In the recent batch of shipments from our manufacturer, a small number of our Multi Flow Wicks appear not to have been sufficiently treated with our technology to ensure consistent water flow. However, there is an easy solution that can be done at home. 

The Science

Our wicks are made of a rigid hydrophobic (repels water) porous material for structural strength and longevity. However, once we treat the porous material with our technology it becomes hydrophilic (absorbs water) and allows water and nutrient to flow freely thanks to natural capillary action.

The issue of dry pods occurs when the coating treatment has been insufficient to reduce the surface tension between the water molecules and the porous material to allow the water to flow. We have resolved the manufacturing issue where our future Multi-Flow Wicks will be permanently hydrophilic.

The Solution 

What you'll need to do is to re-start the wicking process. Common dishwashing detergent can help. The detergent acts as a surfactant (an active surface agent) that helps to break the surface tension between the water and the porous wick material. This allows the water to again move freely.

Follow the steps below to solve your issue using dishwashing detergent for your Multi-Flow Wicks. The process works equally well if your wicking disc, in our earlier models, appears to be drying out. 

If Your Pod has Live Plants

1. Remove your Pod from the UrbiPod base. 

2. Apply 1-2 drops of dishwashing detergent to the top of the Long Wicks protruding from the UrbiPod base. 

3. Place your Pod back into the UrbiPod Base. The detergent will make contact with the Multi-Flow Wick within the Pod and it will start to conduct water again. It will take at least 1-2 hours for the Pod to rehydrate.  

If Your Pod has No Plants / Coir

1. Watch the following video to remove your Multi-Flow Wicks from the Pod.

2. Place the Multi-Flow Wick face-down across the top of an empty cup or sink.

3. Fill the inverted wick recess with water.

4. If the water easily flows through the Multi-Flow Wick, then replace the wick into the Pod and place it into the UrbiPod (without planting anything in it yet). Leave it for 1-2 hours, after which you should see water in the base of the Pod, indicating that the wick is working. 

5. If the water does not easily flow through the wick, it indicates that it is not working efficiently. Move to the next step. 

6. Pour 1-2 drops of dishwashing detergent into the water sitting in the wick's recess.

7. As the detergent in heavier than water it will sink through. When it makes contact with the wick material the water should start to flow freely. 

Try the above solutions, and your Pods should be back in working order in no time. If you experience any further issues, please contact us for assistance.