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Summary:
Farmers Insurance is requiring some Bay Area homeowners to install a Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff valve before they sell or renew their policy. The mandate mostly affects older homes, houses with prior water damage, or properties in high-risk areas, but will likely become standard soon. Moen’s Flo works by detecting pressure changes that signal common signs of leaks. Expect to pay about $600 to $900+ to install it, minus rebates you may qualify for.
Smart Leak Detection Also Protects Your Home Insurance Coverage
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Farmer’s Insurance requires some Bay Area homeowners to install a Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff system before they sell or renew. You’re currently more likely to be affected by these changes if you live in an older home or have dealt with catastrophic leaks in the past, but more homes will likely face this requirement soon.
Moen’s system may help you save money in the long run, and can help protect your home insurance coverage. But there are also steps you can take that may help with the installation process. Below, we’ll clarify exactly what’s happening, who’s affected, and how Caccia can help with the installation so your device works right and provides maximum benefit.
What’s Behind the Moen–Farmers Insurance Deal?
In early 2024, Moen and Farmers Insurance entered a partnership aimed at helping homeowners prevent water damage while also controlling rising costs. Moen benefited by selling more of its Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff system to policyholders living in “high-risk” homes or areas, according to the insurer.
For Farmers, the main goal was to reduce the total volume of claims and losses related to water damage processed each year. Insurance companies typically price their policies based on how much they pay out year-to-year, which theoretically helps keep costs down for homeowners too.
Part of the problem is that U.S. insurers already pay out over $15 billion yearly for claims related to water damage. California’s local insurance market is already under pressure because of wildfires and floods, so other providers will probably follow in their footsteps by making leak detection mandatory in the future.
What This Means for Homeowners
Many Farmers Insurance customers now need this kind of leak protection for their homes to maintain coverage, and the requirements will most likely affect an even greater number of homeowners in the near future as more insurers follow suit.
That means even if you aren’t required to install a smart leak detector in your home, it could be a good idea. The sooner you install one, the more lifetime savings it will provide, and it may prevent you from being caught unawares by changes to your home insurance requirements.
Read More: 4 Ways to Protect Your Home From Floods
Who’s Affected and Why?
Farmers could technically make it mandatory for all policyholders in the US to install Moen’s leak detection device at any point. Around 2 out of every 5 homes are affected by water damage at some point, so it’s in their (and your) best interests to have a device like this installed.
What we’re seeing locally right now is a special focus on:
- Older homes built more than 25–35+ years ago
- Homes with a history of repeated water damage claims
- Homes in high-risk areas, like brush fire or flood zones with limited insurer options
It makes sense to start here because homes that fall into these categories are much more likely to spring a leak or suffer issues related to them over time. But the simple truth is that even properly maintained plumbing can still fail. Even if it isn’t mandatory, it’s still highly recommended.
What the Moen Flo Device Actually Does
Moen’s device claims to lower the risk of water damage and leaks by up to 96%. The device itself is installed on your main water line, which is usually located in your driveway or near the curb.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening inside:
- Pressure and flow sensors continuously measure water coming into your home at the main intake. A sudden and unexpected increase in volume can signal a burst pipe or serious flood.
- A daily micro-leak test briefly seals off the system and looks for unexpected shifts or drops in pressure. This can help detect leaks as minor as one drop per minute in the system.
- FloSense, Moen’s AI-based program, learns how your household typically uses water over the first week or two and updates it over time. This ensures it can tell a long, hot shower from a true leak.
- Moen’s app notifies you about any potential problems in realtime. You can manually turn the water on or off remotely from your phone to prevent leaks or respond to them at any time.
- A built-in shutoff valve instantly stops the flow of water when it detects a sudden and extreme increase in flow beyond normal levels. This is what protects you from burst pipes and floods.
We don’t recommend shopping for the unit itself unless you speak with one of our licensed plumbers first and confirm the size of your intake line. The Flo system comes in ¾-inch, 1-inch, and 1¼-inch sizes, and if you pick the wrong one, it won’t be compatible with your system.
What You’ll Need Before Your Install
You don’t need much to get set up with a Flo system. A few feet of clearance around the installation site is the only major prerequisite, and this is pretty standard around the main intake line anyway.
Other requirements include:
- A grounded electrical outlet within 10 feet of the site. Our licensed electricians can run a new circuit and outlet for you on the same day.
- A steady, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal. FloSense’s AI can’t send or receive data from the app without it, which defeats the purpose and intention. It’s also incompatible with 5GHz networks.
- Intact Copper, PEX, or PVC piping. If you have older, galvanized plumbing lines, or have pinhole leaks, you might need repairs first. Send us a message and we’ll help you explore your options.
- A 100 mesh or finer screen and blow-down port, if you run on well water. This will trap particulates and debris that prevent the Flo system from functioning properly.
