---
title: "Checking for Leakage"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/WS/1932362211/Checking%20for%20Leakage"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

You might perform a leakage test:

- As part of regular maintenance.
- If the leakage alarm has been triggered.
- If there is a problem with measurement accuracy.

Use the [Weather Station Commissioning Utility](https://bit.ly/3Fkcihv) to check whether water is leaking from the rain gauge. See [Commissioning with the Commissioning Utility](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/WS/pages/1932230730/Commissioning#Commissioning-with-the-Commissioning-Utility) for details of how to install the utility and connect your laptop to the Weather Station and the pedestal.

After you have connected your laptop, open the application and select the **Maintenance** tab

# Check For Leakage

**Step 1**

On the SolarDrive board, disconnect the RS485 cable that runs between the SolarDrive and the RTU

**Step 2**

Clean the precipitation filter, and the precipitation chamber and funnel.

**Step 3**

Fill the chamber slowly until the solenoid is triggered. You will hear a loud click and the contents of the chamber will be dumped.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ The test should take about 20 minutes. If leakage is detected at any time, the test will fail.

**Step 4**

Perform the leak test in the commissioning utility maintenance tab again. If the test fails:

- Clean the chamber and filter again and run the test again.
- You can also (optionally) try [Flushing the Precipitation Valve](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/WS/pages/1932362211/Checking+for+Leakage#Flushing-the-Precipitation-Valve).

If the test fails again, contact Rubicon Support.

**Step 5**

When the testing is complete, turn the Weather Station off and on again and wait for 4 solenoid clicks. This should take about 10 seconds.

**Step 6**

Reconnect the cable between the SolarDrive and the RTU. (See the figure above).

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# Flushing the Precipitation Valve

This optional procedure is performed as part of a leak test.

To flush the system you will need to use at least 2 L (and preferably 4 L) of water. The flow rate must not exceed 0.7 L/min. Use a modified water bottle to regulate the flow.

## Make a Modified Water Bottle

**Step 1**

Make a 3mm hole in the base of the water bottle (this allows the air in the bottle to vent)

**Step 2**

Make another 3mm hole in the lid.

**Step 3**

Cover the hole in the base while you fill the bottle and put the lid back on the bottle.

## Flush the Precipitation Valve

First [check for leakage](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/WS/pages/1932362211/Checking+for+Leakage#Check-For-Leakage). Flush the precipitation valve if the leakage test fails.

**Step 1**

Invert the bottle to pour water into the filter through the hole in the bottle lid.

**Step 2**

Move the bottle in a circular motion to flush in every direction. The valve will continuously cycle as the water passes through the system.

**Step 3**

When the flushing is completed, slowly add water to the measurement chamber until the valve cycles once more. This will ensure that the measurement chamber is empty.

**Step 4**

Run the leak test again.

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