This article was created in partnership with Moen.
With winter fast approaching and temperatures beginning to drop, Canadian homeowners face an increased risk of water damage caused by freezing pipes.
“Frozen and burst pipes pose a significant risk to homeowners during cold weather. When water freezes, it expands and can put pressure on the home’s pipes, which may cause them to burst. Weak or corroded pipes pose an even greater risk,” cautioned Moen’s Jerry Fairborn (pictured), national sales manager, commercial.
This can then, in turn, lead to water damage in the home, which is not only costly but fairly common. In fact, statistics reveal that one in six homes files a water damage claim annually, with the average claim reaching nearly $17,000. Not only does this have an impact on homeowners’ wallets, but, for insurers, this means handling high claim volumes and substantial payouts, especially in regions prone to harsh winter weather.
By proactively installing innovative solutions like Moen’s line of smart water technology solutions, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing their home is being protected, while insurers can benefit from the technology’s ability to mitigate costly risks.
Moen's smart water security products, such as the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, are leading the charge in preventing water damage. The device attaches directly to a home's main water line, continuously monitoring for abnormalities and proactively shutting off water when issues are detected, such as a leaky toilet or a leaky pipe, or issues that may put a pipe at risk of bursting.
Leveraging advanced machine learning, technologies like FloSense™ 3.0 and MicroLeak™ enable the system to detect even the smallest leaks—down to one drop per minute – and will automatically alert the user of these issues, whether home or away. It can also track water usage by fixture type so users can adjust their habits and save water – good for the environment and wallet.
What sets the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff apart is its ability to tackle cold weather challenges head-on. Designed to handle the rigors of Canadian winters, it features advanced capabilities like Winterize Mode, available when paired with other Moen smart products such as the Smart Faucet or Smart Shower. Ideal for extreme weather conditions or when homeowners are away, Winterize Mode can shut off the home’s main water supply and purge the system through the Smart Faucet or Smart Shower, effectively preventing pipes from freezing and bursting.
“By proactively installing Moen’s water security devices, homeowners and insurers alike can have peace of mind knowing a home’s water is being monitored, 24/7,” shared Fairborn.
Other features include Burst Protect, which will shut off the home’s water when the system senses high pressure or low temperatures which can make pipes at risk of freezing, and Health Protect, which flushes water lines through the Smart Faucet or Smart Shower to get rid of stagnant water while users are away.
Moen’s smart water security product line extends beyond burst pipe prevention, offering solutions for a variety of water-related risks:
All products integrate seamlessly with the Moen Smart Water App.
“Homeowners not only receive real-time notifications but can manually address the issues within the palm of their hand,” added Fairborn. “Together, these products provide whole-home water protection.
It’s about more than just reacting to problems—it’s about giving homeowners the tools to prevent damage in the first place,” Fairborn continued.
Brokers looking to help clients protect their homes this winter should highlight the long-term savings that come with investing in smart home technology. “Many insurance companies offer premium discounts or other savings as part of a prevention strategy for homeowners who install products like the Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, thanks to their proven ability to reduce the frequency of water damage claims,” advised Fairborn.
By encouraging homeowners to adopt preventative technology, insurers can significantly lower the incidence and cost of water damage claims.
With winter weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, resilience is more important than ever for both homeowners and insurers. Moen’s cutting-edge solutions provide homeowners with reliable protection while enabling insurers to reduce risks efficiently.
“Winter weather will always pose challenges, but smart technology like ours ensures homeowners can face those challenges with confidence,” shared Fairborn.
For more information on how Moen’s smart water products can help your clients mitigate winter risks, visit Moen’s website.
