Easy Water Maker Maintenance Tips

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Water Maker Maintenance
3. Understanding the Frequency of Use Issue
4. Freshwater Flushing: Removing Biological Growth
5. Pickling: Preserving the Unit for Long Inactivity
6. Monitoring and Accounting for Water Maker Use
7. Membrane Cleaning: Addressing Scale and Biologicals
8. Managing Expectations with Membrane Cleaning
9. Other Maintenance Considerations
10. Conclusion

The Importance of Water Maker Maintenance

Water makers play a crucial role in providing fresh water on boats and other marine vessels. However, like any other equipment, they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. One particular issue that is often discussed in relation to water maker maintenance is the frequency of use. Many people claim that water makers like to be ran and don't like to sit unused, but what is the reason behind this?

The key reason why water makers should not be left unused for extended periods of time is the presence of biological growth in the seawater. When seawater sits stagnant in a water maker without any water flow, the plankton, algae, and bacteria present in the water start to grow. This growth depletes the oxygen in the seawater and leads to the death of these organisms. As a result, anaerobic bacteria consume the dead bodies, releasing hydrogen sulfide gas that gives off a foul rotten egg smell. Moreover, this bacterial growth and hydrogen sulfide gas can cause damage to the RO membrane of the water maker.

To address this issue, fresh water flushing is highly recommended. Fresh water flushing involves replacing the volume of seawater inside the water maker plumbing with fresh water. This process helps purge out the plankton, algae, and bacteria, reducing the risk of biological growth and the associated foul smell. Fresh water flushing can be done every five to seven days to maintain the cleanliness of the water maker during periods of inactivity.

For longer periods of inactivity, such as when leaving the boat for the season, pickling is an effective method to preserve the water maker. Pickling involves using a preservative, an FDA-approved food-grade biocide, to sterilize the water maker unit. This process kills all the bacteria, plankton, and algae, ensuring that the unit remains in a non-conducive state for bacterial growth. When starting the water maker again, a short flush will remove the preservative, and the unit can resume normal operation.

Monitoring and accounting for the frequency of water maker use is crucial in maintaining its optimal performance. Running the water maker every two to three days is recommended to naturally flush it out with seawater. If longer periods of inactivity are expected, performing a fresh water flush at the five to seven-day mark can provide additional inactivity time. In cases where the water maker will not be used for an extended period, such as when going into a marina or leaving the boat for weeks, pickling is the preferred method to preserve the unit.

Membrane cleaning is another aspect of water maker maintenance. It involves using specific chemicals to remove scale deposits or organic matter from the RO membrane. While membrane cleaning can help restore flow and remove certain contaminants, it is important to manage expectations. Membrane cleaning is not a solution for all performance issues. If the membrane is physically damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, a new RO membrane may be required.

In addition to these maintenance practices, regular visual inspections, ensuring good electrical connections, and addressing leaks promptly are essential. Any leaks on the high-pressure side of the water maker should be addressed immediately to prevent damage to electronic components. Salt stalactites or salt build-up around fittings and connections are signs of potential issues and should be cleaned.

By following these maintenance guidelines and regularly caring for your water maker, you can ensure its reliable performance, prolong its lifespan, and have a consistent supply of freshwater on your boat. Remember, if you have any further questions or need assistance with water maker topics, feel free to reach out to us. We are always here to help.

Highlights

• Proper water maker maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
• Stagnant seawater in a water maker can lead to biological growth and foul odors.
• Freshwater flushing removes biological growth and reduces the risk of bacterial damage.
• Pickling preserves the water maker during long periods of inactivity.
• Monitoring and accounting for the frequency of water maker use is crucial.
• Membrane cleaning can help restore flow but may not fix all performance issues.
• Visual inspections and addressing leaks promptly are important for overall maintenance.
• Regular maintenance ensures a reliable supply of freshwater on your boat.

FAQ

Q: How often should I run my water maker? A: It is recommended to run the water maker every two to three days to maintain optimal performance.

Q: Can I use seawater for flushing instead of freshwater? A: While seawater can be used for flushing, it contains organic life and bacteria. Freshwater flushing with clean water is more effective in removing biological growth.

Q: How long can I leave my water maker without using it? A: The recommended period of inactivity varies depending on factors such as climate and water conditions. In warm cruising environments, it is generally recommended to not leave the water maker unused for more than five to seven days.

Q: How often should I perform membrane cleaning? A: Membrane cleaning should only be performed when necessary, such as when there is a decrease in flow or high total dissolved solids (TDS) due to blockage or scale deposits.

Q: Can membrane cleaning fix all performance issues? A: No, membrane cleaning is not a solution for all performance issues. If the membrane is physically damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, a new RO membrane may be required.

Q: What should I do if I notice salt build-up or leaks on my water maker? A: Salt build-up and leaks should be addressed promptly. Clean any salt build-up and ensure good electrical connections. Leaks on the high-pressure side should be repaired immediately to prevent damage to electronic components.

Q: How can I ensure the longevity of my water maker? A: Regular maintenance, including freshwater flushing, proper use frequency, pickling for longer periods of inactivity, and addressing issues promptly, will contribute to the longevity of your water maker.