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What Can Cause Efficacy Issues?
Use this troubleshooting guide if you think your misting system is not as effective as it once was.
Fouled Nozzles
- This is the most common root cause for efficacy issues.
- Fouled Nozzles lead to reduced output volume per nozzle during a mist (flow rate should be 40 mL/min per nozzle). This is caused by microbial growth inside the tank that gets pumped out to the nozzles during a mist. This phenomenon will typically occur gradually over time, but it is entirely possible for nozzles to foul/clog very quickly after initial installation.
- The following articles will provide information on fouled nozzles:
Tankless Units Not Dosing
- It’s important to confirm that the dosing pump is pumping when you start a tankless unit up for the season. The following article will provide information on determining this – Gen 3: Confirm Bellows Pump is Pumping.
- This issue will occur if the poppet or duckbill valves in the dosing pump deform or swell, which is caused by exposure to some misting concentrates. Although we have taken steps to chemically treat the valves, we’re unable to protect them against some concentrates. We’ve created an approved list of insecticides for the Gen 3+ Tankless System – Gen 3: Approved Insecticides.
Problems With Pesticide Solution
- It is possible for the pH balance of the water used to fill the unit to be outside of the 5.5 to 7 range, specially for homes on well water where the pH could drift significantly higher than 7. You can use an electronic pH meter to test for this scenario. If you determine the pH to be way outside its range, you can use some buffer chemicals to bring the pH levels back to normal.
- Our research shows that pesticides are effective at concentrations much lower than they are normally used in the field. A solution might be to dose at a lower rate and run longer mist durations. In a Gen 1.3 drum system, this will reduce the number of days between fills, but on a Gen 3 tankless system it won’t.
Problems With Mosquitoes
- Conducive conditions for mosquitoes outside of the zones of coverage provided by the misting unit or in adjacent homes can cause persistent mosquito problems. Mosquitoes can breed/live in these areas that are not treated by the misting unit and fly over to the area that is being treated, making it appear as if the unit is not having its intended effect.
- Inspect surrounding areas for possible mosquito [factories].
- Some notable conducive conditions are: Standing water, adjacent municipal ditches/canals, and cut down lumber/foliage that is stockpiled compactly.
- Expand the coverage of the misting unit by adding nozzles to account for these conducive areas.
- If conducive areas are found in neighboring homes, consider discussing with the homeowner(s) on how to best handle the issue.
- Using the remote to run a mist cycle immediately before going outdoors can help provide some protection.
- Inspect surrounding areas for possible mosquito [factories].