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Frequently asked questions

... here are the replies. If you still cannot find the information you are looking for, then please write us an email or use our contact form.


What is the difference between Tropf-Blumat and time-controlled systems?

In time-controlled systems, a computer controls the water discharge and a preset amount of water is always dispensed at a certain time. Neither the special features of the plant’s location (exposure to sunlight, current level of soil moisture) nor how much water each individual plant needs are taken into account. Tropf-Blumat only reacts to the soil’s moisture level.


Should I turn off the tap when it rains?

No, always leave the water supply on. If the rain supplies your plant with sufficient water, then Tropf-Blumat will not dispense any water.


What happens if there is an interruption to the water supply?

To start with, nothing will happen. However, if the water supply is cut off for any length of time, the roots could draw all the water out of the sensor. Then air would enter the system and the valve would no longer open. In this case, refill the Tropf-Blumat.


Is Tropf-Blumat suitable for watering the lawn?

No, Tropf-Blumat is only designed for localised drip irrigation. You need a watering system designed to cover a large area for your lawn (sprinkler, rain guns etc.).


Can I water vegetables, fruit and herbs with Tropf-Blumat?

Yes, the Tropf-Blumat system can be used to water fruit and vegetables without any worries. All parts carrying water have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. All Tropf-Blumat products are free from BPA and phthalates.


Are Tropf-Blumat products suitable for drinking water?

Tropf-Blumat products have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. However, the products are designed for watering plants and not for carrying drinking water. They are not certified for this purpose.


No water is coming out of my new Tropf-Blumat even when I have completely unscrewed the screw.

The Tropf-Blumat is delivered closed. If it has been kept on the shelf for a long time, the drip tube may have stick together near the adjustment screw. Pull the tube out and massage the gummed up section for a while.


After cold nights in autumn, the dripping only stops very slowly.

When temperatures drop by 5 degrees, the membrane of the Tropf-Blumat becomes harder and consequently does not shut off as quickly. Close the adjustment screw down by 2-3 marking arrows.


Do I need to dismantle the Pressure Reducer in winter?

Yes, the Pressure Reducer needs to be unscrewed before the first frost.


Do I need to dismantle the feeding tubes in winter?

No, the tubes can be left outside in winter.


Do I need to dismantle the Tropf-Blumat sensors in winter?

The Tropf-Blumat sensors can remain in the soil in winter. When you switch off the water supply, they will run empty and are therefore frost-proof. However, we recommend taking the sensors out of the soil, cleaning them and storing them in a dark, dry place in the winter to extend their service lives.


Do I need to dismantle the Tropf-Blumat Maxi sensors in winter?

The Tropf-Blumat Maxi is sometimes so thickly enclosed by the roots that it is difficult to remove. It is therefore built so robustly that it does not need to be removed in winter. Switch off the water supply and remove the watering head long enough for only a little water or no water at all to be visible in the casing. Then screw the watering head back on so that no dirt can get in. However, if it is easy to remove the Maxi, we recommend thorough cleaning in the same way as the normal Tropf-Blumat and then storage in a dry place over winter protected from the light.


Why do I have to use a Pressure Reducer?

The Tropf-Blumat system is designed for a water pressure of 1.3 bars at the most. If the pressure is higher, there is a risk the tubes may come adrift from the connectors.


How tightly should I screw on the Pressure Reducer?

Screw the pressure reducer on well by hand. Do not use a plumber’s wrench or another tool under any circumstances as this might damage the thread.


What happens when the connection between the tap and the Pressure Reducer is no longer watertight?

This usually means the rubber seal of the dirt filter has become brittle. Replace the sealing filter with a new one, it is available as an original accessory. However, any suitable sealing filter from a bathroom retailer can be used. Do not use force or a tool to unscrew the Pressure Reducer further under any circumstances otherwise you will damage the plastic thread. Also check whether the contact area for the sealing filter on your tap is corroding, covered in limescale or scratched.


Should the Pressure Reducer be connected in a certain position?

No, the Pressure Reducer can be connected in any position, the 8 mm outflow can also either be directed upwards or sideways.


How big should my tank be?

That depends on the number of plants and their water needs and how long you do not wish to top up the tank.


What material should my tank be made of?

It doesn’t matter what it is made of. It is best to use an opaque tank to prevent the growth of algae. Place a lid on the tank to prevent leaves or insects from getting into the water.


Where is the best place to put the Tank Connector?

It is best to attach the Tank Connector a few cm above the base of the tank. Then suspended particles can settle without getting into the tubes. If you have a large tank, it is best to set up a larger and sealable outlet at the lowest point so that you can easily flush out the tank when required.


Why may the tank only be 12 metres higher than the plants?

The Blumat system is designed for a water pressure of 1.3 bars at the most. If the pressure is higher, there is a risk the tubes may come adrift from the connectors. For every metre of height, the pressure rises by 0.1 bar. If your tank is 12 metres above the plants and if the water in the tank is 1 metre high, the pressure for your plants will be 1.3 bars.


What should I bear in mind when laying out the tubes?

Lay the tubes so that they do not constitute an obstacle. Make sure that the tubes are not kinked. Don’t pull them too taut as they will contract somewhat in winter.


Why can’t you use any lubricants to assemble the Feeding Tube?

These substances corrode the tube and make it brittle. To make assembly easier, you can wet the tube or warm it slightly with a hairdryer.


Can I regulate the water discharge of a Distribution Dripper?

The black screw should not be adjusted. This ensures all Distribution Drippers react the same way. If a Distribution Dripper is visibly dispensing less water, you should clean it.


