Learning how to fill a water rower is the first step to enjoying a smooth, effective workout. Before you fill a WaterRower, ensure the machine is on a level surface to get an accurate water measurement in the tank. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from unboxing to your first stroke.
Proper filling is crucial for performance and safety. Too little water makes the row too easy, while too much can strain the machine. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including tools, step-by-step instructions, and maintenance tips.
Let’s get your rower ready for action.
How To Fill A Water Rower
This section provides the complete, detailed procedure. Follow these steps in order for the best results. Having a helper can make some steps easier, especially when moving the tank.
Gather Your Tools And Materials
Before starting, collect everything you’ll need. This prevents interruptions and ensures a smooth process. You won’t need many specialized tools.
- The WaterRower fill kit (usually includes a siphon hose and a water bottle)
- A clean 2-gallon bucket or large pitcher
- Fresh, clean water (tap water is typically fine)
- A clean, soft cloth or towel
- A flat-head screwdriver (for some model’s tank bung)
- A level surface, like a flat section of floor
Position The Rower Correctly
Place your WaterRower on a firm, level floor. This is critical for an accurate fill line. An uneven floor will cause the water level to be crooked in the tank, affecting the resistance.
Check the stability of the machine. Make sure all four points of the frame are touching the ground. You can use a small spirit level on the rail for confirmation if needed.
Why A Level Surface Matters
The water tank has a marked fill line inside. If the rower is tilted, this line will not be horizontal. You could overfill or underfill the tank, leading to incorrect resistance levels and potential splashing during use.
Access The Water Tank
Now, you need to get to the tank’s fill port. The process varies slightly between WaterRower’s classic wooden models and their metal or composite versions.
- For wooden models: Gently tilt the rower back onto its rear wheels. Have someone support the front end, or carefully rest it against a wall with padding.
- For S4/M1 models: The tank is often more accessible at the front. You may need to loosen a few screws on the shroud to lift it slightly.
Locate the black rubber bung on the top of the plastic water tank. This is the fill hole.
Prepare The Siphon And Fill Tube
Use the provided siphon hose. If your kit includes a manual pump-style siphon, familiarize yourself with its operation first. The goal is to move water from your bucket into the tank without spills.
- Insert one end of the clear fill tube deep into the water tank’s bung hole. Push it in several inches.
- Place the other end into your bucket of clean water.
- If using a manual pump, follow its priming instructions to start the water flow.
Add Water To The Tank
Begin filling the tank slowly. Watch the water level rise inside the clear tank. The tank has a clear window with a marked fill line, typically labeled.
Pour steadily from your bucket or use the siphon. Aim to fill to the middle of the indicated fill line range. You can always add a little more water later for increased resistance, but removing water is more difficult.
For most adults, a fill level to the middle or top of the marked range provides a good workout. Beginners or lighter individuals may prefer a level at the lower end.
Check The Water Level And Seal The Tank
Once the water reaches the desired level, stop filling. Carefully remove the fill tube from the bung. Any water left in the tube might drip, so have your towel ready.
Firmly press the black rubber bung back into the tank opening. Ensure it is seated securely and flush with the tank surface. A loose bung can lead to leaks or air getting into the system, which creates a sloshing sound.
Return The Rower To Its Upright Position
If you tilted the rower back, now is the time to lower it gently to the floor. Do this slowly to avoid creating a large wave inside the tank that could dislodge the bung. Ensure all feet are flat on the floor again.
Perform A Final Inspection
Wipe any water drips from the tank and frame. Give the rower a gentle rock side-to-side. Listen for excessive water movement or sloshing, which might indicate too much air in the tank (often from an improper seal).
Sit on the seat and take a few slow, practice strokes. The resistance should feel smooth and consistent. If it feels jerky or you hear gurgling, check the bung seal.
Choosing The Right Water And Additives
What you put in the tank affects longevity and performance. Using the wrong type of water can lead to algae or mineral buildup over time.
Best Type Of Water To Use
For most people, ordinary tap water is perfectly acceptable. If your tap water is very hard (high in minerals), you might consider using distilled or demineralized water to prevent scale deposits inside the tank.
Avoid using salt water or water with chemical additives. Never use antifreeze, as it can damage the plastic tank and internal components.
When To Use Water Purification Tablets
WaterRower offers chlorine-free water purification tablets. These are recommended if your rower is in direct sunlight or a warm, humid environment, as these conditions can promote algae growth.
- Add the tablet to the water in your bucket before filling, or drop it into the tank through the bung hole after filling.
