Water Leak Detection Services
Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is Mercury’s water leak detection program?

Mercury is partnering with Flo by Moen and Flume, leaders in smart water loss detection and prevention technology, and subsidizing the upfront costs for the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff device and professional installation or the Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor device. Mercury will apply up to an 8% participation discount on homeowners insurance at enrollment for the Flo by Moen device and will keep the discount in effect for renewals as long as the device is active.

Why should homeowners participate in Mercury’s water leak detection program?

Mercury’s smart home insurance initiative is aimed at better protecting homeowners from the leading cause of damage—on average, more than 40% of a home’s premium is attributed to non-weather water peril. Due to a water loss, homeowners may lose access to their kitchens or bathrooms and, in some cases, have to move out entirely for months.

Where is Mercury’s water leak detection services available?

This program is currently available only to California single-family homeowners with a Mercury homeowners policy.

How does a Mercury policyholder participate in it?

Mercury policyholders should visit www.meetflo.com/Mercury or www.flumewater.com/partners/Mercury/ and follow the instructions on how to receive an offer for the water leak detection program.

What if I’m not currently a Mercury homeowners policyholder, but I want to participate in the program?

If you’re not currently a Mercury customer, you’ve been missing out! Don’t worry, signing up for Mercury’s homeowners insurance and water leak detection services with a discount is simple.

Start by getting a fast, free online homeowners insurance quote.
Purchase the policy and enroll in Mercury’s water leak detection program.
Once you’ve purchased the policy, and if you selected a Flo by Moen device to be installed on your home, up to an 8% discount will be automatically be applied to your policy once the device has been activated.
Select the smart home device that best fits your house by visiting www.meetflo.com/Mercury or www.flumewater.com/partners/Mercury/.

Why should I go with the offer from Mercury Insurance vs. purchasing the device on the meetflo.com or flumewater.com websites, Amazon, or other retailers?

The Flo by Moen 1” or smaller device retails for $499, and the 1.25” to 1.5” device retails for $799. In addition to the device, the customer would also need to purchase installation which can vary between $300 to $1,000 depending on the cost of labor, and the size of the shutoff. Mercury and Flo have agreed to a package price for the device plus professional installation that saves you money and makes installing Flo easier (see the next question below). In addition, Mercury’s program is subsidizing up to $400 of the upfront cost with professional installation, a significantly discounted offer for Mercury policyholders. On top of Mercury subsidizing the majority of the upfront costs, you’ll receive a discount on homeowners insurance.

After a $124 instant rebate from Mercury, a Flume 2 device will be just $75 plus tax and shipping and can be installed in around ten minutes by the homeowner.

What is the pricing of the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff device for Mercury customers?

Mercury policyholders will only have to pay $200^* for the smaller smart water shutoff device, including installation (suited for water lines 1” and smaller water lines), saving you over $700 dollars! And, $450^* for the larger smart water shutoff, including installation (suited for 1.25”- 1.5” water lines), saving you over $1,000!

*The listed pricing does not include any applicable taxes or shipping costs.

Is there a monthly fee for using either of the devices?

No. All monitoring and, in the case of Flo, shutoff features and data are freely available to all users.

Will the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff device turn off my water for a small drip?

No. You will also have full control over sensitivity levels for your home and when you should be alerted.

Can my premium increase by participating in this program?

No. Participation in the program can reduce your premium because of Mercury’s water leak detection service discount. There are no surcharges associated with the use of a water leak detection device or water flow monitoring.

Is participation in Mercury water leak detection mandatory to renew my existing policy or to become a policyholder?

No, it is not mandatory to enroll in the water leak detection program to become a homeowner policyholder with Mercury, nor is it mandatory for renewal*. New and renewing policyholders can opt in to receive additional savings at any time.

*Multiple water losses within the past few years may make you ineligible for renewal. In limited circumstances, a renewal may be offered if the risk of additional water losses is mitigated through the installation of a shut-off device like Flo by Moen.

How can I get more information about Mercury’s water leak detection services?

Speak to your local Mercury Insurance agent for more information about how to protect your home from water damage.

Discounts and Rebates

When will I receive my discount?

You will receive up to an 8% discount on your premium effective when you install and activate the Flo by Moen Water Shutoff device with a Mercury homeowners policy. The discount will remain on the policy as long as Flo is monitoring for leaks and kept active.

Does participating in Mercury’s water leak detection guarantee me a discount?

Yes. Simply participating in Mercury’s program with Flo by Moen saves you up to 8% on your homeowners insurance immediately. The discount is effective based on the date when the device is first installed and activated.

How do I see my discount?

Mercury water leak detection discount will be shown on the policy Declarations Page. The Mercury water leak detection discount will be included on renewals and shown on the renewal Declarations Page.

