Problems with Pureflow Faucet Adapter

[PrimeTimer]

Anyone know how to fix the Pureflow Faucet Adapter when you can't pull it down to make a batch? Or pull it up when not in use? We've been using Pureflow for 6 months now and have gone through 2 faucet adapters. We have hard water so wonder if that has anything to do with it and if so, what's the best thing to clean/soak it in to avoid these problems? I hate having to hang bags...

[Speedy1wrc]

Soaking it in something like CLR will clear hard water deposits. Just make sure you get rid on any sort of trace of the CLR!

[PrimeTimer]

Soaking it in something like CLR will clear hard water deposits. Just make sure you get rid on any sort of trace of the CLR!

I think I tried that but it didn't work. I will try it again tho. Thing is, if I need to order a new one, NxStage customer service said I would have to go through our nurse to order one. Unless she has another spare like last time, we could be hanging bags for a while and my arms already feel like wet noodles. Oh well, maybe hanging bags will help put a little muscle tone back into my arms. Maybe I can look at it like a mini work out. Or maybe not. More work, just something more to do...grrrrr....

[Speedy1wrc]

If they go that quickly, get two. That way if it fails, you swap it out and order another right away.

Every center is different. I am so very glad I go to the center I do. The entire staff is awesome and I also have since changed my nephrologists for the better. It works the way it should. If I need something my nurse orders it. If there are supply line issues, she'll order extras and we're all good. It works both ways. From the PAK fiasco I ended up with 4 PAK's and she needs one, so I'll give her one of my extras.

[PrimeTimer]

If they go that quickly, get two. That way if it fails, you swap it out and order another right away.

Every center is different. I am so very glad I go to the center I do. The entire staff is awesome and I also have since changed my nephrologists for the better. It works the way it should. If I need something my nurse orders it. If there are supply line issues, she'll order extras and we're all good. It works both ways. From the PAK fiasco I ended up with 4 PAK's and she needs one, so I'll give her one of my extras.

We are also fortunate to have a good nurse. She has bent over backwards to accommodate us, she's like family to us now. If we need her to, she'll even come to our home. She knows we are overwhelmed at times by all this. And the little extras she gives us are things we really can use, she simply gets them ready before we even have to ask, she's a godsend!

[Simon Dog]

From the PAK fiasco I ended up with 4 PAK's and she needs one, so I'll give her one of my extras.

Unless the delivery was diverted, or the PAK is being used only for training and not on a patient, this is a violation of procedure.   The clinics are generally not allowed to accept returns (except for disposal) of supplies that have been in a patient's home - though returns of supplies to clinics and medical facilities can be used.

[Speedy1wrc]

If they go that quickly, get two. That way if it fails, you swap it out and order another right away.

Every center is different. I am so very glad I go to the center I do. The entire staff is awesome and I also have since changed my nephrologists for the better. It works the way it should. If I need something my nurse orders it. If there are supply line issues, she'll order extras and we're all good. It works both ways. From the PAK fiasco I ended up with 4 PAK's and she needs one, so I'll give her one of my extras.

We are also fortunate to have a good nurse. She has bent over backwards to accommodate us, she's like family to us now. If we need her to, she'll even come to our home. She knows we are overwhelmed at times by all this. And the little extras she gives us are things we really can use, she simply gets them ready before we even have to ask, she's a godsend!

Wonderful! I like hearing about those kind of experiences rather than the horror stories. My nurse and center are the same. Couldn't have done this without her.

Simon dog, of course with rules and procedures we'd have chaos. Unfortunately with some our rules and procedures, they create chaos. Obamacare comes to mind for one example.

Many years ago I worked for a very large national computer company. Our computerized order system was causing all sorts of grief for the salesmen (and women). We were losing orders left and right. In response to our plea's, without condemning the whole system the regional manager gave us a precept to work by.

Never let the system stand in the way of opportunity.

I took that to heart and applied it to everything in my life. You can alter it or reword it as you like, but it's a wonderfully motivational idea.

[obsidianom]

WE had a direct line put into our cold water by a plumber . It goes under the kitchen sink. Fresenius arranged and paid for it all. That way we dont need an adapter. It is perfect for usand never fails.

[Pod99966]

I also had my water and drain lines tapped into the plumbing under my bathroom sink, Never had a problem with the water line, but the drain line needs to be flushed weekly. And I have hard water too. Nxstage has just sent me an extra filter that goes in before the pureflow, because I am going through a new PAK every two weeks.

[PrimeTimer]

We live in an apartment so I don't know that a direct line to the cold water under the sink put in by a plumber could be done. Out of curiosity tho, when you have a direct line like that, are you able to disconnect the Pureflow water line (ours is blue) when not in use so that the cupboard door can be closed? Stupid question?? I know, I'll read the manual again!

I tried soaking the adapter in CLR...it cleaned out a lot of minerals but still would not work. Just kept spraying everywhere but at least that's how the floor got cleaned today. I ended up calling NxStage and they are overniting a new one to us. By the way, I asked and they said soaking it in CLR may help but that usually when those things quit working they can't be fixed. I gave it a proper burial in the round file and out to the dumpster it will go. Also, just an fyi, I checked online and don't see that Home Depot or Lowes carry these specific faucet adapters and Tech Support confirmed that for me. I am very glad tho that the gentleman in Tech Support was so courteous and quick with ordering us a new one otherwise, I would not be the only one having a bad day. He gets to live.

