Not only does the system detect leaks, but it also monitors water and air temperature, water pressure (very handy warning-system in the event of a PRV failure), and a way to measure fixture flow rates.

At one of the properties I have a FLO meter installed on the irrigation system by itself. This is really helpful in managing irrigation usage (very important in drought-prone Southern Cal), but also allows me to remotely shut the water off if my gardeners are getting to happy with the hose!

Howard: I like the ideas of adding a filter and smart valve with leak detection later, which I’ll do later. I’m leaving the gauges, though, as I like to know what’s going on. If a plumbing connection is going to leak, it usually leaks right away and these don’t.

It will learn how you use water. One problem with this is that if you irrigate in the summer it will at first shut off the water, but will eventually learn that it is okay for high flows to occur for long periods of time. This somewhat negates its protection, especially in the following winter season. You have to call Moen to reset the algorithm.

The meter will also provide you with use data and this provides one interesting sidelight. The Moen Flo will total and record flow in both directions. If you have an “open system”, where the house plumbing “floats” on the city water system with the the city pipelines absorbing the expansion and contraction of the water in the house plumbing and water heater, your usage totals will go up. For my house, when we are away, this averages about 30 gallons of “flow” a day. Likely mostly from expansion and contraction in the water heater.

I hear what you are saying about guaranteed employment for plumbers. In my previous neighborhood, the water utility required a backflow prevention device if you had an automatic fill valve for your swimming pool. They also required that it be inspected annually by a licensed plumber.

I am not sure if I would put in a pressure relief valve. I was just warning you and others to avoid shutting off the same liquid line in two places for a very long period of time. As for expansion tanks, I don’t think they are required unless you have a “closed” system which is usually when the water utility requires a backflow prevention device (check valve). But if you don’t have an expansion tank, and you shut off your main supply valve for a long period of time (e.g., vacation), you should open a faucet or two to prevent hydraulic expansion.