5017 sensor

[ptrusk]

Hi Roger,

Osmolator been giving me issues. For the last few months, sump is occasionally low. Clean the sensor with vinegar and it works for a few days then back to not kicking on. Wipe with my finger, unplug and it works for a few days then sump is low. I have been procrastinating reaching out because I thought it was just poor maintenance on my part but it happens every week now.
Any advice?

 

[rvitko]

How old is it? When you soak it in vinegar are you getting it off the magnet and soaking it for about an hour? The key is to get it really completely descaled. It can happen that if you dose calcium or buffer near the sensor, especially kalkwasser, calcium deposits will blind it in days, but usually the issue is it is not being cleaned thoroughly, just enough to barely get it working. They usually need a thorough descaling every 6 months. Do not scrub it or scrape it as scratches will ruin it. Just soak, wipe with a soft towel.

 

[ptrusk]

Yes I remove the sensor from the bracket and soak in vinegar. Did it again last night for a few hours. I will see how it goes.

 

[rvitko]

Just keep in mind if you use kalkwasser or some calcium/buffer supplement or a calcium reactor outlet is near the sensor, it is not impossible that in a few days deposits render it completely blind, especially with kalk, you will need to add it much further away.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

you can try to do a short citric acid bath. That seems to work well for me.

 

[rvitko]

Citric acid is mainly popular I think because it is easier to store but it works slower and the main issue in my experience is the resultant calcium citrate seems to leave a sticky film and a couple soaks can be needed to get it as clean as vinegar does more quickly on the first shot.

 

[ptrusk]

Thanks Roger. I dose 2 part to the opposite side 30 gallon sump. Pretty large consumption, 140ml/day. I will continue to keep an eye on it and clean it regularly.

 

[rvitko]

With dosing 2 part a delay between the two parts so they do not react and form an insoluble precipitate may help as will agitation to ensure it is completely mixed.