In Brief: Troubleshooting Common Problems with Hydrogen Water Makers
Operating Hydrogen water makers is easy, and troubleshooting the problems that you may face while operating the equipment is even more comfortable with this problem-solving guide that we have detailed for you. It covers all sorts of issues from water leakage to faulty indicator lights to correct usage tips for your hydrogen water maker, making it easy for you to solve simple problems in the best way by yourself.
Hydrogen water has numerous health benefits for us.
It is a detoxifier, antioxidant-rich, promotes healthy blood circulation, boosts collagen production, fights free radicals, and does much more for its drinkers.
With this growing awareness, the popularity of hydrogen water makers is like never before.
With a wide range of models available to choose from, you now have complete autonomy to select a hydrogen water maker of your liking and product hydrogen water in the comfort of your own home instead of purchasing expensive bottles from outside.
As is the case with any equipment, a hydrogen water maker is also prone is a few issues now and then.
With this troubleshooting guide, we have tried to cover some of the most common problems that you might run into while using a hydrogen water maker.
We have also shown easy ways to diagnose and troubleshoot these problems.
Below, we briefly discuss some of these problems. We also guide you on how to deal with them in a DIY setup.
1. Water Leakage During Operations
There are two broad categories of hydrogen watermakers. One is the kind that uses electricity and consists of a jar.
The other model is the kind that is battery operated and might be shaped like a bottle. The latter model is extremely portable and lightweight.
In both these models, you might notice leakage while the hydrogen water maker is in use. The reason for this could be loose connections in the bottle or unseen cracks.
How to troubleshoot
In the bottle type model, make sure to fasten the hydrogen generator and the body of the bottle tightly before pouring water inside and using it.
Take careful note of the water which is loaded into the water line when generating the hydrogen. It should not exceed a certain level. Exceeding the marked level can cause spillage.
2. Indicator lights are not working
Almost all models of hydrogen water makers are equipped with indicator lights that function to give the user about different issues with the water maker.
These are things like low charge, need for battery replacement, empty tank, a problem with the electrode, etc.
When the indicator lights stop working, it can become challenging to understand what exactly is not functioning in the hydrogen water maker.
How to troubleshoot
For models that work on electricity, check if the hydrogen water maker is connected to an outlet and getting adequate power.
Check the cable connections at both ends to see that they are fastened correctly. Also, check the cables for any fraying or damage.
If there is any sign of damage, replace the wires at the earliest.
In a battery-operated model, check to see if the batteries are dead and need to be replaced.
If the lights are still not functioning, do not attempt to disassemble the model on your own.
In most cases, this will void your warranty. Get in touch with the relevant customer support to solve the problem.
3. Strange sounds while operating the hydrogen water maker
If the hydrogen water maker is making sounds while running, it is likely due to the bubble formation.
How to troubleshoot
The phenomenon which causes strange noises is temporary resonance.
It should go away on its own. If not, it would be prudent to check if the bubble formation is taking place correctly and if the water is getting saturated with hydrogen.
4. Blinking lights on the hydrogen water maker
As mentioned in problem #3, indicators are useful to tell the user what exactly is wrong with the hydrogen water maker and how to fix it.
How to troubleshoot
Carefully study the instruction manual to check what a blinking indicator means. The manual will also tell a way to rectify the situation.
In some cases, a blinking indicator means that the tank needs to be refilled with water.
In other cases, the indicator could mean that the device needs to be charged. Be sure to charge the portable models entirely before use.
Also, avoid charging the models excessively for long periods to maintain the device’s health.
Some indicators blink to indicate some problem with the electrode of the hydrogen water maker. In this case, the electrode might not be working as expected.
Take the electrodes out entirely and clean them with a soft and clean cloth. Also, check the contact pins for any signs of rusting and clean them thoroughly as well.
5. Bubble formation is very less
The low bubble formation could be due to a couple of reasons.
- New jar
- Rusting on the electrode contact pins
How to troubleshoot
Usually, a new jar takes a couple of hours to reach the optimum level of bubble formation. The full capacity will be reached in a few hours.
Contact pins of the electrodes can be prone to rusting due to constant contact with moisture. Clean this rust with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
6. Electrode monitor lights are blinking
Any problems with the electrode are indicated with a separate light dedicated to highlighting these issues.
This separate indicator is present because electrodes are significant to the entire process of hydrogen water generation.
How to troubleshoot
Check the electrodes carefully for any sign of damage. Replace, if needed.
Check the contact pins to ensure that the contact area is smooth and rust-free.
7. Water has an unpleasant odor
There are a couple of reasons for the water to have a bad smell.
- Hygiene water in the hydrogen water maker is contaminated
- Accidently consuming the hygiene water
How to troubleshoot
Hygiene water is a feature in some models of hydrogen water makers that have a self-cleaning mechanism.
The electrolysis unit produces the hydrogen, which rises and oxygen as well as ozone is produced at the bottom.
These models have a button to start the disinfection process, and while this is happening, the water which is produced in the jug is not suitable for drinking.
This hygiene water should be removed, and the jar should be rinsed out if the hygiene water was very unclean.
You may also accidentally consume this water, assuming it to be the generated hydrogen water. Be very careful to note which mode the hydrogen water maker is in to avoid this mistake.
8. The hydrogen water maker is not charging
The portable kinds of hydrogen water makers can either be battery-operated or need to be charged periodically for optimum performance. There could be a few reasons why the hydrogen water maker is not getting charged.
- Insufficient or irregular charging
- Overcharging
- Damaged charger or cables
How to troubleshoot
Insufficient charging of the hydrogen water maker repeatedly will cause the user to charge the device more frequently to get good use out of it.
