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AquaScan - 4-in-1 Digital Water Multimeter | Animation

Introduction to AquaScan

AquaScan is a digital water multimeter which combines the technology to measure pressure, flow, temperature, and hardness via total dissolved solids (TDS).

Readings are shown on the digital display including peak and live measurements.

AquaScan is supplied in a robust storage case with a range of accessories for easy connection to common outlet types.

AquaScan is powered by an integral battery, rechargeable via a USB-C input.

How to Use AquaScan

FAQs

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What accessories is AquaScan supplied with?

AquaScan unit is supplied in a robust case with included connection accessories to allow the product to connect to multiple outlets, specification notepad, integral rechargeable battery, charged via USB C cable.

  • AquaScan unit
  • USB-C to USB cable 1m
  • ¾” male thread to hose quick connector
  • ¾” female thread to hose quick connector
  • 15mm pipe push fit to ¾” male thread
  • 22mm pipe push fit to ¾” male thread x1
  • Mixer tap hose connector
  • Single tap to male hose connector
  • ¾” thread to ½” thread adaptor (top part which is to be placed on ¾” female thread hose connector)
  • ½” male to male ½”connector
  • ¾” and ½” washers
  • Flexible hose with ¾” male and ¾” female connection, overall 300mm length
  • ¾” male thread to male hose connector
  • ¾” female thread to male hose connector
  • Male and female aerator thread to male hose connector
How does AquaScan work?

Press power button to turn AquaScan on and off.

Live readings are shown on the digital display including maximum and live measurements of water flow, pressure, temperature, and hardness. While AquaScan turned on and connected to an outlet press reset button to reset peak values.

The user can easily select between alternative displays using the display button.

AquaScan is powered by a battery, rechargeable via a USB-C input.

How do I check the water pressure with AquaScan?

Static Pressure Test

  • Connect AquaScan to the outlet.
  • Allow flow through the unit and then close the isolation valve on the outlet of the unit.
  • Ensure all outlets in the property are closed during test.
  • Record the “Pressure” reading shown on the screen.
  • Open the isolation valve to allow water to flow and then turn off the outlet.

Note: the pressure should always read “0.0” before removing the unit from the outlet

Dynamic Pressure Test

  • Connect AquaScan to the outlet.
  • Fully open the isolation valve on the outlet of the unit.
  • Open the outlet and allow flow through the unit until the desired flow rate is reached.
  • Record the “Pressure” reading shown on the screen.
  • Turn off the outlet.

Note: the pressure should always read “0.0” before removing the unit from the outlet

How do you measure water flow rate in the mains with AquaScan?
  • Connect AquaScan to the outlet.
  • Ensure the isolation valve on AquaScan is fully open.
  • Take three measurements from the live ‘Flow’ reading.
  • Calculate the average of the three measurements.

A garden tap is the best location to measure the incoming flow rate. When this isn’t possible, such as in properties where there is no outside tap, measuring the flow rate while multiple outlets are open is the best way to calculate the incoming flow rate. As this ensures any restrictive outlets do not impact the measurement.

  • Attach AquaScan to one outlet and turn on.
  • Ensure the isolation valve on AquaScan is fully open.
  • Record the flow rate.
  • Open another outlet (so both are turned on).
  • Check the flow rate on AquaScan:
    • If the flow rate remains the same, then continue to open further outlets until it decreases.
    • If the flow rate decreases, use AquaScan to measure the flow rate at each outlet (all outlets must remain turned on), make a note of the flow rate in the specification notepad. Add together the flow rates to determine the total flow rate.
How do I test the water hardness with AquaScan?
  • Connect AquaScan to the outlet.
  • Ensure that the lever is in the closed position.
  • Settling time (minimum of 30 seconds) – for accurate reading.

Static water – won’t show if there is a flow of water. Water hardness should be tested before a water softener to measure TDS/EC (total dissolved solids/electrical conductivity).

How do I measure water temperature in the house with AquaScan?
  • Connect AquaScan to the outlet.
  • Open the isolation valve on the outlet of the unit and position over a suitable container for the flow to discharge into such as a basin or bucket.
  • Fully open the outlet to allow water to flow through the unit.
  • Record the “Temperature” reading shown on the screen.

Note: It is advised to allow water to flow through the unit for 30-60 seconds for a more accurate reading.

How do I charge AquaScan?

Before first use AquaScan must be fully charged!

