| How often do I have to replace the battery? |
| Every 2-4 years for a good quality alkaline battery. HydroBell
does not draw any current while monitoring. The battery's factory specified lifetime is therefore applicable (please read the next three Q/A). |
| How do I know if the battery is still good? |
| Every now and then, wet your fingers and touch both HydroBell metal
sensors. If the beeping is weak or slow (2/sec. or less), replace the battery.
|
| For how long will the alarm sound? |
| Typically for up to 3 days, depending on the quality of the battery installed and its charge level at that time. |
| How loud is the alarm? |
| If the alarm is placed in the basement, it should easily be heard from the main floor of the house, even behind one or two closed doors.
This of course depends on the type of construction, its size, the background noise and each person's hearing capability. Sound level is rated at 95 dB, which is
above most such stand alone battery powered units. |
| What is the best spot to place the alarm? |
| Anywhere on the floor, near the appliance. If the floor is not level, place it at the lowest spot. |
| How much water is needed before the alarm triggers? |
| The thinnest film of water extending between the metallic sensors will
trigger the alarm, thus providing instant warning. Always make sure these probes are in direct contact
with the floor. Remove any grit, calcium or dirt that may have
accumulated on them over time. |
| Will the alarm be ruined if water gets into it? |
| Probably not. If this accidentally happens, remove the battery and place the unit in a ventilated area.
Do not use a blow dryer! After a few days, insert a new battery and test it. It will most likely work again. The bottom part of the alarm is water tight. Water can only
get into it through the speaker grill (try to avoid that). The level sensor can be submersed without damage or further attention. |
| Does HydroBell need special maintenance? |
| No. When occasionally testing the battery, take the opportunity to dust the casing and to remove any grit that could have accumulated on the metal probes.
Also make sure the speaker grill is not obstructed by anything that could hinder sound propagation. |
| Do I have to replace the unit after each alarm? |
| No. The alarm and the level sensor can be reused. Just test them after each event to make
sure the battery is still charged (see above). |
| Do I need to use the accessory with the wire to monitor the floor? |
| No. This sensor is designed to monitor the rising of water in
containers (e.g.: sump pump pits, tubs, tanks etc.). Only use the HydroBell casing to monitor the floor. |
| The alarm is on the floor. Will it break if it's accidentally kicked. ? |
| No. The components are well secured in a rugged plastic casing that can stand most such rough events. |
| Level monitoring: How do I secure the level sensor in its position? |
| Just bend the wire around the edge of the container or put some weight
on the wire or tape the wire to a dry surface. The level sensor weighs only 16 grams
(0.2 oz) and does not require heavy fastening to stay in place. |
| Can I
use HydroBell to monitor my sump pit AND the floor near it? |
| Yes. HydroBell can simultaneously monitor many locations. In your case,
the alarm will sound if either the water in the sump pit reaches
the level sensor and/or if other equipment (e.g. water heater) lets out
water on the floor. See this schematic drawing |
| How can I monitor my boat bilge from the upper deck? |
| We carry wire extensions, multi-connectors and other components. Please visit the 'Accessories' page. |
| Do I need one Hydrobell alarm at each monitored location? |
| No. One single HydroBell unit can simultaneously
monitor an unlimited number of locations. We carry Accessories suitable for such needs. |
