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title: "Maintenance"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/SF/1971224622/Maintenance"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

This section describes SmartFront parts and maintenance procedures.  You should conduct inspection and maintenance at least annually.

Consult the [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER) User Guide  for FerIT spare parts and maintenance details.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Outside of irrigation season, the internal pipe assembly can be removed, and the external pipe can be sealed and protected with the optional cover.

# Spare Parts

Please check the [82239 DD SmartFront Dimensional Data and Selection](https://bit.ly/3qktRGT) for the most recent list of spare parts for the SmartFront.

## When to Replace Parts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **Part** | **When to replace** |
| Assembly, Cover | Crack detected |
| Assembly, Internal Pipe, SmartFront Sensor | Crack detected |
| Assembly, External Pipe, SmartFront Sensor | Crack detected |
| Assembly, Sensor Housing, SmartFront | Function faulty |

# Maintain the Site

## When to clean the site:

- When you are removing the assembly for any reason (for example, for harvesting, or when relocating the sensor)
- If the measured water level value does not change during or after irrigation
- If an incorrect cut-off point has been calculated.
- If dirt or excessive plants are observed in or around the SmartFront

## How to maintain the Site:

Remove all plants and built-up dirt around the pipe within 1 square meter to ensure that the surface is flat and that water can enter the pipe freely.

Ensure the sensor is always installed perpendicular to the ground. An installation with a tilt greater than 5 degrees of vertical will cause the device to have failures detecting water

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# Inspect and Clean the External Pipe Assembly

## When to clean the external pipe assembly:

- If you are removing the assembly for any reason (for example, for harvesting, or when relocating the sensor)
- If the measured water level value does not change during or after irrigation
- If an incorrect cut-off point has been calculated
- If dirt or excessive plants are observed in or around the SmartFront

## How to clean the external pipe assembly:

1. Pull the internal pipe assembly out.
2. Make sure that the external pipe flange is flush with the ground so that water can flow into the external pipe freely
3. Remove any dirt built up or roots intruded through slots inside the external pipe up to 350mm deep

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# Clean the Internal Pipe Assembly

## When to clean the internal pipe assembly:

- When you are removing the internal pipe to clean the external pipe assembly.
- If an unexpected values appear in the measurements (Consistent spiking to a particular level).

## How to clean the internal pipe assembly:

1. Pull the internal pipe assembly out of the external pipe.
2. If necessary, remove the top unit by undoing the three screws
3. Remove any dirt such as soil or insect debris from inside the pipe and clean any blocked holes.

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# Check the Sensor Surface

## When to check and clean the sensor surface:

- If an unexpected values appear in the measurements (Consistent spiking to a particular level).
- If there is dirt or debris on the sensor

## How to clean the sensor surface:

1. Remove the top unit from the internal pipe assembly. See [How to clean the internal pipe assembly](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/SFDr/pages/1968701799/DRAFT+Maintenance#How-to-clean-the-internal-pipe-assembly%3A) for details.
2. Clean the sensor bottom with a clean rag and some isopropyl alcohol. Remove any dirt inside the plastic housing.

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