Watering Batteries

Watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or the battery’s performance and longevity suffers.

Water should always be added after fully charging the battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should also be above the plates. Keeping the water at the correct level after a full charge will prevent having to worry about the water level at a different state of charge.

Batteries should be checked once a month to maintain the proper water level.

Important Things to Remember

1. Do not let the plates get exposed to air. This will damage (corrode) the plates.

2. Do not fill the water level in the filling well to the cap. This most likely will cause the battery to overflow acid, consequently losing capacity and causing a corrosive mess.

3. Do not use water with a high mineral content. Use distilled water only.

CAUTION: The electrolyte is a solution of acid and water so skin contact should be avoided.

Step-By-Step Watering Procedure

1. Open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.

2. Check electrolyte level: the minimum level is at the top of the plates.

3. If necessary, add just enough water to cover the plates at this time.

4. Put batteries on a complete charge before adding any additional water.

5. Once charging is completed, open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.

6. Add water until the electrolyte level is 1/8″ below the bottom of the fill well.

7. A piece of rubber can be used safely as a dipstick to help determine this level.

8. Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps.

 WARNING: Never add acid to a battery