Buying It vs. the Protection Service
Buy the Flo Shutoff
- App, alerts, auto shutoffFree, all features
- Warranty1-year limited
- ContractNone
Moen Flo Protection Service
- DeviceIncluded
- WarrantyContinuous while subscribed
- Deductible coverageUp to $5,000 if the device fails
- Cancel in first 36 months50% of remaining payments
Checked against Moen’s Flo FAQ, its Flo Shutoff product page, and its Protection Service page on October 3, 2026. Moen lists the Shutoff at $623.99 (3/4”), $675.99 (1”), and $1,039.99 (1-1/4”).
Everything Works Without a Subscription
The Flo Shutoff is installed in line on your main cold water line. It watches pressure and flow, runs a daily microleak test, sends app, phone call, and email alerts, and can turn off your water automatically when it sees a problem. Moen’s FAQ answers the subscription question directly: “No, there is no monthly fee to operate your Moen Flo Shutoff and you can access all the features and your water usage data in the app for free.”
That’s a different shape from a lot of smart-home gear. On a security camera, the subscription usually unlocks recorded video. On a Flo, the paid plan doesn’t add any device features at all.
What the Protection Service Actually Is
The Moen Flo Protection Service, which Moen also calls the Leak Protection Service, is a monthly plan that includes the Flo Shutoff itself. According to Moen’s product page, it adds:
- A continuous limited warranty for as long as you’re subscribed, instead of the standard 1-year warranty
- Dedicated customer support
- A 10% discount on purchases from moen.com while you’re subscribed
- Up to $5,000 in insurance deductible coverage if the Flo Shutoff fails to work as designed
The kit in the box also includes a Moen Flo Detector for spot moisture sensing and a pro installation kit. The price starts at $17.99 a month (“as low as,” per Moen) with a $49.99 activation fee and a 36-month agreement. After 36 months, it renews monthly.
The Math Most People Don’t Do
At the starting price, 36 months of the Protection Service comes to $647.64, plus the $49.99 activation fee, for $697.63 before tax. Buying the 1” Flo Shutoff outright from Moen costs $675.99, and the 3/4” model costs $623.99. So over the contract, the subscription costs more than owning the device, and after month 36 it keeps billing.
What you get for the difference is the longer warranty and the deductible coverage. If you value a warranty that lasts as long as you pay, the plan can make sense. If you’d rather own the hardware and stop paying, buying it is cheaper.
The bigger catch is the exit cost. Moen’s terms say that if you cancel during the first 36 months, you’re charged “a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the remaining payments.” Cancel after one year at $17.99 a month, and that’s half of 24 remaining payments, about $216.
Where to Buy the Flo Shutoff Outright
Amazon often lists the Flo Shutoff below Moen’s own price. Pick the size that matches your main water line: Moen says the 1” model fits pipes 1” or smaller.
Moen Flo Shutoff, 3/4" (900-001)
Automatic water leak detection and shutoff, full app features with no monthly fee. 4.0★ (2,312 ratings).
Moen Flo Shutoff, 1" (900-006)
The same device for 1" or smaller pipes. 4.0★ (2,312 ratings).
The Protection Service kit includes a Flo Detector, but buying outright doesn’t. If you want spot sensors under sinks or next to the water heater, they’re a separate one-time purchase.
Moen Flo Detector, 3-Pack (920-005)
Wi-Fi water and moisture sensors for spots prone to leaks. 3.6★ (1,479 ratings).
Amazon prices change often, so confirm the current price and size before buying. Moen recommends professional installation, so budget for a plumber too.
Who Should NOT Choose the Protection Service
If you might move house, sell, or change your mind within three years, skip the subscription. The 50% early cancellation fee makes it expensive to leave, and the device is tied to a plan rather than simply yours. The plan also doesn’t make the Flo work any better: every monitoring and shutoff feature is the same when you buy the device outright.
What the Flo Needs to Work
Subscription or not, Moen lists the same requirements: a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, a smartphone with the Moen app, and an AC power outlet within 10 feet of the device. It has to be installed after your water meter, main shutoff, and pressure-regulating valve if you have one.
FAQ
Does Flo by Moen require a subscription? No. The Flo Shutoff and the Moen app work with no monthly fee, and Moen says all app features are free. The Protection Service is an optional plan that includes the device on a 36-month agreement.
How much is the Flo by Moen subscription? The Moen Flo Protection Service starts at $17.99 a month plus a $49.99 activation fee, with a 36-month agreement that renews monthly afterward.
Can I cancel the Moen Flo Protection Service? Yes, but if you cancel during the first 36 months, Moen charges a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the remaining payments in that period.
What happened to FloProtect? Moen’s help site still hosts terms for a plan called FloProtect. The plan Moen’s shop sells today is the Flo Protection Service described above. Either way, the device itself doesn’t need a plan to work.
Does Flo by Moen need Wi-Fi? Yes. Moen lists a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection as a requirement, along with the app and a nearby power outlet.
Bottom Line
- You can pay upfront: buy the Flo Shutoff. Every feature is free, and there’s no contract.
- You’d rather spread the cost and want a warranty for as long as you pay: the Protection Service makes sense, but plan to keep it at least 36 months.
- You might move within three years: avoid the Protection Service because of the 50% cancellation fee.
For other home devices where the free and paid line is worth checking, see our ecobee subscription guide, Rachio subscription guide, and myQ subscription guide.