- One tablet treats the water for about 6 months of regular use.
- The tablets keep the water clear and prevent biological growth without harming the tank’s plastic.
Adjusting The Resistance Level
The amount of water in the tank directly controls the resistance. More water means you have to work harder to spin the turbine, simulating a heavier boat.
How Water Volume Affects Your Workout
The principle is simple: more water mass requires more energy to accelerate. A full tank provides the highest resistance, ideal for strength and power training. A less full tank offers lower resistance, better for endurance sessions or high-stroke-rate workouts.
You are not stuck with your initial choice. You can adjust it later as your fitness changes.
Steps To Add Or Remove Water
To increase resistance, simply add more water using the siphon method described earlier. To decrease resistance, you need to remove water.
- Place the rower on a level surface and access the tank bung.
- Use the WaterRower drain tube or a clean, dedicated siphon hose.
- Start a siphon flow from the tank into an empty bucket.
- Stop when the water level reaches your new desired point.
- Reseal the bung tightly.
Always check the level with the rower in its normal, upright position on a flat floor.
Common Mistakes And Troubleshooting
Even with careful instructions, small errors can happen. Here’s how to identify and fix common issues related to filling your WaterRower.
Water Sloshing Or Gurgling Sounds
If you hear a loud sloshing or gurgling noise during rowing, it usually means air has entered the tank. The most common cause is a bung that isn’t sealed completely.
- Fix: Check that the rubber bung is pushed in all the way and seated evenly. Remove it and re-insert it firmly.
- Prevention: Ensure the bung is clean and dry before insertion for the best seal.
Incorrect Resistance Feeling
If the row feels too easy or too hard compared to the expected water level, the rower might not be level. A tilted tank shows a false water level.
Another possibility is that the tank’s internal turbine or paddle wheel could be obstructed, but this is rare after initial filling. First, always double-check that the machine is on a flat, even surface.
Preventing And Dealing With Algae
Algae appears as a greenish tint or film in the water. It doesn’t usually harm the machine but is unsightly. To prevent it, keep the rower out of direct sunlight and use purification tablets.
If algae forms, you will need to drain and thoroughly clean the tank. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a long-handled brush to scrub the interior, then rinse several times before refilling with fresh, treated water.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
Proper care after filling ensures your WaterRower performs well for years. Maintenance is straightforward but important.
Regular Water Checks
Check the water clarity every few months. If it looks cloudy or discolored, it’s time to change it. Plan to replace the water completely every 12-18 months, even with tablets, to keep it fresh.
Also, visually verify the water level periodically. A small amount of evaporation over many months is normal, especially in dry climates.
When To Completely Change The Water
You should drain and refill the tank if you notice significant algae growth, if the water becomes foul-smelling, or if you are moving the rower a long distance (to reduce weight).
Use the drain port on the bottom of the tank or the siphon method to empty it completely. This is a good opportunity to inspect the tank interior for any debris.
Storing Your Water Rower
If you need to store the rower for an extended period, it’s best to drain the tank. This prevents any possibility of stagnation or freezing if stored in a cold place. Store the machine in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Water Goes In A Water Rower?
The amount varies by model, but most standard WaterRower tanks hold between 16 and 19 liters of water (approximately 4 to 5 gallons). You should fill to the marked line inside the tank’s viewing window, not to the absolute top. The exact volume for a correct fill is typically around 15-17 liters.
Can You Use Tap Water In A Water Rower?
Yes, in most cases tap water is perfectly fine. If you have extremely hard water with high mineral content, using distilled or demineralized water can help prevent white mineral scale from forming on the inside of the plastic tank over many years.
Why Does My Water Rower Have No Resistance?
If there’s no resistance, the first thing to check is the water level. The tank may be significantly underfilled. Second, ensure the bung is sealed; a large air pocket can disrupt the water’s interaction with the turbine. Finally, very rarely, the connection between the handle and the turbine mechanism could be disengaged.
How Do I Know If My Water Rower Is Full Enough?
Look at the clear vertical window on the side of the water tank. There is a marked fill line or a range indicated. The water level should be within this marked area when the rower is sitting perfectly level on the floor. The resistance should feel challenging but smooth when you row.
How Often Should You Change The Water In A Water Rower?
For most home users, changing the water every 12 to 18 months is sufficient, especially if you use purification tablets. If the rower is in a bright, warm room, check it more frequently. Change the water immediately if you see any signs of algae or cloudiness.