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Are you a current or past Flume user and are looking for the best Flume water monitor alternatives?
Keep reading because you’ve landed in the right space.
As a leading water monitoring system, bluebot knows the qualities that make up a successful smart water meter. While we’ve seen our meters help reduce water usage and costs by an average 30% per user, we understand that each customer has unique needs and may require specific features from their water monitor.
That’s why we curated this list just for you – to provide you with all the info you’ll need to find the best Flume alternative that’s right for you and your specific water monitor desires.
Let’s jump in.
The best overall option is the bluebot smart water meter. It’s clamp-on design allows it to easily fit up to 80 different pipe and type combinations and feeds you your water data in real time, straight to your phone.
bluebot is the ideal pick for those seeking a hassle-free method to view all their water usage info in a single location.
With a swift and straightforward self-set-up, users gain dependable and precise data. You can effortlessly access data on-the-go, set up alerts based on your unique water requirements (and finances), and identify leaks and other water incidents – all within the bluebot app.
Plus, thanks to bluebot’s dedicated power supply, there’s no need for changing batteries or regular upkeep.
One significant characteristic that sets bluebot apart from competitors is its consistent pricing for 80 different pipe types and size combinations, up to 2 inches. Other competitors’ prices soar as pipe size increases, while bluebot’s price remains unchanged.
Here are some other key advantages of the bluebot Smart Water Meter:
With the bluebot smart water meter’s straightforward self-installation and user-friendly design, there’s just a one-time fee of $539. If you’re interested in multiple devices, we provide a complimentary demo program for businesses.
Satisfied customers of the bluebot smart water meter have expressed one regret – not purchasing it sooner. They applaud its ease of installation and reliable accuracy.
One user, managing a big estate, shared his experience of trying another smart water system that didn’t meet his expectations. He emphasized the value of investing in the bluebot, highlighting its potential to conserve both money and property. He recommended the bluebot particularly for anyone facing substantial water bills, pointing out its notable benefits – especially in places like California.
Another Flume alternative option is the Flo By Moen Smart Water Monitor. This device offers leak protection by by automatically turning off your water to avoid severe damage.
Flo by Moen allows you to monitor your home’s water usage from your smartphone. You can get real-time updates on flow rate, pressure, and ambient temperature and easily manage it from any location with the Moen Smart Water App.
Unfortunately, you’ll likely need professional help for installation. Moen recommends finding a qualified pro, however a handful of users have installed the device themselves, with the DIY process ranging from “straightforward” to “very difficult”.
Flo’s features focus on minimizing the threat of water leaks and damage by overseeing your home’s water temperature and pressure, monitoring usage, and identifying when to stop water flow.
Features include:
The Flo by Moen Smart Water Monitor ranges in price based on size. The 0.75” costs $575.78, while the 1.00” is at $634.58, and the 1.25” at $923.06.
Customers have a mixed response to the Flo by Moen Smart Water Monitor. Many appreciate its functionality, noting its ease of installation and the detailed water usage data it provides. The real-time alerts for potential leaks and ability to shut off water remotely are also commended.
However, several users have reported difficulties with the system. Issues include limited historical data availability, unreliability in device communication, and frustrations with the Flo app. Some have experienced the device ceasing to work after just a few hours, indicating possible hardware or firmware problems.
Despite these challenges, many still appreciate the device’s potential to prevent severe water damage, considering these benefits outweigh the drawbacks and additional costs for installation and potential troubleshooting.
The Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant aims to educate you on your water usage and assist you in overseeing and regulating your consumption. It’s most suitable for single-family homes.
In terms of how it works, the Phyn Smart Water Sensor is known for its precision. It also offers automatic functionalities through the Phyn app.
For the Phyn Plus to work, it requires:
In some aspects, the Phyn Plus appears to be user-friendly. The app is seemingly uncomplicated and intuitive, working well with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. However, similar to Flo by Moen, it requires a certified plumber for installation, and additional adjustments may be necessary for the Phyn Plus based on your home’s piping.
