Mobile-Controlled Water Security System

Every year, non-weather-related leaks result in water damage to many homes around the country. According to a January 2022 press release from Moen, insurance companies pay out an average of $10,000 on water claims annually. Known for its advanced kitchen and bath accessories, Moen began the year announcing its newest product developments.

One of these developments involves enhancements to its Smart Water Security System, which provides homeowners with a number of tools to help them not only understand their water usage but also reduce the risk of water damage. This system comprises three components: the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, Smart Leak Detector, and Smart Sump Pump Monitor. All of these components can be controlled using the corresponding Moen Smart Water App.

The Flo Smart Water Monitor has the ability to shut off the water when there is a leak or when some type of risk is detected. Attached to the water lines that course throughout the home, this system monitors water pressure, temperature, and flow rates while simultaneously performing daily health tests to check the water lines for leaks and other irregularities.

If there is an issue, the system sends the homeowner an alert; at this point, the homeowner can control the system through the app. The homeowner can also set the system to close the specific valve in case of a leak. Additionally, the Smart Water Monitor and the Moen Smart Faucet, which include app-based, voice-activated technology, work in sync to prevent catastrophic water events from happening in the home. In the event of an extremely cold weather event, the Moen Smart Water App can shut off water lines and purge them to prevent any damage.

The Smart Leak Detector can be used both with the sensor and as a standalone device that can be placed anywhere in the home. It works by alerting users when moisture occurring outside of the pipes is detected, in order to prevent water damage.

Measuring 3.5 inches, the sensor is usually placed in risky areas such as the bathroom, attic, basement, laundry room, or other areas at high risk of water damage. It also senses the presence of freezing temperatures, high humidity, and water and will alert homeowners through the app.

Finally, homeowners can receive alerts through the water system’s Smart Sump Pump Monitor in the case of potential failures or unusual conditions, such as loss of power, high water levels, pump failure, humidity, and leaks. This reduces the risk of flooding due to failed sumps, which are used to collect water.

Homeowners who purchase the Smart Water Security System can choose to subscribe to FloProtect, which provides homeowners an added layer of protection against the worst water damage events. This service includes a $5,000 deductible guarantee and a five-year warranty.

This Moen line comes with a few accessories designed to extend the life of the water system. These include a battery backup, which can be used in the event of a power disruption. Homeowners who need a longer extension cable to reach a power outlet can purchase a 25-foot cable that connects up to four extensions. Other accessories include space kits for smart water system installation or removal and an additional six feet of leak detection sensing cable.

Make Your Daily Routine More Luxurious

As homes become smarter with the addition of new technology, homeowners are experiencing more convenience and luxury than ever before. For instance, a smart shower upgrade for bathrooms is becoming more and more popular, allowing you to personalize your shower experience.

One popular smart shower is the U by Moen. The top-selling kit includes a wall-mounted controller, battery pack, and four-outlet valve. The four outlets can be used to direct the water flow into multiple fixtures, such as a main showerhead, a handheld showerhead, and additional body spray outlets. Users can control their Wi-Fi-enabled U by Moen smart shower by voice, phone app, and the remote controller, offering multiple ways to customize the shower experience.

The wall-mounted controller features digital thermostatic control, soft-touch digital temperature buttons, and an easy-to-read LCD screen. Since the controller comes with a 30-foot cord, it doesn’t need to be installed directly next to the shower. This means users have options on where to put the panel, depending on the bathroom layout.

The different settings allow users to select their preferred water temperature, choose which water outlets to use, and set a shower timer with an automatic shut-off. Programming the shower is a breeze with the four personalized presets on the controller and 12 presets on the mobile app. Users can begin their day with a perfectly heated shower by pressing just a few buttons on their smartphone while still in bed, or save time by getting their post-workout shower ready while they are still doing their cooldown.

Created with more than one user in mind, the smart shower app allows you to create profiles with custom temperatures based on the preferences of each family member. Reviews of the U by Moen shower indicate that the temperature control is accurate and the app is user-friendly.

Even though the U by Moen smart shower prepares your shower for you in advance, it is designed to conserve water. After the shower flushes the cold water from the pipes until it reaches the desired shower temperature, it pauses the water flow. Capable of sending the user mobile phone notifications through the app, the U by Moen sends an alert that the shower is ready at the desired temperature, allowing the user to conveniently control this daily routine. As an added bonus, the U by Moen is compatible with the Amazon Alexa smart home device.

Keep in mind that the purpose of the smart shower is to prep your shower by preheating it for you and allow you to control those settings. A smart shower will not fix problems such as low water pressure or a small hot water tank. If these issues exist in your home, you will need to take the steps of replacing the hot water tank or improving the water pressure by doing other plumbing upgrades.

The price of a smart shower device will vary depending on how many outlets it has. For instance, the U by Moen four-outlet version retails for a little over $2,000, while the two-outlet model costs a little over $1,000. Remember that the price of the product does not include professional installation by a plumber, so make sure to figure those costs into your renovation budget.

You can buy the U by Moen smart shower online through distributors such as PlumbersStock.com, which has added a new Kentucky warehouse that permits expedited shipping times throughout the Eastern United States.

The Benefits of Robotic Mowers

If mowing grass is not one of your favorite weekend pastimes, you may want to consider purchasing a robotic mower. The latest craze in grass mowing, robotic mowers have unique features that are quite convenient for those who don’t have time to mow their lawns themselves.

The way robotic mowers operate can help improve your lawn’s aesthetic. Robotic mowers are designed to only trim a little of the grass blade at a time, around an inch or less. Cutting only a small portion of the grass blade promotes better growth and reduces your lawn’s vulnerability to disease and pests. As an added bonus, the small clippings serve as natural fertilizer for your lawn. Robotic mowers are also programmed to mow in random patterns, meaning there are no wheel ruts that prevent the grass from growing upright.

Some robotic mower models can mow in light rain, while others are equipped with sensors that detect rain and direct the mower back to its charging station to wait it out. Since robotic mowers rely on guide wires or sensors to mark the boundaries of the lawn, they are also able to mow in the dark. Their “bump detection” feature helps them navigate around most obstacles in the yard. Robotic mowers can also operate on slopes up to 24 degrees, depending on the model.

High-quality robotic mowers like the MowRo feature three high-quality cutting blades that can be programmed to mow every 48 hours to keep your lawn in tip-top shape. You can even adjust the cutting height on the mower from 0.8 to 2.4 inches, giving you more choice in how your lawn looks.

Robotic mowers also have features that let you control them remotely. They are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to program them from an app on your phone or computer, freeing up your time for other projects. Many robotic mowers are also compatible with home automation systems.

Powered by rechargeable batteries, robotic mowers are more convenient than traditional mowers. They don’t require gasoline or engine oil, and they don’t produce emissions. Robotic mowers are also much quieter than gasoline-powered mowers, so they won’t disturb your neighbors, even when mowing at night.

You also don’t need to remember to keep robotic mowers charged, as they are programmed to return to their charging stations when they need to charge. After the charge is complete, the robotic mower begins its job once again.

Another benefit of robotic mowers is that they require less storage space than standard mowers. They fit compactly at their charging stations when not in use. These devices also require less maintenance than traditional lawnmowers. Owners of robotic mowers simply need to wipe them down and change the blades periodically. Robotic mowers also typically come equipped with theft-deterrent systems, such as alarms, GPS tracking, and activation codes, keeping your investment safe from theft.

Perhaps the greatest benefit is the time that robotic mowers can save you, since they require minimal work from an operator. Spending less time behind the mower also means you spend less time exposed to the sun, heat, and outdoor allergens.