What happens to my discount if I change my mind and no longer wish to participate in the Mercury water leak detection program?

If you decide to opt out of the program, then the water leak detection discount will be removed from the policy effective the date you deactivate the device.

Does Mercury’s water leak detection program qualify me for a water district rebate?

Yes. Some water districts provide rebates for water leak detection devices like Flo by Moen and Flume because the devices can detect large and small leaks, including hidden leaks. Even small leaks can waste a lot of water in the district when you consider leaks across multiple homes in the same area.

Though some of the leaks may have only a marginal impact on your water bill, there are cases where the leaks add up. For example, a sprinkler leak you are unaware of maybe releasing hundreds of gallons of water every week that just ends up going down a storm drain.

How do I check for a water district rebate for Flo or Flume?

Check your local water district website to see if they have a rebate available for Flo by Moen or Flume. Rebate availability and qualification criteria are subject to change and are fully outside of Mercury, Flo by Moen or Flume’s control. For reference, the following water districts in California may offer a rebate that you can submit for after purchase of Flo or Flume through Mercury’s program:

EBMUD (Bay Area)
Foothill (La Canada/Flintridge)
Sweetwater (Chula Vista)
Helix (La Mesa)
Vista

Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff Device

What is Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff?

The Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff is the industry-leading leak detection and water monitoring device for your home. Installed on the main water supply line, one device protects the entire home from water damage and leaks, guaranteed.

What is required for installation of Flo?

In order to have Flo installed on a home, you need to fit these requirements:

You own the home
The installation location is on a single-family residential property
Potable water supply is not galvanized steel
You or an authorized representative is present at the time of installation with your Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff already paired to the home’s Wi-Fi via the Flo by Moen App
Water main location where the Smart Water Shutoff will be installed is easily accessible and above ground
A section of accessible uninterrupted straight pipe on your main water supply line, after your manual shutoff valve and/or pressure reducing valve (some homes may not have a manual shutoff and/or pressure reducing valve), to allow our installation partner to install the Smart Water Shutoff in-line on the existing water line or allow them to reroute the water line so as to create a “loop” to fit the Smart Water Shutoff, if needed.

The standard installation requires a power outlet within 10 feet of the home’s water supply line. If there is not an outlet within 10 feet, this can possibly be resolved with a Flo by Moen low voltage 25 foot extension cord (available for purchase as an accessory on meetflo.com). Any additional services required to access the power outlet, including drilling through walls are not included in the standard installation. The addition of a power outlet in your home would require a visit by a qualified electrician. Plumbing can vary significantly from home to home, so installation of the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff may require more time and materials in some homes than others. Your Smart Water Installation covers all standard Flo by Moen installations so long as they meet the requirements described above. But, in rare instances, existing conditions in the home may prevent proper installation; the cost of correcting these issues would be your responsibility (and completely your decision). Please visit this site for additional details and example scenarios.

How does a customer set up their Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff?

We recommend the customer download the Flo by Moen app on their smartphone, and create an account to familiarize themselves with the app. You can install the Flo by Moen app through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or simply visit meetflo.com/app on your iOS or Android Device.

How does a Mercury policyholder pair their Flo Smart Water Shutoff to their app?

You can view a video here of how to pair Flo by Moen Smart Water shutoff.

What does the device detect?

While the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff monitors your home plumbing for signs of compromise and dangerous leaks, it can't always detect if an appliance or fixture has failed. This might include water heaters, sink drains and refrigerators breaking down and leaking outside of your core plumbing.

How does Flo by Moen detect leaks?

Once Flo by Moen is installed on the main water line coming into the home, it will go through what we call a “learning phase” for the first week of installation. During this phase the pressure, temperature and flow rate sensors in the device will collect data about how water is used in the home. It will then use this data as a jumpstart to understanding what water use is expected in the home.

What is a health test for the device?

The Smart Water Shutoff conducts a “Health Test” once a day to search for any drop in pressure within the entire plumbing system. If there is a steady drop in pressure while the valve is closed, Flo will let you know that you have a “Small Drip Detected”.

How can you turn the water on or off from the app?

You can view a video on how to do so here.

How can you turn the water off/ on manually?

The manual shutoff is meant for emergencies only. In the event you are unable to use the Flo by Moen app to turn your water on or off, you may push down and turn the green knob a quarter turn to the left or right to the open or closed position.

The valve status light will indicate a solid green LED when it is in the open position, and solid red when it is in the closed position.

Where is Flo installed?

Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff is installed on the main water line coming into the home. For some this may be outside and for some this may be in a basement, garage or crawl space.

How do I install Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff?

Flo by Moen has a network of “FloPro” installers experienced with installing Flo by Moen. As a Mercury customer, your purchase includes installation from a FloPro. After purchasing your bundled installation, a member of Flo’s installation team will contact you to coordinate a date and time for a FloPro to install your Smart Water Shutoff.