Important features of the Phyn Plus include an auto shutoff valve that senses leaks and turns off the water to avoid damage, and remote shutoff through the app. It also has a feature letting you manage up to six properties per account.
Additional features include:
The starting price of a Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant is $579. This price doesn’t cover the cost of possible needed adapters. The Phyn Plus has 1″ NPSM male threaded ends, so based on your plumbing, you might need a 1″ Female NPSM to male NPT adapter, which you have to buy separately.
Customer reviews for the Phyn Plus are varied. Although it has an average rating of 4.2 stars on its own website, it only scores 3.5 stars from buyers on Home Depot’s site. Feedback includes a range of comments, with some customers calling it a reliable tool for complete home water management, while others report issues like pressure sensor failures and a desire for included adapter fittings.
Next up, the Streamlabs Water Monitor. This device ensures early leak detection without the need for pipe cutting. It easily connects to existing pipes, utilizing advanced ultrasonic technology to identify leaks.
In just five minutes, you can install this water monitor for round-the-clock water monitoring. It precisely detects low flows of 0.25 gpm, continuously measures water flow, and sends free Smart Alerts about any irregularities directly to your iOS or Android app. By syncing with Alexa and Google Assistant, Streamlabs water leak detector positions itself as a solid option to your smart home setup.
Key features of the Streamlabs system include:
Technical specifications include:
Before buying the Streamlabs Water Monitor, ensure it’s compatible with your home by checking these requirements.
The Streamlabs Water Monitor is among the more expensive models listed, priced at $389. There are no extra subscription or yearly fees and each purchase comes with a 2-year warranty.
The Streamlabs Water Monitor generally enjoys high praise and positive reviews from customers. Users have expressed their satisfaction with statements like, “It’s the perfect monitor for me,” and appreciate the security the device offers. Many have noted that the device has effectively paid for itself multiple times over.
Despite the positive reviews, some limitations have been highlighted in lower-rated reviews. These include the monitor’s restriction to indoor installation and its reliance on continuous power and internet connectivity. A handful of users have also expressed disappointment over the lack of a remote shutoff feature, viewing it as a significant shortfall in the product’s functionality.
UPDATE – OCTOBER 2023:
PowerX announced in October 2023 that this flow meter will be discontinued at the end of the year.
Our fifth Flume Water Monitor Alternative is the PowerX Smart Water Meter. Similar to our other top picks, it allows you to track your water use anytime using your phone.
This device is known to be incredibly simple to set up and operate. Just attach the meter to a pipe, link the PowerX Hub to WiFi, pair it with the app, and view your data from anywhere.
The PowerX Smart Water Meter assists you in monitoring your water consumption, receiving leak notifications, avoiding excessive use, and cutting down on expenses. No continual upkeep is needed – once your meter is in place, you’re ready to roll.
PowerX boasts three major features:
However, it’s important to note that PowerX doesn’t work with all types of pipes. It’s compatible only with CTS Copper (type M&L), CPVC, or PEX piping that is 1.5 inches in size. If your plumbing doesn’t match these specifics, PowerX won’t be suitable for you.
The PowerX Water Meter and Hub together cost $239. If you aim to monitor multiple sensors with the same Hub, you can buy the products individually. The Water Meter is priced at $189, and the Hub is available for $50.
Finding reviews for the PowerX meter was challenging, which might not bode well. While no reviews are available on their website, a discussion thread on Reddit was found concerning the PowerX. The comments there indicate a mix of positive and negative customer experiences.
In exploring Flume Water Monitor alternatives, it’s clear there are some solid options that are both straightforward and cost-effective. While a smart water meter can aid in water conservation, leak prevention, and cost-saving, it’s important to note that not all water meters offer the same benefits.
Understanding your budget, the features you value most, and what sets each meter apart is crucial in making an informed decision. Ultimately, take your time to compare and contrast your smart water meter options before settling on one.
If you’re prepared to decide now, opt for the bluebot smart water meter and start your water-saving (and wallet-protecting) journey today.
