HomeKit HomeKit water main shutoff valves.

[flynz4]

I’m considering a remote water shutoff valve for my house. I already have lots of water sensors as part of my monitored security system but I want a remote method to shut off the main if I am away from the house and I cannot get hold of neighbors.

I have a preference for an inline valve rather than one that clams over the existing valve and mechanically closes it.

While I would prefer it be HomeKit compatible, it is not absolutely necessary. In fact, even if it is HomeKit compatible, I would also want a dedicated app just in case HomeKit is acting wonky.

/Jim

 

[Apple_Robert]

I highly recommend Flo by Moen. The app works well and it is very easy to remotely turn off the water. I haven’t had any problems with it.

Meet Flo Smart Water Shut Off | Smart Water Monitor | Moen

Learn more about Flo, a smart water device by Moen. Get leak protection for your entire home with smart water solutions from Moen. Shop now!

shop.moen.com

 

[flynz4]

I highly recommend Flo by Moen. The app works well and it is very easy to remotely turn off the water. I haven’t had any problems with it.

Meet Flo Smart Water Shut Off | Smart Water Monitor | Moen

Learn more about Flo, a smart water device by Moen. Get leak protection for your entire home with smart water solutions from Moen. Shop now!

shop.moen.com

I’ve been looking at Moen and already considering it.

Does the leak detection system really work. How does it determine a leak from normal water usage, like flushing a toilet in the middle of the night. Also, are you using Moen sensors to detect leaks?

As I said earlier, HomeKit integration is not super important. Reliability is the most important thing.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I’ve been looking at Moen and already considering it.

Does the leak detection system really work. How does it determine a leak from normal water usage, like flushing a toilet in the middle of the night. Also, are you using Moen sensors to detect leaks?

As I said earlier, HomeKit integration is not super important. Reliability is the most important thing.

Leak detection works well. I have had it turn off before because a toilet flapper didn’t completely close, or if you go to wash the car without turning off the sensor etc. It gets an average of typical use and if there is highly unusual occurrence, you will get an app alert that the water will be shut off in x minutes. The hardware unit monitors flow throughout the house. You can see the daily water usage for toilet, shower, sink etc. It can also detect a micro leak. The system is very advanced.

 

[flynz4]

Leak detection works well. I have had it turn off before because a toilet flapper didn’t completely close, or if you go to wash the car without turning off the sensor etc. It gets an average of typical use and if there is highly unusual occurrence, you will get an app alert that the water will be shut off in x minutes. The hardware unit monitors flow throughout the house. You can see the daily water usage for toilet, shower, sink etc. It can also detect a micro leak. The system is very advanced.

Thank you. Do you also use Moen water leak sensors?

 

[haralds]

I recommend extreme caution in using HomeKit for mission-critical utilities like water. For a while, I was using HomeKit to control the water level in my pool. It eventually failed OPEN running most of the day.
Luckily, I was not away and caught it. But it had overflowed for six hours. If the lights stay on or off, it's not as big of an issue.
However, for an emergency cutoff, you are not worse off if it fails after having a problem already.

 

[flynz4]

I recommend extreme caution in using HomeKit for mission-critical utilities like water. For a while, I was using HomeKit to control the water level in my pool. It eventually failed OPEN running most of the day.
Luckily, I was not away and caught it. But it had overflowed for six hours. If the lights stay on or off, it's not as big of an issue.
However, for an emergency cutoff, you are not worse off if it fails after having a problem already.

I think we are in 100% agreement... which is why I said I would want a separate app even if it was HomeKit compatible.

This is also why I have my security system controlled independently from HomeKit, and I use a dedicated home security app. I would like it if I could also have simple HomeKit control over my security system (ex: set or disarm), but I do not find it really necessary. I absolutely would not want to rely on HomeKit for controlling and monitoring security. I just think HomeKit is too unreliable right now. My belief is the same for things like emergency water shutoff.

 

[Itinj24]

I recommend extreme caution in using HomeKit for mission-critical utilities like water. For a while, I was using HomeKit to control the water level in my pool. It eventually failed OPEN running most of the day.
Luckily, I was not away and caught it. But it had overflowed for six hours. If the lights stay on or off, it's not as big of an issue.
However, for an emergency cutoff, you are not worse off if it fails after having a problem already.

Sorry to side step, but may I ask what you were using to control the pool water level with HomeKit? Was it a hose with an Eve Aqua or something else? I been looking on how to integrate my pool equipment with HomeKit…

 

[flynz4]

I highly recommend Flo by Moen. The app works well and it is very easy to remotely turn off the water. I haven’t had any problems with it.

Meet Flo Smart Water Shut Off | Smart Water Monitor | Moen

Learn more about Flo, a smart water device by Moen. Get leak protection for your entire home with smart water solutions from Moen. Shop now!

shop.moen.com

I picked up a Moen Flo today. I am having a plumber install a hot water recirculating pump and I might as well get the shutoff installed at the same time.

 

[FPP777]

I bought a YoLink to handle my automatic valve shut off. No, it’s not HomeKit compatible, but I don’t care. You set it up and works as it’s suppose to. You can add as many sensors as you want and it’s not internet dependent either.

I looked at the Moen Flo, but wasn’t interested in the water turning off if my wife decided to take an extended shower.

YoLink LoRa Smart Water Leak Protection System, Including 3/4" Commercial Grade Smart Motorized Stainless Steel Valve, (3) Water Leak Sensors, Hub: Up to 1/4-Mile Range, IFTTT, Alexa, Home Assistant

YoLink Smart Water Shut Off Kit, Three Water Sensors, 3/4" Stainless Steel Motorized Valve

www.amazon.com