There's never a good time for your moisture meter to stop working. One minute you're taking readings, and the next you're wondering if the rest of the inspection is on hold.
If you're dealing with a moisture meter not working, don't assume it's time to replace it.
In many cases, the problem is easier to diagnose than you might expect. A few quick checks can often get your meter back in service without interrupting the rest of the job.
Here are five reasons your professional moisture meter may stop working and what you can do about each one.
5 Reasons Your Professional Moisture Meter Stops Working
Your professional moisture meter … acting up … in the middle of a job might leave you wondering if you missed the part about how does a moisture meter work. Your immediate reaction that there must be something incredibly wrong with your meter isn’t uncommon. However, it’s important to keep perspective -- if you’ve invested in a professional grade meter and taken good care of it, chances are the issue stopping it from working correctly is nothing you can’t diagnose and fix.
The most common reasons a moisture meter stops working are:
- No power
- External damage
- Internal damage
- Out-of-date firmware
- Calibration is off
1. No Power
One of the most common reasons a professional moisture meter appears not to be in working order is because it suddenly turns off or doesn’t turn on to begin with.
In the middle of a job, having a moisture meter turn off but not on again is about as frustrating as having your mobile phone die when there’s not a charger around.
Alarming as this may seem, this is one of the easiest problems to diagnose and fix: recharge or replace the device’s batteries.
To avoid this issue in the field, keep these steps in mind:
- Double-check your meter’s power before leaving for a job.
- Always carry a spare battery or two, our newer meters use a pair of AA batteries, easily purchased if not in your work bag!
- Check the battery contacts for signs of corrosion or buildup that could interfere with the connection.
- If none of these solve the issue, the quickest way back in service especially under our warranty on meters is to send in via RMA.
- For extra fast turnaround, indicating on the RMA form that you’ve; checked the battery contact springs for corrosion and tried replacing with new batteries and that the meter is not turning on or is turning off immediately will help us solve your problem quicker!
2. External Damage
While professional moisture meters are durable and can last for decades with the right care, they’re not indestructible. An accidental drop off of a high ladder onto a concrete floor might not be a non-event for the device.
External damage to your meter comes in many forms. When inspecting for obvious irregularities to your meter’s appearance, check for:
- Bent pins (for pin-type moisture meters) - replaceable quickly with spare pins included in each purchase! Pins also available from authorized distributors or contact us to purchase directly.
- Cracked casing
- Deep scratches/gouges
- Worn-out contact plate (for pinless moisture meters)
- Broken digital display
- Damaged IR lens (for moisture meters with infrared capabilities)
If your moisture meter is not working and you notice visible damage, contact the manufacturer before using it on another inspection. For Protimeter meters, send in via RMA and indicate on the form the visible damage and how the meter is not working for quickest assistance!
3. Internal Damage
Sometimes it’s the damage you can’t see that makes your moisture meter seem like its next trip is to the dump.
Many of the same causes for external damage to your meter may be the culprit for damage to its internal components.
The best way to check for internal damage is to gently shake your meter. If you hear a rattling noise or feel residual movement, there are likely broken internal components, such as a circuit board or detached wire.
If you suspect internal damage, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer to discuss repair options.
For Protimeter meters, submit an RMA request and describe the problem you're experiencing. Be sure to mention any rattling sounds or unusual behavior to help us assess the issue.
4. Out-of-Date Firmware
Some newer moisture meters have the ability to update the internal firmware. The lowest level of software, firmware essentially tells your device how to work. Every so often your moisture meter’s manufacturer may update your meter's firmware to fix software bugs or add new functionality. It’s no different than your smartphone’s manufacturer requiring you to install the latest operating system or security update.
It's a good idea to periodically check your manufacturer's website for firmware updates. For newer Protimeter meters, the Protimeter Connect app can notify you when an update is available.
Resource: Updating the firmware on any of the following newly updated meters like SurveyMaster BLD5375, Digital Mini BLD5775, Aquant BLD5770, TimberMaster BLD5675 is quick and easy! If you regularly use the Protimeter Connect app to digitally connect to your meter, any out of date firmware on a connected device will prompt a redirect to the Protimeter firmware update app. Additional resources can be found here.
Resource: Updating firmware on Protimeter moisture meter, such as the Hygromaster 2 or MMS3, is a simple process. See for yourself:
5. Calibration is Off
After many uses, occasionally a moisture meter doesn’t take as accurate measurements as it’s supposed to.
That’s where checking the calibration is invaluable.
A process that generally takes no longer than a minute to complete, checking the calibration of your meter before use helps verify its readings are correct and the device is functioning properly. Whether you’re using a pinless or a pin-type meter, your manufacturer usually provides the tools needed to check calibration.
For pin-type measurements, use the check device supplied with your meter.
Many newer meters have a built-in calibration check. For instance, the SurveyMaster BLD5375 prompts users to perform a check every 50 on/off cycles. Follow the on-screen instructions, holding the meter in the air away from people and objects when prompted.
For non-invasive meters, start by taking a reading on a material you know is dry. If the meter indicates moisture, check the calibration according to your model's instructions.
Some newer meters, including the Protimeter ReachMaster Pro and MMS3, allow users to perform field calibration. For hygrometers, keep a spare replacement probe to compare readings and check your working probe regularly.
Prevent Problems That Leave Your Moisture Meter Not Working
Most cases of a moisture meter not working have a straightforward explanation. Taking a few minutes to troubleshoot the problem can often get you back to work without delaying the rest of the inspection. In many cases, the solution is much simpler than replacing the meter.
Regular maintenance and proper storage help keep your meter performing the way it's supposed to. A quick check before each inspection can save time and help you avoid interruptions in the field.
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This article was originally published December 2021 and was recently updated to reflect current industry trends.