Meanwhile, I called our nurse (guardian angel) and she had another spare! So we're back in business! Did I mention that I hate hanging bags?? When I said I could look at it like getting a mini-workout, I was lying and just trying to sound positive when honestly, I was cursing under my breath. I can think positive and try to look on the bright side of things but....why do that when it's so much easier to curse and throw a fit?! My meltdowns are probably enough to create a glass factory.   

We have hard water and go thru a PAK every 29-30 days like clockwork. In fact, I mark it on the calendar just to make myself aware that "prime nite" is coming and not to be confused with "prom nite" altho from what I remember, both could be just as bad as the other. I'd really hate to have to prime a new PAK every 2 weeks tho! Guess we have it easy compared to some folks (sorry). 

[obsidianom]

The water line screws onto a copper fitting like a hose and can be removed the same way.

[Speedy1wrc]

Davita will not pay for a plumber or an extra filter. If the water isn't up to par, you end up using bags.

[Pod99966]

Davita will not pay for a plumber or an extra filter. If the water isn't up to par, you end up using bags.

I paid the plumber out of my own pocket. And the extra filter is an add on part of the Nxstage system, for people with a high water particle count.

[Speedy1wrc]

Are you talking about the filter cartidge on the back of the Pureflow?

[obsidianom]

Davita will not pay for a plumber or an extra filter. If the water isn't up to par, you end up using bags.

That makes no monetary sense, as bags cost more.

[amanda100wilson]

Mine was plumbed to the faucet supply line under the sink.  It is fixed, but you can always disconnect the blue line at the Pureflow end and put it into the cupboard that way you can shut the door.

[Pod99966]

Are you talking about the filter cartidge on the back of the Pureflow?

No this is a completely separate water filtration machine. Because it is not designed for medical use, it has to be at least 6 feet away from the nxstage unit.

[Speedy1wrc]

Are you talking about the filter cartidge on the back of the Pureflow?

No this is a completely separate water filtration machine. Because it is not designed for medical use, it has to be at least 6 feet away from the nxstage unit.

When I asked about a separate filter, I was told I would have to pay for it.

[Simon Dog]

He gets to live.

LOL 

[PrimeTimer]

Use to have problems with the Pureflow Faucet Adapter not being able to shut the water on/off to the blue water line. Haven't had that problem in a while now and think I know why...

Any time the main water supply to our apartment building would be shut off for repairs or because the fire department wanted to flush the lines to fire hydrants, mineral deposits and silt would get stuck inside the adapter after the water came back on. When I know ahead of time that the water is going to be shut off (they usually give tenants 24 hours notice), I remove the adapter and once the water comes back on and runs clear, THEN I reinstall it. Bingo! No more problems! At least not since I started doing this. Obviously silt was getting inside the sliding mechanism of the adapter, not just the aerator and once silt is up inside there, forget it, you aren't going to get it out of there.   

[Simon Dog]

they usually give tenants 24 hours notice

Contact your water department and explain why need more than "usually".

The water dept in my town does this for both home hemo patients, plus the power company had a program of advance notification (for those early AM power outages for maintenance they normally don't warn people about) and priority power restoration.

[PrimeTimer]

they usually give tenants 24 hours notice

Contact your water department and explain why need more than "usually".

The water dept in my town does this for both home hemo patients, plus the power company had a program of advance notification (for those early AM power outages for maintenance they normally don't warn people about) and priority power restoration.

Sometimes emergency repairs are needed at the apartment complex and the main water supply on the property grounds has to be shut off ASAP. For instance, a busted underground pipe. They otherwise alert tenants ahead of time and it's always been during the day, they never schedule repairs to take place at night. This is one reason why we make the SAKs overnight while we sleep. Now if only they could do something about the 5 year old Sumo wrestler running around upstairs shaking our ceiling and walls day and night...

[PrimeTimer]

Anyone using a Pureflow water adapter on a gooseneck kitchen sink faucet? Just wondered if the adapter fits on goosenecks. We may be moving next year and gooseneck faucets in apartments seem to be popular but don't know if we can use the Pureflow adapter with those kind. I'd hate my search for a new apartment to be all about the faucet fixture. Probably would get a lot of stares and rolling eyes with that one. I can see it already..."oh, we love the apartment but it's got a gooseneck faucet and not so sure our Pureflow adapter fits it".  "Uh...what's a Pureflow adapter??" "Well, it's like this...."  And then spend several minutes explaining what NxStage is and the Pureflow and..and..and..

[kickingandscreaming]

In the scheme of things, faucets are a relatively easy and low ticket item to replace.  If you're not handy in that way, then perhaps you have a friend who is (or a plumber or handyman).  I've had to replace several on multiple occasions.  Surely, the Pureflow people could send you the specifications and you can take that to the store--if you need to.

[Simon Dog]

 Another option is the under-counter adapter that goes on the water line to the sink.   If it is not practical to use the sink adapter, your clinic will probably arrange to have a plumber do this at no charge to you.

I started home hemo with the Baby K, which got me a nice in-wall dedicated water supply/drain right next to the dialysis machine.   Works wonderfully with the NxStage I am using now.