The Care and Maintenance of Your New Piano Life Saver System
Congratulations on your purchase of a Piano Life Saver System for your piano. There is no better way to ensure that your instrument will be protected from the effects of humidity changes. The System consists of one or more Dehumidifier rods to lower Relative Humidity (RH), a Humidifier to add humidity, and a Humidistat control calibrated to keep the Relative Humidity cycling roughly between 40% RH and 50% RH. This cycling action will stabilize pitch and protect the instrument from deterioration.
Very little effort is required to ensure that the System functions smoothly:
- Make sure the outlet that the System is plugged into has continuous electrical power. The green light marked POWER indicates the System has electrical power. The System should not be plugged into an electrical outlet that is controlled by a wall switch.
- Add water when the yellow light starts blinking. Your humidifier is equipped with a probe that senses when the water reservoir is two-thirds empty. At that point, the yellow light marked WATER on the light panel will continue blinking until water is added. Add 1 can of water to a grand piano Humidifier and 2 cans to a vertical piano Humidifier. Add 1/2 capful of Dampp-Chaser Humidifier Treatment to each can of water used. Do not add just enough water to turn the light off.
For Grand Pianos:
Look for the small flexible watering tube mounted along the rim of the piano. Pull it out and attach it to the watering can by inserting the tube into the black coupling on the watering can spout. Slowly let the water flow into the Humidifier reservoir. Because of the way the tube is mounted, the water must flow "uphill" part of the way, so the trick is to hold the can as high as possible without allowing the water to spill out over the top of the can. (It's easy after you have done it a few times.) When the water has run out, lower the can so the water that is still trapped in the tube can go back into the can and not spill out on the floor. Detach the tube and clip it back into place under the rim.
For Vertical (Upright) Pianos:
The watering tube is usually mounted in front, on the right hand side under the keyboard, near the light panel. Detach the tube and insert it into the black coupling on the watering can spout. Slowly empty the water. Upright Systems take 2 watering cans when the light starts blinking. Detach the tube and clip it back into place. - Humidifier pads should be changed at least twice each year.
The Humidifier pads are designed to wick water over the heater bar, producing warm, moist air currents which rise and are circulated throughout the piano. To ensure a properly functioning Humidifier, change the pads during the fall service of the piano and then, change them again in the spring. That way, the pads are at their best during the winter season when the Humidifier works more frequently. Replacement pads are available from your technician. Drape two pads across the heater bar and push them down into the tank. Position them about one inch from the clips on the bar. The entire Humidifier should be removed and cleaned once each year. - Humidifier Heater Bar Maintenance:
When the red light marked PADS on the light panel blinks, the Humidifier heater bar has sensed that the pads are not wicking water across the bar. The sensor wires, that run the length of the heater bar, can sense the condition of the pads only if the wires are kept free from corrosion. During pad changing, remove mineral residue on the wires by scrubbing with steel wool or a pot scrubber. - Use Dampp-Chaser Humidifier Treatment regularly.
Humidifier Treatment prolongs Humidifier pad life, keeps the watering tube clean and clear, and reduces mineral build-up in the tank. Use 1/2 capful with each can of water added to the Humidifier. Dampp-Chaser Humidifier Treatment is available through your technician or directly from Dampp-Chaser Corporation. Replacement pads are also available from your technician or directly from Dampp-Chaser Corporation. NOTE: Humidifier Treatment is the only product recommended for use in the Piano Life Saver Humidifier. Use of any other product will void the System's warranty. - Take these steps when moving your piano.
First, unplug the power cord and remove the light panel. Tape the panel where it won't be bumped during the move. To avoid spilling water from the Humidifier tank, empty the tank. You can ask your technician to empty the tank or simply follow these steps:
For Grand Pianos:
Under the piano, place a receptacle below the tank. Unclip the end of the tank (that doesn't have the watering tube attached to it) from the hanger rods. Slowly lower the freed end so the water will spill over into the receptacle. Be sure the Humidifier pads are still draped over the heater bar. Replace the tank. After moving the piano, fill the tank through the watering tube with 2 cans initially and only 1 can thereafter when the yellow light blinks.
For Vertical (Upright) Pianos:
Remove the piano's bottom panel. Unclip the light probe located at the middle of the heater bar (which lies across the top of the Humidifier). Unfasten the wing nut on the corner of the tank and lift out the watering tube assembly from the tank. Remove the heater bar on the Humidifier. Lift the tank out of the piano and empty the water into a receptacle. Replace each component. Be sure the pads are draped across the heater bar and that the end of the watering tube is replaced inside the plastic liner on the tank. When the piano is stationary, refill the tank through the watering tube. Use 2 cans to fill the tank initially and 2 cans thereafter when the yellow light blinks.