While a great number of connected devices for the home emphasize ease of use or the automation of everyday chores, Flume’s intelligent water monitoring system delivers a service that could be considerably more critical: the capacity to monitor your water usage patterns and notify you of possible plumbing leaks within your residence. The company has recently launched its next-generation Flume Smart Home Water Monitor, priced at $199, and this iteration of the device boasts a simpler installation process, enhanced usability, and increased intelligence compared to its predecessor.

The basics

The Flume Smart Home Water Monitor is comprised of a unit that attaches directly to your water meter, and a gateway designed to link it to your home’s Wi-Fi. Setting it up is remarkably straightforward and doesn’t necessitate any plumbing skills or prior experience with home improvement projects. The Flume application provides step-by-step installation instructions, and typically, you can be fully operational in under 10 minutes—furthermore, Flume offers real-time support through in-app chat should you encounter any difficulties.

This Flume monitor delivers current data regarding your entire home’s water consumption, encompassing usage from all indoor and outdoor taps, pipes, and appliances. It will notify you of potential leaks by analyzing water patterns, and can also assist in managing your water expenses if you aim to lower your bills, or simply reduce water waste by improving efficiency.

Design and features

The Flume meter represents a remarkable application of technology, engineered for straightforward use in virtually any location. Rather than incorporating a dedicated display or user interface, it functions exclusively in conjunction with a mobile application, and this streamlined approach contributes to its effectiveness. The water monitoring device is housed within a straightforward gray plastic enclosure, which is secured to the exterior of your water meter using the provided rubber straps. Installation involves positioning the device adjacent to the meter’s reading display, after which it is activated by simply allowing water to flow through your plumbing system via a turned-on tap. The system operates by sensing the magnetic field produced by your water meter, enabling it to identify water usage down to a precision of one one-hundredth of a gallon – effectively detecting even a slow drip from a faucet.

The meter’s operation is sustained by four AA batteries, which are included, and the app displays the current battery level. These batteries are expected to have a long lifespan. The meter communicates with a Flume bridge, which requires a power connection but can be positioned anywhere within your home’s Wi-Fi coverage area. The final element is the application, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, offering a dashboard that visually represents your water usage, alongside customizable push notifications that alert you to potential leaks detected by the Flume system.

In actual use, the setup process is remarkably simple, and the level of detail and insight Flume delivers is impressive considering its ease of installation and operation. The collected data is also notably insightful, fostering greater awareness of overall water consumption, its impact on monthly utility expenses, and potential avenues for water conservation. For example, my initial installation of the Flume 2 occurred before I owned a dishwasher, and the data revealed a significantly higher water usage associated with hand-washing dishes compared to utilizing a small, water-efficient 18-inch dishwasher – a finding substantiated by the Flume’s measurements.

Bottom line

Many homeowners may not initially consider the benefits of a smart home water sensor, but the Flume 2 effectively demonstrates why it’s a worthwhile investment for nearly everyone. Its straightforward, functional construction and intuitive mobile application immediately provide significantly enhanced insight into your water consumption patterns, potentially leading to substantial cost savings over time. This is achieved through the early identification of leaks and the prevention of more extensive, costly water damage from occurring. Furthermore, gaining awareness of your water usage and utilizing that knowledge to make small adjustments for conservation offers both environmental benefits and reduced utility bills.