Table 3. Routine maintenance and performance checks.
| Recorder Type | Maintenance Action Required |
| Chart | Check for reversal status – set to non-reversal prior to activating next session if in reverse. |
| Chart | Check pens and ink for proper operation. |
| Chart/Digital | Check clock/replace if necessary. 1. Wind mechanical clocks. 2. Check battery voltage on electronic clocks/replace if necessary |
| Chart/Digital | Check for adequate paper or punch tape. |
| All | Check for proper water level indication/adjust if necessary. |
| All | Report any major maintenance required, station deterioration, or unsafe condition. |
| Raingage | Check funnel, remove housing, and clean all parts as required in SOP; perform rainfall calibration check. |
| All | Check perforated steel tape and/or cable for proper alignment and smooth operation. |
| All | Replace recorder with District supplied equipment if field repair cannot be made. |
| Digital | Empty chad tray (bring chad back for proper disposal). |
| Digital | Check punch block for bent pins. |
| Digital | Check tension spring on take-up reel and proper tape alignment. |
| All w/ Solar Panels | Check solar panel for damage and clean with water and soft cloth or brush. |
| Chart | Clean pens and check ink supply. |
| Chart | Check reversal points for all pens and adjust as necessary. |
| Chart | Check pen carriage assembly for proper tolerance and smooth operation. |
| All | Check floats for leaks or deterioration. |
| All | Check shelter and environmental enclosure for integrity. Replace if damaged. |
| All | Check perforated steel tape and replace if necessary. |
| All | Clean and lubricate moving parts. Replace worn parts as required. |
| All | Lubricate locks – replace with District supplied locks if necessary. |
| All | Clean staff gages, replace with District supplied staff gages if deteriorated and unreadable. |
| Digital | Preset punch time to proper watch time and wait for punch to verify time. |
| All | Recorder installations shall be maintained free of mud daubers, insects such as ants, which may damage electronic equipment or deter free movement of mechanical parts, and other animals such as snakes, frogs, and birds. |