Piano Life Saver
care & maintenance
The information contained on this sheet applies specifically to systems equipped with a humidifier, as it is the only component requiring routine care.
With proper upkeep, Piano Life Saver systems can last for decades. Specifically, proper humidifier maintenance is essential to both the longevity of the system and the piano’s tuning stability. Piano owners should be proactive about filling the humidifier water tank and ensuring their piano technician performs additional maintenance, as outlined below.
Task | Timing | Performed By |
|---|---|---|
Refill the humidifier tank | When yellow water light is blinking | Piano Owner |
Replace the humidifier pads | Every 6 months | Technician |
Replace the humidifier rod clean sleeve | Once a year | Technician |
Deep-clean humidifier tank | Every 3-5 years | Technician |
Understanding the Lights
Green light is on: Power is on and the system is functioning properly
Yellow light is blinking:
Humidifier tank needs to be refilled
Red light is blinking:
Pad change is overdue
Important Items to Remember
Ensure your system is plugged into an outlet that is not controlled by a light switch, and never unplug your system. The Piano Life Saver requires a constant supply of power to do its job correctly.
The manufacturer recommends using distilled water. In some situations, tap or filtered water can be used, but water with high mineral content can reduce the life of the system’s components, so it is not recommended. Never use water that has been softened with salt.
If your piano is being moved, contact your technician to remove the humidifier tank in advance. If your piano was moved recently, do not fill your humidifier tank without first having your technician inspect that all components are still properly installed.
Refilling the Humidifier Tank
Piano Life Saver systems require the humidifier tank be refilled any time the yellow water light is blinking. According to the manufacturer, this typically occurs about every 7-10 days during the dry season and every 2-4 weeks during the humid season. Each venue’s climate patterns vary, so it is important to learn the patterns of your system’s needs, and routinely refill the tank as needed. Click here for a video demonstration of the refilling process.
Supplies
• Distilled water: Use only distilled water, as the salt or minerals in other water may reduce the life of the system’s components.
• Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver Pad treatment: This additive enables the system to accurately detect water level and helps reduce bacterial growth inside the humidifier tank. It is important to use Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver treatment, which can be purchased from your technician or Amazon, as other products may contain chemicals that can harm the piano. Additionally, use of another brand of treatment voids the system’s warranty and may also void the piano manufacturer’s warranty.
• Watering can: Use the original can that came with your system to ensure the proper fill level, as tank and can capacities vary by model.
Refilling Procedure
1. Check the indicator: Verify the yellow “WATER” light is flashing, indicating the humidifier tank needs to be refilled.
2. Prepare the water: Fill the watering can with distilled water to the red fill line, then add one capful of pad treatment. Water should be added to the watering can before pad treatment to prevent bubbling/foaming.
3. Connect the tube: Unhook the watering tube from under the piano’s rim (grand piano) or key bed (upright piano) and firmly attach it to the watering can nozzle.
4. Transfer water: Raise the watering can above the level of the tank and tilt, allowing water to flow into the tank until the can is empty.
5. Drain the tube: Detach the watering tube from the can’s nozzle and insert it into the large hole on top of the watering can. Then, lower the can to allow any excess water to drain from the tube into the watering can.
Repeat if necessary: If your system has two tanks, or your technician has advised multiple fills, repeat steps 2-5.
6. Reconnect the tube: Secure the watering tube onto the clamp(s) under the piano’s rim or key bed.
7. Check the indicator: Ensure the yellow “WATER” light turns off, which may take up to 10 minutes.