Low Water Flow Rate

Immediate Actions:

• Upon receiving the notification, perform the following checks to address potential causes:

  • Kinked Hoses:

    • Inspect and straighten any kinks in the hoses.

  • Clogged Pre-Filter:

    • Clean the pre-filter to remove any debris.

  • Dirty Water Filter:

    • Clean or replace the water filter as needed.

• Clearing the Notification:

  • After taking the above actions, press "Resolve" on the app or Chiller UI to clear the alert.

• Monitoring and Re-Notification:

  • If the water flow issue persists, you'll receive repeat notifications at set intervals until the flow rate is back to normal.

• Advanced Troubleshooting:

  • If you've completed all the basic steps and the issue remains, proceed with the following:

    • Check for Obstructions:

      • Disconnect the hoses to look for any blockages inside of the hoses.

• Seeking Further Help:

  • Should the advanced troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the issue, please consult our chatbot by clicking the button in the bottom-right hand corner. If further assistance is needed, please reach out to us here.

Pre-Filter cleaning Action Steps:

• Accessing the Pre-Filter:

  • Locate the pre-filter at the bottom bulkhead inside the Ice Barrel.

• Routine Cleaning:

  • Visually inspect the pre-filter for any visible debris.
  • Gently remove any debris from the filter slots using your fingers or a soft brush. 
  • If necessary, you can simply put the Chiller in Maintenance mode and then remove the pre-filter by hand for easy access to clean away any buildup.

• Deep Cleaning:

  • Preparation:

    • Enter maintenance mode on the Chiller's UI to pause all cooling and circulation operations.

  • Water Shutoff:

    • Locate the bulkhead valves at the top and bottom of the Ice Barrel. These valves are crucial in controlling the water flow.

  • Cleaning:

    • For a more thorough cleaning, remove the pre-filter by turning it counter-clockwise from the bulkhead by hand. No tools are necessary for this step. 
    • Once removed, rinse the pre-filter under running water to clean off any buildup.
    • Use a soft-bristled brush, if needed, to gently scrub the pre-filter.
    • Shake off excess water and ensure the pre-filter is clean and free of debris before reinstalling.

  • Reinstallation:

    • Reinsert the pre-filter by hand into its housing, ensuring it is properly seated and secure.

  • Restoring Chiller Operations:

    • Open both the top and bottom bulkhead valves to allow water to flow back through the system.
    • Exit maintenance mode on the Chiller's UI, which will resume normal operation.

• After Cleaning:

  • There is no need to replace the pre-filter unless it is damaged. If it is damaged and must be replaced, please contact the Ice Barrel Customer Experience team at icebarrel.com.

• Note:

  • Regular cleaning of the pre-filter is essential for maintaining the Chiller's optimal performance. The cleaning frequency may vary depending on how often you use your Ice Barrel and the amount of environmental debris that enters the barrel.

Water Filter Maintenance Action Steps:

• Preparation:

  • Enter maintenance mode on the Chiller's UI to pause all cooling and circulation operations. You can do this by selecting Settings in the Menu, then choosing Maintenance Mode.

• Water Shutoff:

  • Locate the bulkhead valves at the top and bottom of the Ice Barrel. These valves are crucial in controlling the water flow.
  • Carefully shut both valves to isolate the filter and prevent extensive water spillage. The valves are shut when the levers are perpendicular with the hose (not lined up with it).

• Removing the Water Filter:

  • Identify the water filter bowl housing at the back of the Chiller.
  • Place a towel or a small container below the filter housing to catch any water that may spill when the bowl is removed.
  • Unscrew the bowl that houses the water filter. You will likely need to use the provided water filter wrench to loosen the bowl enough to unscrew the rest of the way by hand.

• Cleaning or Replacing the Water Filter:

  • Once the bowl is open, remove the water filter. Note: Be careful not to lose the rubber O-ring that sits inside the filter bowl.
  • If the filter is to be cleaned:
    • Rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Avoid using any harsh cleaning agents that could damage the filter material or contaminate the water system.
    • If appropriate, gently brush off any sediment or debris using a soft-bristled brush.
  • If the filter is to be replaced:
    • Discard the old filter according to local regulations.
    • Insert the new filter into the bowl, ensuring it fits snugly and correctly within the housing.

• Reassembling the Filter Housing:

  • Once the filter is cleaned or replaced, reinstall the filter in the bow
  • Make sure that the rubber O-ring is properly seated inside the ring of the filter bowl.
  •  Reattach the bowl to the housing.
    • Screw the bowl back into place carefully, ensuring that it is properly seated so the seal is fully engaged and there are no cross-threads. 
  • Use the provided water filter bowl wrench to tighten the filter bowl lining up the sticker with the quick connect fitting above as a visual reference.

• Restoring Chiller Operations:

  • Open both the top and bottom bulkhead valves to allow water to flow back through the system.
  • Exit maintenance mode on the Chiller's UI, which will resume normal operation.

• Final Checks:

  • Observe the filter area briefly for any signs of leaks.
    • If you observe any leaks, follow these steps to resolve the issue:
      • Ensure the filter housing is tightly secured.
      • Double-check that the O-ring is properly seated.
      • Inspect the O-ring for any damage and replace if necessary.
      • Verify that all connections are properly tightened.
  • Go to the Notification Center on the Chiller or the app and clear the water filter maintenance notification to reset the maintenance schedule.

Resolving Kinked Hose(s)

• Locating Hoses:

  • Identify all hoses connected to the Chiller and the Ice Barrel. Pay special attention to areas where kinks could occur, such as tight corners or where hoses might be pinched by external objects.

• Inspection:

  • Carefully inspect the entire length of each hose for bends, kinks, or twists that could restrict water flow.

• Valve Check:

  • Ensure that the shut-off valves on the bottom and top bulkheads at the Ice Barrel are fully open (aligned with the bulkeads / hoses). Partially closed valves can also restrict water flow.

• Adjustment:

  • Straighten any kinked sections of hose. If a hose is compressed by an external object, adjust the object or hose placement to alleviate pressure.

• Preventive Measures:

  • To prevent future kinking, consider rerouting the hoses to allow more gradual bends or employing hose protectors in vulnerable areas.

• Resolving the Notification:

  • After ensuring there are no kinks and the shut-off valves are fully open, select "Resolve" on the app or Chiller UI to clear the notification.

• Reoccurrence:

  • If the water flow sensor still detects a low flow rate, the notification will reappear until normal flow is restored.

• After Action:

  • Regularly check hoses for kinks and verify shut-off valves are fully open to maintain optimal water flow and prevent similar notifications in the future.