How To Drain Water Rower

Learning how to drain a WaterRower is an essential piece of maintenance for any owner. The process to drain a WaterRower is straightforward but must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it’s done safely and without damaging your machine.

This guide provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough. We’ll cover everything from preparation and tools to the actual draining procedure and important aftercare.

Following these steps correctly will help maintain your rower’s performance and longevity.

Draining your WaterRower is not a complex task, but it does require attention to detail. The core reason for draining is usually for relocation, long-term storage, or to refresh the water inside the tank.

Before you start, it’s crucial to understand that the water tank is a sealed system. The goal is to remove the water without introducing contaminants or causing unnecessary strain on the components.

Rushing the process or using incorrect methods can lead to leaks or other issues. Let’s begin by gathering everything you’ll need.

Gather Your Tools And Supplies

Having the right items on hand before you start will make the job much smoother. You likely already have most of these around your home.

Here is a checklist of what you’ll need:

A clean bucket or large container (5-gallon is ideal)
A water siphon pump (manual or electric)
Clean, dry towels or rags
A funnel
A jug of distilled water (if refilling immediately)
A Phillips-head screwdriver
A level surface to work on

The siphon pump is the key tool. While you can tip the rower, using a pump is the method recommended by WaterRower as it’s more controlled and less likely to cause stress on the frame.

Prepare Your Rowing Machine

Proper preparation protects your floor and makes the draining process cleaner. Start by placing your WaterRower on a level, hard surface. A garage floor, patio, or even a large bathroom works well.

Lay down some old towels or a tarp underneath the water tank area to catch any accidental drips. Even with careful siphoning, a little spillage can occur.

Next, ensure the rower is powered off if you have an S4 monitor. Disconnect any power sources. This is a simple safety precaution that’s easy to overlook.

Finally, move the seat to the middle of the monorail and secure the handlebar in the catch position. This helps balance the machine and keeps the handle out of your way while you work.

Choosing the Right Location

Think about where you will drain the water. If you’re discarding it, do so near a floor drain or outside. If you plan to reuse the water, ensure your collection bucket is perfectly clean to avoid introducing algae or bacteria back into the tank.

Avoid draining on carpet or wooden floors without significant protection. The tank holds a significant amount of water, and even a small spill can cause damage.

Step-by-Step Draining Procedure

Now, with your tools gathered and your rower prepared, you can begin the main process. Follow these numbered steps closely for the best results.

Locate the drain plug on the water tank. It is typically a black plastic plug situated at the front end of the tank, near the flywheel housing.
Place your empty bucket directly beneath this drain plug. The bucket needs to be centered to catch the initial flow of water.
Insert the tube of your siphon pump into the tank through the fill hole (usually under a cap at the top-rear of the tank). Lower it all the way to the bottom.
Place the outlet end of the siphon hose into your bucket. If using a manual pump, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to start the siphon. For a basic tube, you may need to create suction by mouth (be careful not to ingest water) or use a primer bulb.
Once the siphon is flowing, carefully unscrew the drain plug at the front of the tank. This will allow air to enter the tank and help the water flow out more quickly and completely through the siphon hose.
Let the water drain completely. You may need to gently tilt or rock the rower forward and backward to get the last bit of water from the corners of the tank. Do this carefully to avoid straining the frame.
When water stops flowing, remove the siphon hose and replace the drain plug securely. Ensure it is tightened firmly to prevent leaks later, but do not overtighten as the plastic threads can strip.
Use your dry towels to wipe down the entire tank area, the frame, and the floor to remove any moisture.

That’s the core process. The key is allowing the siphon and the open drain plug to work together. This dual-action method is much faster and more effective than relying on just one opening.

What To Do After Draining

Your work isn’t quite finished once the water is out. Proper aftercare is important, especially if you are storing the rower or plan to refill it later.

First, leave the fill cap off for a short while. This allows any residual moisture inside the tank to evaporate. Good air circulation helps prevent mildew.

If you are storing the rower, store it in an upright position in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements or hot attics, as extreme temperatures and humidity can affect the machine’s components.

If you drained the water to clean the tank or are preparing for a move, you are now done. If you plan to refill it with fresh water immediately, you can proceed to the next step.

Refilling Your WaterRower Tank

Refilling is just as important as draining. Using the correct water is vital for maintaining the proper feel and preventing biological growth inside the tank.

WaterRower explicitly recommends using distilled water. This is because it lacks minerals and impurities that can lead to algae growth or scaling inside the tank over time.

