It's that time of year again. The air is getting colder, the snow is falling, and you're missing your boat. But don't despair — you don't have to spend your winter on land. By following these simple tips, you can keep your dock de-icer working like new for as long as possible.
1. Keep your De-icer Clean
Your deicer will work best if it’s kept clean, so remove any debris or ice that forms on top of the unit. To do this, you can use a brush or pressure washer to knock off any accumulation and use lake or pond water to rinse it.
Whichever method you choose (or whether you do both), removing snow and ice buildup helps ensure that your dock won't be slippery when someone is walking across it in cold weather.
2. Don't Forget to Inspect it
It's important to check the condition of your Lake De-Icer before using it. Every fall, before installing your de-icer, you should carefully inspect the propeller, the electrical cable, and to a lesser extent, the housing. This will help you avoid damage and ensure your boat, dock or otherwise stays safe and the hole it creates stays open.
To check the cables, look for frayed or cracked cable sheathing. On the propeller, look for cracks, or chips. Even minimal propeller damage can affect performance substantially. If there are any signs of wear and tear, replace parts with new ones immediately.
Check that all connections are secure as well. Loose bolts could have caused damage to other components inside the unit when they repeatedly vibrated against them during use.
3. Use a GFI or RCD
A GFI or RCD is a device that protects you from shocks, short circuits, and other electrical hazards. It will also shut off power during an outage, ensuring that your de-icer won’t be damaged when electricity is restored.
Using a GFI is essential to proper operation of your dock deicer. Without it, you risk electrocution, damage to your unit, and even death. Also important is to ensure that you don’t use extension cords as they can cause electrical issues.
Now that you know the top tips to maintain your Dock De-Icer, you can rest easy knowing that your unit is protected.
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