Why is the Flo by Moen app showing water consumption when my meter hasn't shown any usage?

This article includes detailed information on the: 

• Flo by Moen app, also known as the Smart Water Network app or the Moen Smart Water app 
• Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, also known as the Flo by Moen Water Shutoff 

In order for the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff to register any water usage, water has to pass through the valve which spins the internal turbine and registers water flow.

If you see no movement on your city meter but do see some water consumption on your Flo by Moen app 

, it’s possible that your city feed may be flowing back and forth slightly - also known as "backflow."

Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff is not able to count reverse consumption, and as a result, any water flowing back or forth through Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff will be registered as consumption, and add towards your daily goal. As the water may flow back and forth in small amounts throughout the day, the meter will zero out and seem like no water was used.

This reverse flow is referred to as backflow and can be prevented by the installation of a check-valve on the main water line which will only allow water to flow in one direction. Check valves should be installed before the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff device for optimal backflow prevention and accuracy of the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff device.

To test for backflow, you will need to actively monitor your city meter to see if the needle spins backward at any point. Backflow can occur at random, and it may take a few attempts at monitoring the meter observe its occurrence.

If you see this occurring on your supply line, we recommend contacting your water municipality to give them notification of the issue as certain categories of backflow can be considered a contamination hazard.