To charge AquaScan follow the steps below:

1. Always use the USB-C to USB cable supplied with AquaScan.

2. Plug the USB-C into USB-C port on AquaScan.

how to charge AquaScan step 2

3. Plug USB into a compatible 5V power supply.

how to charge AquaScan step 3

4. When AquaScan is turned on, the battery level indicator will change to ‘charging’:

how to charge AquaScan step 4

Battery level indicator will animate to indicate charging:

AquaScan battery charge

When AquaScan is turned off and charging the display below will be shown.

AquaScan power off and charge image
How to clean AquaScan?
  • Before cleaning, the unit must be switched off and disconnected from any outlets also remove the USB cable.
  • Wipe with a damp cloth.
  • After being cleaned, the product must not be used until it has completely dried.
  • Never use any harsh cleaning agents or solvents.
How to store AquaScan?
  • Store the product in the supplied carrycase.
  • After using, ensure all water has been emptied and dry the outside of the unit.
How long does the AquaScan battery last?

The AquaScan battery takes approximately 7 hours to fully charge with about 12 hours battery life.

When not in use, the unit will automatically shutdown after 20 min to preserve the battery charge.

Videos

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AquaScan - How It Works

Live readings are shown on the digital display including maximum and live measurements of water flow, pressure, temperature, and hardness.

Interpreting the Readings

How to increase flow in mains-fed systems?

Many homes suffer with low water flow. This can be caused by a number of factors, including inadequate mains water supply, restrictive pipework, collapsed mains water pipe, and restrictive outlets.

There are many solutions available that will increase the water flow in a property. The example below illustrates how the Salamander Pumps MainsBooster range can provide a boost to water flow rates. View the full range on the Salamander Pumps website.

Example: A property currently has a total incoming water flow rate of 20L/min and an unvented cylinder but cannot run all showers at the same time without the flow dropping off.

The vertical red line on the graph indicates 20L/min. Salamander Pumps’ TankBoost, AccuBoost 450L or AccuBoost 330L will deliver more than 20L/min, with TankBoost delivering up to 80L/min. Increasing the flow rate will allow multiple outlets to be used at the same time.

How to increase flow in mains-fed systems - products overview graph

*Assumes a natural mains flow rate of 12L/min in addition to the flow provided by the accumulator.

How to increase pressure in mains-fed systems?

Many homes in the UK suffer with low water pressure, our range of products can offer a solution to overcome this. The graph below shows the pressure TapBoost, HomeBoost and TankBoost can deliver.

Example: A property currently has 1.0 Bar pressure at 20L/min but the water isn’t reaching the outlets on the top floor, so the taps are trickling and the shower doesn’t work at all.

The vertical red line on the graph shows at 20L/min flow rate, Salamander Pumps’ TankBoost will deliver 2.7 Bar pressure. Therefore by installing TankBoost the pressure is strong enough to boost the water to the outlets on the top floor.

Increasing pressure in mains-fed systems - products overview graph
How to increase pressure on a gravity fed system?

Gravity fed systems are still widely used in homes across the UK, they rely on gravity to push water around the system, which often isn’t forceful enough for powerful showers or flowing taps.

The pumps in Salamander Pumps’ GravityBooster range will improve the pressure in these systems, whether you need to boost water pressure for a single shower or tap, multiple outlets in the bathroom, or throughout the entire house.

1.5 Bar Pumps

increase pressure on a gravity fed system - product overview - 1.5 bar pumps

2.0 Bar Pumps

increase pressure on a gravity fed system - product overview - 2.0 bar pumps

3.0 Bar Pumps

increase pressure on a gravity fed system - product overview - 3.0 bar pumps
If AquaScan indicates hard water, what are the solutions for reducing hardness?

AquaScan measures the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water in parts per million (PPM) to provide an indication of water hardness. To get a full understanding of the water composition you will need to run a full chemical analysis.

The higher the reading the more likely limescale will build up on pipes and appliances in the home. Limescale build-up restricts flow and increases the amount of energy required to heat water in appliances such as kettles, boilers, washing machines and dishwashers.

Source: Drinking Water Inspectorate “Hardness of Water”

Hard water (high limescale content) can be treated with products such as Salamander Pumps’ range of water conditioners.

In general applications where the flow rate is known to be low or there is relatively heavy scale build-up inside the pipe already, a conditioner one size smaller than the pipe diameter is recommended. Therefore, it is important for the installer to check the flow rate entering the property.

How precisely does AquaScan measure flow, pressure, temperature, and hardness?

Expected measurement ranges and tolerances of AquaScan readings are:

Measurement Measuring range Accuracy
Pressure 0 – 10 Bar 1.5% full scale
Flow 0 – 30 L/min 5% of reading
Temperature 0 – 85 °C 1.25% full scale
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (hardness indicator) 0 – 1000 PPM 10% of reading

 

Troubleshooting

What should I do if the AquaScan battery does not charge?