Here is the refilling process:

Ensure the drain plug at the front is securely tightened.
Using a funnel, slowly pour distilled water into the fill hole at the top of the tank. Pour steadily to avoid splashing.
Fill the tank to the level indicated by the manufacturer’s guidelines. This is usually marked by a fill line or a specified water level in the manual. Do not overfill.
Once filled, securely replace the fill cap. Give the rower a gentle rock to settle the water and remove any large air bubbles.
You can now return your WaterRower to its workout position and reconnect the monitor if applicable.

Remember, the amount of water determines the resistance. More water equals more resistance. You can adjust this to your preference, but stay within the recommended range for optimal performance.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even with a simple task, errors can happen. Being aware of these common pitfalls can save you time and protect your equipment.

Using Tap Water: Filling with tap water introduces chlorine, minerals, and microorganisms. This can lead to green algae growth inside the clear tank, which is difficult to clean and can affect the smell and the machine’s mechanics.
Overtightening Plugs: The plastic drain and fill plugs can crack or their threads can strip if forced. Hand-tight is usually sufficient. A little snug is better than too tight.
Draining by Tipping Only: While possible, constantly tipping the heavy rower to drain it puts stress on the joints and frame. It’s also messier and less efficient than using a siphon.
Not Drying the Area: Leaving moisture on the frame or floor can cause rust on metal parts or damage your flooring over time. A quick wipe-down is a simple preventative step.
Ignoring the Manual: Your WaterRower model may have specific instructions. Always check your user manual first for any model-specific details or warnings.

When Should You Drain Your WaterRower?

You don’t need to drain your WaterRower regularly. In fact, the water can last for years if it’s distilled and the tank is kept out of direct sunlight. However, there are specific situations that call for it.

Plan to drain your rower if:

You are moving to a new home. A full tank is very heavy and can make the rower unstable during transport.
You need to store the machine for an extended period, such as several months or more.
You notice discoloration, algae growth, or an odor coming from the tank water.
You are performing deep cleaning or maintenance on the tank itself.
You wish to adjust the water level to significantly change the resistance.

For routine use, just check the water clarity occasionally and top up with distilled water if the level seems low.

Troubleshooting Drainage Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter a small problem during the draining process. Here are solutions to typical issues.

Siphon Won’t Start

If you’re struggling to get the siphon flowing, ensure the hose is submerged in the water at the bottom of the tank. Try using a siphon pump with a primer bulb for easier startup. You can also try submerging the entire hose in water to fill it before placing one end in the tank and quickly moving the other to the bucket.

Water Drains Very Slowly

A slow drain usually means air isn’t entering the tank efficiently. Double-check that the front drain plug is completely removed. Also, ensure the siphon hose isn’t kinked or blocked. Opening the fill cap wider can sometimes help improve airflow.

Leak After Refilling

If you notice a leak after you’ve refilled the tank, immediately check the drain plug and fill cap. Ensure they are both sealed tightly and that the rubber O-rings or gaskets are in place and not damaged. A missing or cracked O-ring is a common cause of small leaks.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Beyond draining, a few simple habits will keep your WaterRower in excellent condition for years. Consistent care prevents bigger problems later.

Wipe down the monorail and seat wheels periodically with a dry cloth to remove dust and lint. This ensures smooth seat movement.

Check the chain tension and lubricate it with a silicone-based lubricant once or twice a year, as per the manual. Avoid petroleum-based products.

Keep the rower out of direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the wooden parts and promote algae growth in the tank, even with distilled water.

Finally, listen to your machine. Unusual sounds or changes in the rowing feel can be early indicators that something needs attention. Addressing small issues promptly is the best maintenance strategy.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about draining a WaterRower.

Can I use a wet/dry vacuum to drain my WaterRower?

It is not recommended. The force of a shop vac could potentially damage the internal components of the tank or the seals. The gentle, gravity-fed action of a siphon pump is the safest and most controlled method.

How often should I change the water in my WaterRower?

There is no set schedule. If you use distilled water and keep the rower indoors, the water can remain clear for many years. Only change it if it becomes discolored, develops algae, or if you need to move the machine. Some users never fully change it, only topping it off.

What if I already used tap water and it turned green?

You will need to drain the tank completely. You may then need to clean it with a mild solution, such as a little distilled white vinegar and distilled water, to remove algae residue. Rinse thoroughly several times with distilled water before doing a final refill with fresh distilled water. The manual may have specific cleaning instructions.

Is it necessary to add water purification tablets?

WaterRower does not typically recommend them if you use distilled water. The tablets are designed for tap water. If you choose to use them, follow the dosage instructions carefully, as too much can damage the tank’s plastic or seals. Distilled water alone is usually the simplest and most effective solution.

Can I drain the water rower by myself?

Yes, the process is designed for one person. The rower itself is heavy but stable during draining. The most challenging part is managing the full bucket of water, which can weigh over 40 pounds. Be sure to lift with your legs, not your back, when moving the bucket.