Don't get me started on those $300 smart water shutoff valves

I bought a Flo by Moen valve last year for $300 thinking it would save me from water damage. Installed it myself, took about 4 hours with all the pipe cutting and soldering. Thing is, it keeps giving me false alerts every time someone runs the washing machine. I've had to adjust the sensitivity three times and it still acts up. Meanwhile my buddy has a simple $50 mechanical timer on his sprinkler system that's been flawless for 5 years. I honestly think the smart home hype on these things is way overblown. Has anyone else found a reliable alternative that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

2 comments

2 Comments

taylor9292d ago

Actually, Flo by Moen uses a bunch of sensors that detect micro-leaks, not just pressure changes (which is why it's so sensitive to stuff like washing machines). But yeah, I totally get the frustration - my neighbor switched to a simple water sensor alarm that sits on the floor for like $15 and calls it peace of mind.

pipera502d ago

Yeah my buddy had one of those smart systems and it flooded his laundry room anyway.