Can Flo be installed outdoors?

The Smart Water shutoff is weather proof but not waterproof; meaning Flo is rated to be used outside, but should not be installed in a box or underground where it could potentially be submerged in water.

Can Flo be installed on Galvanized Plumbing systems?

No. Flo is compatible to be installed on all types of plumbing systems except for galvanized plumbing. We strongly do not recommend installing Flo on galvanized systems.

Can Flo be installed on a Well Water System?

Yes. Flo can be installed on well water systems, however you will need to talk to your plumber about installing a mesh strainer on the water line before Flo to prevent any sediment from making its way into the Flo Smart Water Shutoff.

Does Flo require Wi-Fi?

Yes. Flo by Moen will need to be connected to your home Wi-Fi system in order to communicate to the cloud and your Flo by Moen app. It is recommended that your Wi-Fi router or a Wi-Fi extender is located within 50 ft. of where your Flo Smart Water Shutoff is installed to ensure a solid connection.

How do I know what size I need?

If customers need help determining what size device they need for their home, they can view this size guide or sizing video.

Flume Smart Home Water Monitor

How does Flume work?

Flume reads the magnetic signal coming off the spinning disc in your mechanical water meter. The Water Sensor translates the signal into real-time water usage, then sends your water usage to the Wi-Fi Bridge inside the home. You are then able to view your water usage in detail, create budgets, adjust your leak settings and more, all from the Flume mobile app or from your computer.

What do I need for Flume to work at my home?

You will need Wi-Fi and a compatible water meter – Flume is compatible with about 95% of water meters. To check the compatibility of your water meter, you can check the list of models. You can also upload an image of your water meter to the chat box on the Flume website or email an image of your meter to support@flumewater.com.

Can I install it myself?

Yes! At Flume, we believe gaining access to your home’s water data should be easy. That’s why we designed Flume to be a simple and easy installation with no extra tools, cutting pipes, or professional plumbing assistance required. The Flume app walks you through the entire installation step-by-step in 10 minutes or less, and our world-class support team is available from 7am-7pm, 7 days a week if you have any questions.

My water meter is pretty far from my house, will Flume work?

Because the Flume water sensor uses radio frequency to communicate with the Flume Bridge, Flume has been installed on meters that are over 1,000 ft. away from the home.

How long will my batteries last?

Your Flume water sensor is powered by a self-serviceable battery pack that is included with your device. Battery life can vary, but your batteries should last on average 2 years.

Can Flume detect low flow water leaks?

Flume can detect flow rates between 0.01 and 0.03 gallons per minute. That’s precise enough to catch a dripping faucet!

How accurate is Flume?

Independent testing has confirmed that Flume is more than 99% accurate and, in almost every situation, Flume agrees with your water meter within +/-1%. This gives you an extremely accurate look into your water use trends and habits.

Does it work with a well?

Because Flume reads the magnetic disc inside of water meters, a water meter is required to install Flume. If your well is connected to a water meter, you’re set to install your Flume.

My water meter is in a pit that frequently fills up with water. Will Flume work in it?

Yes! Your Flume Water Sensor is waterproof, and should still function normally in an underwater pit. The sensor is watertight and will continue operating even under as much as 2 ft. of water. Furthermore, Flume is certified to withstand temperatures ranging from as low as -40 degrees to as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is ever an issue, the Flume 2 device has the capacity to continue capturing water use data offline for up to 60 days. Once it reconnects, it will backfill all water use events to the appropriate date and time.

Privacy

Does Mercury Insurance share my water usage information with outside entities?

No. Mercury Insurance respects your privacy and will not share personally identifiable water usage data with any third party except to service the administration of the Mercury water leak detection discount for your homeowners insurance policy.

Mercury Insurance maintains strict guidelines and follows best practices to guard and keep your data safe and secure.

What data is collected and where is it stored?

Flo by Moen and Flume gather water usage information by the minute and can summarize that information over different time periods, including days, weeks, months and years. Since water flows through the Flo by Moen device, Flo by Moen can also monitor water temperature and water pressure. This information is stored in secure cloud platform.

Customer Support

How do I contact Flo by Moen for technical support?

Visit Flo by Moen’s Help Center for support with setup, general questions, app help and more.

How do I contact Flume Support for help?

Check out Flume’s Help Center chat with Flume Support at support@flumewater.com if you have any more questions!

Who can I contact for help with my homeowners policy?

Mercury Insurance policyholders should contact their local Mercury agent. Mercury Insurance customer service is able to answer general questions about the Flo by Moen and Flume water leak detection devices at (877) 537-2468. Our customer service department is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. PT.

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Water Leak Detection ServicesFrequently Asked Questions