Why is my De-Icer hose not bubbling properly?
If little or no air is coming from the hose, the system itself is usually not the problem. The most common causes are ice plugs caused by incorrect hose placement, kinks in the hose, or deposits blocking the air holes. Follow the steps below to identify and solve the problem.
1. Test the compressor (pump)
Before troubleshooting the hose, make sure the compressor is delivering air.
Disconnect the hose from the compressor. Start the compressor and hold a finger over the air outlet (nipple).
If you feel clear pressure:
The compressor is working correctly and the problem is most likely in the hose. Continue with the steps below.
If the compressor hums but produces no pressure:
The diaphragm may need to be replaced. See Service & maintenance below.
2. Check for an ice plug
During freezing temperatures, the most common cause of no airflow is condensation freezing inside the hose and creating an ice plug.
Cause:
The hose does not have a continuous slope. It should have only one uphill section — from the water up over the railing or dock edge — and one downhill section leading to the compressor.
Solution:
Make sure the hose does not form loops or dips on the deck or dock. Condensation must be able to drain freely either into the water or back towards the compressor.
Even a small dip where water can collect may freeze and block the airflow. Straighten the hose and make sure it maintains a continuous slope.
3. Check for kinks or blocked air holes
If the hose is not hanging taut or has become kinked, airflow may be restricted in parts of the hose.
Blocked holes:
If the hose has been kinked or positioned at the wrong depth, air may not have been flowing through all of the holes. Dirt and growth can then enter and block the inactive holes.
Solution:
Stretch the hose out properly and use cable ties to secure it so that it hangs straight.
Cleaning:
If the holes have become calcified or affected by growth, carefully clear them by hand using a 0.7 mm drill bit. In spring, the hose can also be wiped clean with a scouring pad.
4. Check for uneven bubble flow
Is there a lot of bubbling at one end of the hose but little or none at the other?
Cause:
The hose needs to hang horizontally. If one section hangs deeper than the rest, the water pressure will be higher at that point. The air will therefore take the easier path and escape through the holes positioned at a shallower depth.
Solution:
Adjust the ropes until the hose hangs straight and horizontally. Also check that the hose has not become twisted.
Service & maintenance
To help your VAKE De-Icer perform properly for many years, we recommend the following simple maintenance:
Air filter
Check the air filter underneath the black cover on top of the pump. At the end of the season, clean it with a vacuum cleaner if necessary.
Diaphragm replacement
The compressor diaphragm is a wear part. We recommend replacing it every 5–6 seasons to maintain full pressure. If the pump hums but produces little or no pressure, the diaphragm may need to be replaced.