In some counties, you may need to secure a permit first before having your device installed. The fees and process required to access them can vary widely, which is why we handle this step for you as part of your service. And unlike other third-party installers, we’ll never push you into upsells you don’t need or want!
Read More: Is Your Old Electrical Panel Putting Your Home Insurance Coverage at Risk?
How Caccia Can Help
At Caccia Home Services, our number one goal is to help you adapt to changes like this with as little friction as possible. The first way we achieve this is by making sure that all Moen Flo systems are installed and tested by a licensed professional, with no exceptions.
You’ll also get:
- An honest, upfront quote with no hidden fees
- Help navigate rebates from your local district
- Advice on pipe upgrades or filtration, if you need it
It’s a good day for us if you walk away knowing the work was done right and you didn’t miss any opportunities to save money. If you need anything else along the way, all you have to do is ask.
But don’t just take our word for it. See what Gary, one of our valued customers, had to say about the work our pros did for yourself!
Upfront Costs
The biggest spend related to the Moen Flo is the cost of the device itself. You do have the option to bundle installation costs in if you buy the unit directly from Moen, but we strongly recommend calling us first to see if we can get the job done faster for less.
See the chart below for a quick overview of costs, or give us a call for a custom quote.
| Device | Typical Range |
|---|---|
Moen Flo 1″ | ~$599 |
Moen Flo 1¼” | ~$900 |
Moen Flo ¾” | ~$599 |
| Installation & permits | ~$300–$600 |
Savings and Rebates
According to Farmers, having the Moen device installed could make you eligible for discounts on your insurance. They don’t specify an amount, probably because your potential savings will depend on the size of the system you choose, your zip code, and whether you qualify for rebates.
To make sure you don’t miss out on savings, contact your water utility and ask if they offer any rebates. Some will likely accept any flow monitoring device, while others require you to use a specific brand. All of the following providers offer rebates that either specify Moen Flo direct or accept similar products.
| Provider | Rebate Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| EBMUD Flowmeter Rebate | Flowmeter Rebate | Up to 50% of the cost, max $200 |
| Metropolitan Water / SoCal Water$mart | Flow Monitor Rebate Pilot Program | $100 rebate for qualifying flow monitor devices |
| MPWMD (Monterey Peninsula Water Management District) | Smart Flowmeter Rebate | $200 per device, one per site. |
| Pasadena Water & Power (via SoCal Water$mart) | Flow Monitor Device Rebate | Up to $150 rebate. |
| Vista Irrigation District (via SoCal Water$mart) | Flow Monitor Device Rebate | $100 rebate. |
| Flume (CA Utility Partnerships) | Flume Rebate Program | Varies depending on location. Flume devices only. |
| WaterNow Alliance (Burlingame / Foster City / San Mateo) | Leak Detection Pilot Study | Free device + installation for selected homeowners. |
You should also:
- Check with your insurer to make sure they’re aware that you plan to install the device. They can often tell you upfront how much you’ll save and if there are any special requirements.
- Call Caccia for help! Working with Caccia is the best way to ensure your installation goes off without a hitch, so you don’t face costly rework jobs or denials.
See our Available Rebates for California Residents directory for more information on programs local to you here in the Bay Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to use a Moen device, or can I choose another?
If your policy is with Farmers, we strongly recommend installing a Moen device specifically even if doing so isn’t mandatory for you just yet. You’re more likely to qualify for discounts, keep your policy over the coming years, and avoid issues at renewal time this way.
If you aren’t with Farmers, or your provider doesn’t make a specific device mandatory, you can generally install any device you want. Some require the Flume Water Monitoring & Leak Detection instead.
2. Can’t I just switch to a different home insurance company?
Maybe. It’s worth shopping around, but in the Bay Area, it can be hard enough to get coverage at all, much less find a plan that helps you avoid obstacles like these. The simple reality is that most providers are tightening their belts because of rising costs, so they will all likely adopt this position eventually.
3. Will my insurance company know how much water I use?
No. Moen’s app and alerts are for you, not your insurer. Farmers may ask for proof that you have the device installed, but there’s no evidence that they track your day-to-day usage.
4. What if the device shuts off my water by mistake?
First, make sure there’s no actual leak in the home. If everything looks okay, you can turn the water back on either through the Moen app or by turning the valve to the “open” position. It should align with the direction of the pipe.
You should experience fewer and fewer false shutoffs like this over time as the unit learns how you use your water day-to-day. If it suddenly starts shutting off repeatedly, it’s time to call a plumber.
Protect Your Home and Your Insurance With Expert Help
Leak detection isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. Here in California, it’s becoming an essential way to maintain your home insurance coverage and save money in the long run. Avoid last-resort options like the California FAIR Plan by being proactive about your home’s plumbing needs.
Caccia Home Services can help you stay ahead of insurance and plumbing issues with a proper, reliable installation you can trust. Need help installing your smart water shutoff? Caccia’s team can make sure it’s done right. Call us at (650) 294-8598 for a quote today.