Check both ends of the USB charging cable for any visible damage – replace if necessary.

Fully insert USB-C charger into the charging port and into a power supply. With the power on, the battery level indicator in the top right of the AquaScan display will animate to indicate charging:

AquaScan battery charge

AquaScan power off and charging:

AquaScan power off and charge image

If AquaScan does not charge when using the original USB charger, use alternative power source to retry charging the unit.

If AquaScan feels hot or warm allow it to cool, moving it into a cooler area if it has been in the heat to lower the temperature, before recharging the unit. Never leave AquaScan in direct sunlight.

If you cannot plug in a charger, check charging port on handset for any blockage/debris.

What to do if AquaScan doesn’t power on?

Start by holding down the power button for 2 seconds. Make sure you press it firmly, a faint click should be heard.

What if AquaScan is still not powering on? Ensure that AquaScan is fully charged. Plug it in using the provided USB cable and let it charge for at least 7 hours.

If the unit still doesn’t turn on, double-check that you’re pressing and holding the power button for the full 2 seconds. If it doesn’t respond, try cleaning the control buttons with a damp cloth.

After cleaning, press and hold the power button again until the back-light activates and the display screen becomes visible.

What to do if AquaScan turns off during testing?

AquaScan has an automatic shut-off feature that activates after 20 minutes to conserve battery life. Simply press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to turn it back on and continue your measurements.

If AquaScan turns off again unexpectedly, check to ensure that the power button hasn’t been accidentally pressed during testing and that it isn’t stuck.

If the battery is low, AquaScan may turn off. Recharge the AquaScan for 7 hours and monitor the battery level indicator to ensure it’s charging properly before trying again.

If AquaScan feels hot during use, allow it to cool down completely. Avoid direct sunlight and store it in the provided carry case to protect it from overheating.

What to do if the flow rate is not displayed during testing?
  • Ensure that the outlet supplying AquaScan is fully open and that the isolation valve on AquaScan is open to allow water to pass through.
  • Check for any restrictions into or out of AquaScan.
What to do if the pressure is not displayed during testing?

While testing static pressure ensure the isolation valve on AquaScan is fully closed and no other outlets in the property are open.

If the pressure in the property is generally low, it may be too low to register during a dynamic pressure test.

What to do if the hardness indicator is not displayed during testing?
  • Open and close the isolation valve on AquaScan a few times to ensure that no air is trapped in the unit.
  • Ensure the isolation valve is fully closed and that the TDS (hardness indicator) reading is taken before any water softener.
  • Allow 30 – 60 seconds settling time before taking a reading.
What to do if the temperature is not displayed during testing?
  • Close the isolation valve on AquaScan then reopen, allowing any air to clear from the unit.
  • If testing a tap, fully open the outlet and run the hot then cold water through for 30 seconds.
  • When changing from cold to hot, allow 30 – 60 seconds settle time for AquaScan to accurately read water temperature.
Why do readings fluctuate when using AquaScan?

The readings may vary during the day with fluctuations in the system. Taking readings at both ‘peak’ and ‘off- peak’ times will give a more accurate reading.

What to do if flow reading on AquaScan is lower or higher than expected?

The ’peak’ reading against the ‘live’ reading will help you see the increase/decrease in the measurement during testing.

Check that there are no leaks on the connection between AquaScan and the outlet/system/pipework for accurate measurement.

What to do if pressure reading on AquaScan is lower or higher than expected?

Ensure all outlets are closed and that there are no leaks in the pipework before the testing point. If the static pressure falls and the isolation valve on AquaScan is closed it may indicate a drop in pressure from the pipework or an outlet before the unit. The peak measurement will show the initial reading.

Check that there are no leaks on the connection between AquaScan and the outlet/system/pipework. Pressure will naturally fluctuate, particularly in mains-fed systems.

What to do if TDS (hardness indicator) reading on AquaScan is lower or higher than expected?

Open and close the isolation valve a few times to ensure that no air is trapped in AquaScan. Ensure the isolation valve is closed then wait 30 – 60 seconds before taking the reading.

Rinse any filtered water through the unit and retake measurement.

What to do if temperature reading on AquaScan is lower or higher than expected?

Heat exposure or extreme changes in temperature in the environment that AquaScan is being used in may affect the readings taken during the test. Allow water to flow through the unit for a minimum of 30 seconds to allow water and unit temperature to stabilise.

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