How do I clean the Distribution Drippers?

Unscrew the screw completely and lay both parts in lukewarm water, add some vinegar or descaling agent. Also remove incrustations on the screw with an old toothbrush.


My Distribution Drippers regularly become blocked with limescale, what can I do about it?

If you have hard water, a build-up of limescale cannot be prevented. You will simply need to clean the Distribution Drippers more frequently.


Why does Blumat Classic function on a needs-basis?

Blumat uses the power of the roots. The plants draw the water out of the porous clay cone themselves, through their roots.  If the plant has enough water, the roots stop taking in water and the water delivery is ended.


How big should the water container be?

The size of the container depends on how much water your plant needs and the length of time you do not want to or are unable to top up the water container. It is best to observe Blumat working for a while before you leave the plants for any length of time.


What should I do when the water container is empty?

Simply top up the water container and the Blumat.


May I add liquid fertiliser to the water container?

Yes, but if you do this, it is advisable to clean the water container and the Blumat more frequently.


Algae is growing in my water container, what should I do?

It is best to use opaque containers as algae needs light to grow.


Do I have to vent the tube completely for Blumat Classic?

No, even though a small air bubble forms in Blumat, this will not impair the function.


What happens when the water vessel is standing higher than the Blumat Classic?

The water begins to flow constantly. This setting can be used for plants that require a lot of water. In this case make sure that a saucer is used so that your floor is protected in the event of over-watering.


Can I water vegetables, fruit and herbs with Blumat Classic?

Yes, Blumat Classic can be used to water fruit and vegetables without any worries. All Blumat Classic products have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. Blumat Classic products are free from BPA and phthalates (since 2021).


Are Blumat Classic products suitable for drinking water?

Blumat Classic products have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. However, the products are designed for watering plants and not for carrying drinking water. They are not certified for this purpose.


Why do I have to pierce a hole in the bottle for Blumat Easy?

Without the hole, a vacuum would gradually form in the bottle and Blumat Easy would dispense less water or none at all.


How big should the hole be?

A very small hole will suffice, e.g. using a pin. When topping up, you can simply put your finger over a small hole.


How long can I water with Blumat Easy?

That depends on the size of the bottle you are using. With a 2-litre bottle, you can water with Blumat Easy for up to 10 days and Blumat Easy XL for up to 7 days.


Why is not possible to use bottles larger than 2-litre bottles?

There is a risk that the bottle will fall over. Larger bottles or canisters usually have a larger opening and Blumat Easy would not fit on these containers.


My Blumat Easy dispenses more water than indicated, why is that?

If the soil is dry or the plant is particularly thirsty, the roots actively absorb water from the clay cone.


My Blumat Easy dispenses less water over time than indicated, why is that?

The micropores in the clay cone have become clogged up or a layer of algae has formed inside.


How do I clean Blumat Easy?

Blumat Easy will last longer if it is thoroughly cleaned once a year. Lay the Blumat Easy in warm water for about five minutes. Then clean the inside of the clay cone with a small brush and sand down the outside with sandpaper.


Does Blumat Easy also work with a glass bottle?

No, Blumat Easy may only be used with plastic bottles.


Can I water vegetables, fruit and herbs with Blumat Easy?

Yes, Blumat Easy can be used to water fruit and vegetables without any worries. All Blumat Easy products have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. Blumat Easy products are free from BPA and phthalates


Are Blumat Easy products suitable for drinking water?

Blumat Easy have been tested according to the standards of the Austrian drinking water ordinance and are within all permissible limits. However, the products are designed for watering plants and not for carrying drinking water. They are not certified for this purpose.


My Blumat Digital shows impossible readings, what can I do?

The calibration is out of alignment and needs to be reset. Unscrew the measuring head from the plastic tube and press the “on” button for 5 seconds until “ooo” appears in the display. Then refill the Blumat Digital with water as usual, screw it up and insert it in the soil.


Do I need to remove my Blumat Digital when watering the plants?

You do not need to remove the Blumat Digital when watering, it is protected from splashes from above. However, you should avoid direct watering as this will extend the service life of your Blumat Digital. If you also use the protecting cap, then direct watering is not a problem.


My Blumat Digital loses water over time, why is this?

This is normal, the Blumat Digital slowly loses water during operation and needs to be topped up once or twice a year. The water level is easy to read through the white casing without having to unscrew the measuring head. If the casing is only half full, you need to top up the Digital.


The soil around my plants is very dense and hard, could I break the Blumat Digital on insertion?

The Blumat Digital is generally very stable, however if the soil is very hard and dense, we recommend loosening up the soil or piercing a hole for the Blumat Digital. It is best to use the Blumat corer for this purpose as it is precisely adapted to the shape of the Blumat Digital.


Is the Blumat Digital waterproof and airtight?

No. The 3 screws on the bottom are not sealed so that pressure equalisation can take place. This is technically necessary for an accurate measuring result.


The display of my Blumat Digital has misted up on the inside, why is that?

Humidity also gets inside together with the air. This can condense on the display, especially when it cools down fast. This is normal behaviour and will not impair the function. The display usually dries by itself with rising temperatures. If that is not sufficient, place the Blumat Digital in a warm and dry environment. Screwing the Blumat Digital open will accelerate the drying.


I dropped my Blumat Digital into water, what shall I do?

Water may have penetrated through the 3 screws on the bottom. Screw the Blumat Digital open, remove the battery and until everything is dry again. Then close the Blumat Digital again and check that it is working properly.