeowners who travel frequently or own vacation/rental properties
✔️ Those who want peace of mind and prevent water damage before it happens
✔️ People looking for detailed water usage insights and smart home integration
🚫 Not ideal for:
❌ Homeowners who aren’t comfortable with DIY plumbing and want to avoid professional installation costs
❌ Those who don’t want to rely on Wi-Fi for monitoring
❌ People looking for a low-cost leak detection system
Despite its higher price tag, the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor provides unmatched protection against water leaks and costly home damage. If you value peace of mind and smart automation, it’s a worthy investment for safeguarding your home.