Overview Moisture probe for mapping the migration of water through carpet and underlay. The HydroSensor I has a 790 mm (31 inch) reach, so you survey a room standing up rather than on your knees. Nickel-plated points signal moisture content above 17 per cent. For carpet and underlay only — it is not intended for timber, plaster or masonry. At a Glance The original — map the migration of water in the carpet and pad without straining your back. The HydroSensor I has a 31-inch reach to save your knees and back. Sensitive nickel-plated points alert you to moisture content above 17%. Use only on carpet and pad. How it differs from the HydroSensor II The HydroSensor II (F251) has a collapsible shaft that extends to 790 mm for use and folds to 530 mm for storage. This one is fixed length. If the probe lives in a van or a kit box, the collapsible shaft is the reason to pay the difference. If it lives on a truck and gets used all day, a fixed shaft has less to go wrong. Reading it The light flashes and the transducer beeps when moisture is present, and the rate increases with the moisture content, so you map the wet edge by working outward until the signal stops. It will also respond to urine residues in carpet and underlay, because urine salts hold enough moisture to register. A black light is the way to confirm urine is actually present rather than assuming it from the probe alone. Using It Extend the sensor points: loosen the black plastic knob, push it down and around the S-shaped slot, then tighten it to lock the points in position. Test the unit by placing your fingers across the points. The indicator lamp lights and the unit beeps. Probe the suspected wet area. Flashing and beeping means the carpet and/or underlay is wet; a faster rate means more moisture. Do not force the probe. Excess force can damage the tips. Retract the points into the shaft whenever the probe is not in use. Safety: the sensor points are extremely sharp. Always retract them before carrying or storing the probe. Carpet and Underlay, or Other Materials? Dri-Eaz's owner's manual says that, with care, the HydroSensor can also be used to find moisture in furniture, walls and ceiling materials. Dri-Eaz's current product page says it is for use on carpet and pad only, and CCW recommends the same. The reason is what the probe measures. It is a wet/dry indicator with a single alarm point (moisture content above 17 per cent), not a moisture meter that gives a reading you can record and compare. For timber, plasterboard and masonry, and for any reading that goes into a drying log or insurance report, use a moisture meter such as the Delmhorst BDX-20. Specifications Brand Dri-Eaz (Legend Brands) Model HydroSensor I (F245) Length 31 in. (787 mm), fixed shaft Probe tips 7/8 in. (22 mm) nickel-plated steel, retractable Alarm point Moisture content above 17% Indication LED in the handle and audible beep; rate increases with moisture Shaft Stainless steel Handle Injection moulded Power One 9 V battery (included) Weight 1 lb (about 0.45 kg) Warranty Legend Brands limited warranty — 1 year parts and labour (see below) Length and weight are from the Dri-Eaz owner's manual. The alarm point is from Dri-Eaz's product page. Care, Tips and Battery After each use, clean and dry the probe with a soft cloth. If the probe tips become dull, they can be resharpened with a file. If they are worn out, a replacement point set is available from Dri-Eaz (part 12-00085) — it is not listed online, so ask us. The probe runs on one general-purpose 9 V battery inside the handle, below the indicator light. If the light no longer comes on, remove the small screws holding the handle halves together, split the handle gently, fit a new battery, and refit the screws without pinching the wires or overtightening. Battery life depends on use and storage. Do not leave the tips in contact with metal, damp cloth, carpet, water, cork or anything else that conducts electricity — the probe will keep drawing current. Warranty Legend Brands' limited warranty for Dri-Eaz moisture instruments covers the original purchaser for one year from the date of purchase on parts and labour, for products bought from an authorised distributor. Consumable and wear items, including batteries, are excluded. The full terms are in the warranty document below; talk to us first if you have a problem with your probe. Frequently Asked Questions Does it give a moisture percentage? No. It alarms when moisture content is above 17 per cent, and the flash and beep rate increases with moisture. Use it to find and map the wet edge, then use a moisture meter for recorded readings. Should I buy this or the HydroSensor II? The HydroSensor I has a fixed 31 in. shaft. The HydroSensor II extends to the same working length but folds to 21 in. (533 mm) for storage. Buy the II if the probe travels in a kit box. Can it find urine in carpet? It responds to urine residues because urine salts hold enough moisture to register. Confirm with a black light, such as the SOS UV Black Light Kit, before quoting urine treatment. What battery does it take? One general-purpose 9 V battery, fitted inside the handle. One is included. The light has stopped working — is it faulty? Check the battery first. Test by placing your fingers across the points: if the lamp does not light with a fresh battery, contact us with the model number from the product label. Documents Owner’s Manual — HydroSensor I & II, models F245 and F251. Document 07-00315 Rev. F. Parts Breakdown — covers F245, F245-SM, F245-SP, F251, F251-SM and F251-SP. Limited Warranty — Dri-Eaz moisture instruments, Legend Brands. Parts and service The parts breakdown above covers the F245 and F251 in all variants. If you are unsure which meter you have, the model number is on the product label — send it to us and we will confirm the right part before anything is ordered. Replacement handle — fits F245 and F251 (Dri-Eaz part 12-01408) Thumb screw — fits F245 and F251 (Dri-Eaz part 03-00152, the slide knob that locks the points) Point set assembly (Dri-Eaz part 12-00085) — ask us Related Products Dri-Eaz HydroSensor II Moisture Probe (F251) SOS UV Black Light Kit Dri-Eaz Moisture Meters Water Damage & Fire Damage Restoration Accessories Not sure whether the fixed or collapsible shaft suits how you work? Ask us — we stock both.