Repeated insufficient charge cycles can cause problems with the device as well as the charger over time.
Overcharging is also equally bad for the device. It can lead to unnecessary overheating and damage to the charger.
The charger could also get damaged due to wear & tear, electrical fluctuations, etc.
In any case, if the charger stops working altogether, there is no other option but to buy a new replacement charger.
Sometimes, the problem is not resolved even after purchasing a new charger. In this case, the problem is with the hydrogen water maker itself.
The customer helpline should be contacted to resolve the issue.
9. How to use a hydrogen water maker correctly
Before using the hydrogen water maker, you will want to ensure that the proper instructions are followed for setting up the device for its first use.
If this is not done correctly, the hydrogen water maker will end up throwing a lot of issues later while you operate it.
This section focuses exclusively on ensuring that proper installation and operation is taking place.
How to troubleshoot
Installation Tips
The following are some generic points that should be kept in mind when using the hydrogen water maker for the first time.
- Before first use, clean out the jar that comes with the hydrogen water maker without using detergents or any other harsh chemicals.
- Check if the filter inside the hydrogen water maker is installed correctly.
- Check the sponge to see if it is placed correctly in its holder.
- Add distilled water to the tank before first use. This distilled water is for the electrolysis to take place. The water is not supposed to be consumed.
- The sponge should be soaked entirely before first use.
- Fill the jug halfway with clean, mineral drinking water. Never use any carbonated or sparkling water.
- Connect the hydrogen water maker to the power outlet. In some models, there is a blinker to indicate if the connections are correctly made.
- Take good care to follow all the first time use instructions given in the user manual to configure the device accurately.
For more detailed and customized tips, you should carefully go through the instruction manual that comes with the device to make sure that you are using it correctly.
General Operational Tips
The following points should be kept in mind while operating the hydrogen water maker.
- No model of hydrogen water should be operated without some water in it. It can cause the membrane to burn out.
- Cleaning of the electrodes should never be done with any hard objects. It can cause possible damage to any coating on the electrode.
- Be sure to tighten the cap on the hydrogen generator in the portable models to prevent the hydrogen bubbles from escaping.
- Always have a little amount of water in the hydrogen maker to keep the membrane wet.
For cleaning the hydrogen water maker, after every week of use, pour out the water and pour in a - white vinegar-water mixture (one part vinegar and two parts water). Keep the solution for half an hour to clean out the insides.
- Never put the hydrogen water maker inside a dishwasher or a microwave.
- Some models have exhaust holes at the bottom or somewhere on the body. Be sure never to cover any of these holes.
- Never soak the entire system in water. Some parts of the hydrogen water maker have to be kept dry at all times.
10. Bottle Inflation
Some portable models of hydrogen water makers allow you to connect your bottle of water directly to the hydrogen generator to get hydrogen water.
In these models, you may notice inflation of the container while the hydrogen water maker is in use.
How to troubleshoot
Hydrogen water makers have different modes of operation that you can choose from. Use the hydrogen water maker in shorter bursts to avoid the problem of inflation.
In other words, if the hydrogen water maker offers a 9-minute mode, use it only once to generate hydrogen water. Or better yet, use three 3-minute modes to get the same result.
However, avoid using the hydrogen water maker for any longer than 9 minutes or whatever stipulated period is mentioned in the user manual.
11. Problems running the hydrogen water maker
After covering all of the issues that you can possibly face with your hydrogen water maker, there might still be some problems with the device.
Sometimes, the issues arise due to improper use of the unit. Below we mention some general guidelines which should be followed while operating a hydrogen water maker to avoid issues from recurring.
How to troubleshoot
Here are the steps to troubleshoot –
- The container of the hydrogen water maker should be filled with water before switching the water maker ON to avoid damage to the electrolysis cell.
- Make sure to check the voltage at which the device can be operated (110 V or 220 V).
- Check the operational water temperature range to use the water maker. Usually, the threshold for the same is mentioned in the instruction manual.
- It is advised to use cold water for the hydrogen water maker and make sure that the water is always in the specified temperature range for adequate functioning.
- While cleaning the water maker, be sure to never place it directly under a water stream.
- Use only a soft, moist, and non-abrasive cloth to clean the hydrogen water maker.
- Do not use chemicals to clean the hydrogen water maker.
- The device should be handled with very gentle hands, and care should be taken to avoid dropping it.
- Avoid placing the product in direct sunlight. The temperature to which the hydrogen water maker is exposed to should not exceed 50 degrees Celsius or drop below 0 degrees Celsius.
- The device should be placed in a clean place, devoid of moisture and dirt.
- Check the cables regularly for any kinks or damages.
- The plug should be kept clean and never touched with a moist cloth or hands.
- Make sure never to use any carbonated water in the hydrogen water maker.
- Make sure that the hydrogen water maker is placed in an upright position while operating it.
If nothing works
Unlike other household equipment like water filtration units, hydrogen water makers are slightly more technical in design.
Therefore, solving problems with the device should be strictly done after being thorough with the product design and the supplied user manual.
Do not attempt to dismantle the water maker to fix any issues that require technical intervention. Not only will this void the warranty, but it could also not result in fixing the problem.
The only way to go about this is to contact the manufacturers on the number that they have supplied.
You should try to get the most out of the customer service and the product before replacing or discarding it.
Summary
Using a hydrogen water maker is becoming popular with many people.
The device is reasonably easy to operate, and if there are any issues, we have listed a detailed troubleshooting guide to diagnose and remedy the problem as smoothly as possible.
Have a read through this guide and be assured that no almost all the common issues that you might end up facing can be fixed easily without burning a hole in your pocket!