WaterRower: How to Empty the Tank, Why, and Best Practices for Maintenance

How to Empty a WaterRower?

Emptying a WaterRower tank involves using the provided siphon pump to transfer water from the tank into a suitable container, typically for maintenance, water purification, or preparing the rower for moving or storage.

Why Empty Your WaterRower Tank?

Understanding the rationale behind emptying your WaterRower's tank is crucial for proper maintenance and longevity of the equipment. This process isn't just for emergencies but a key part of routine care.

• Routine Maintenance and Water Treatment: Over time, even with purification tablets, the water in your WaterRower can become stagnant, develop a slight odor, or, in rare cases, show signs of algae if the tablets aren't used consistently. Emptying allows for a complete water change and a fresh start with new purification.
• Moving or Storage: Water adds significant weight to the rower. Emptying the tank drastically reduces its weight, making it much easier and safer to move the unit, whether across a room or to a new location. It also eliminates the risk of water spillage during transport.
• Deep Cleaning and Inspection: Emptying the tank provides an opportunity to thoroughly clean the inside of the tank (if necessary, though generally not recommended unless there's a specific issue) and inspect for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks in the tank or seals.
• Troubleshooting: If you suspect a problem with water quality, unusual noise, or believe there's an issue with the internal components (e.g., impeller), emptying the tank is the first step in diagnosing and addressing these concerns.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before beginning the process, gather the necessary items to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.

• WaterRower Siphon Pump: This is typically included with your WaterRower purchase. It's essential for safely transferring water.
• Large Bucket or Container: A 5-gallon (approx. 19-liter) bucket is ideal, as the WaterRower tank holds around 17 liters of water. Ensure it's clean.
• Towels: Keep several towels handy for any spills, as water can be surprisingly messy.
• WaterRower Purification Tablets (for refilling): If you plan to refill immediately, have these ready.
• Clean Water (for refilling): WaterRower recommends using regular tap water for its mineral content, which helps prevent algae growth when combined with purification tablets. Distilled water is not recommended long-term without specific mineral additives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Emptying Your WaterRower

Follow these detailed steps to safely and effectively empty the water from your WaterRower.

• 1. Prepare Your Workspace:

  • Position your WaterRower in an area where you have enough space to work and where potential spills won't cause damage. A garage, basement, or utility room is ideal.
  • Place your large bucket directly next to the rower, ideally on a surface lower than the rower's tank to facilitate gravity-assisted siphoning.
  • Lay towels around the base of the rower and near the bucket to absorb any drips or spills.

• 2. Access the Tank:

  • Locate the tank stopper on the top of the WaterRower's water tank.
  • Carefully remove the stopper by pulling it straight up. It might be snug, so a gentle but firm pull is required. Place it in a clean, safe spot where it won't get lost.

• 3. Insert the Siphon Pump:

  • Take the long hose end of the siphon pump and insert it fully into the water tank, ensuring the end reaches the lowest point of the tank.
  • Place the other end of the siphon pump hose into your empty bucket. Make sure this end is securely positioned in the bucket and won't slip out once water starts flowing.

• 4. Initiate Siphoning:

  • To start the siphoning action, rapidly pump the bulb of the siphon pump a few times. You should see water begin to flow from the tank, through the hose, and into your bucket.
  • Once the water flow is steady, you typically won't need to continue pumping, as gravity will maintain the siphon as long as the bucket is lower than the tank.

• 5. Monitor and Drain:

  • Stay with the rower throughout the draining process. It will take several minutes for the tank to empty completely.
  • Monitor the water level in the tank and the bucket. Ensure the bucket doesn't overflow. You may need a second bucket if your primary one isn't large enough or if you want to be extra cautious.

• 6. Remove Residual Water (Optional but Recommended):

  • Once the siphon stops drawing water, there will still be a small amount of residual water in the tank.
  • Carefully tilt the WaterRower upright (into its storage position). This will pool the remaining water at the bottom of the tank, allowing the siphon pump to draw out more of it.
  • For the absolute last drops, you can use a clean, absorbent towel to wick out any remaining moisture, though this is often unnecessary unless you are storing the rower long-term in a humid environment or deep cleaning.

• 7. Clean and Inspect (Optional):

  • With the tank empty, it's a good time to visually inspect the tank for any signs of damage, such as cracks or unusual wear.
  • You can wipe down the exterior of the tank with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals inside the tank.

• 8. Replace Stopper:

  • Once you are finished, firmly re-insert the tank stopper into the tank opening. Ensure it creates a tight seal to prevent any dust or debris from entering if you are not refilling immediately.

Refilling Your WaterRower (Brief Overview)

If you're emptying the tank for maintenance, you'll likely want to refill it shortly after.

• 1. Add Water: Using a clean funnel, carefully pour clean tap water into the tank until it reaches the fill line indicated on the tank (usually between 17-19 liters, or to the 'Water Line' decal).
• 2. Add Purification Tablet: Drop one WaterRower purification tablet into the water. The tablet will dissolve over time, releasing its anti-algae and anti-bacterial agents.
• 3. Replace Stopper: Securely re-insert the tank stopper to prevent evaporation and maintain water purity.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

Maintaining your WaterRower's water quality is key to its performance and longevity.

• Water Quality: WaterRower specifically recommends using regular tap water. The trace minerals in tap water, when combined with the purification tablets, create an environment less conducive to algae growth than distilled water alone.
• Water Treatment Frequency: Add a purification tablet every 3-6 months, or immediately if you notice any cloudiness or discoloration in the water.
• Emptying Frequency: You generally don't need to empty the tank unless you are moving the rower, performing deep maintenance, or changing the water due to clarity issues. Regular tablet use is usually sufficient.
• Preventing Spills: Always work slowly and deliberately. Having towels ready and positioning your collection bucket correctly are your best defenses against spills.
• Storage: If storing the rower empty for an extended period, ensure the tank is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew growth, especially in humid environments. Keep the stopper securely in place.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While emptying a WaterRower is straightforward, some minor issues can arise.

• Siphon Not Working:
  • Air Leaks: Ensure all connections on the siphon pump are tight.
  • Pump Position: Make sure the collection bucket is lower than the WaterRower tank to allow gravity to assist.
  • Prime the Pump: You may need to pump the bulb more vigorously or ensure the hose is fully submerged in the tank water.
• Water Leaks After Refilling:
  • Stopper Not Sealed: Ensure the tank stopper is firmly and correctly seated.
  • Tank Damage: Inspect the tank for any visible cracks or damage. Contact WaterRower support if you suspect a manufacturing defect.
• Algae Growth Despite Tablets:
  • Tablet Frequency: Ensure you're adding tablets every 3-6 months.
  • Sunlight Exposure: Excessive direct sunlight can accelerate algae growth. Position your rower away from direct sunlight if possible.
  • Water Source: While tap water is recommended, some tap water sources may have unique compositions that are more prone to algae.

Safety Notes

Always prioritize safety when performing maintenance on your fitness equipment.

• Lifting and Moving: A WaterRower, even empty, can be heavy and awkward. If you need to move the rower, use proper lifting techniques or enlist assistance to prevent injury.
• Slippery Surfaces: Water spills can create extremely slippery surfaces. Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent falls.
• Purification Tablets: Handle purification tablets according to their instructions. They are chemicals and should not be ingested or come into prolonged contact with skin or eyes. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.