Bite Alarm Care and Troubleshooting

Quick fixes for common problems

If your alarm gets wet

Retailers' advice for Delkim alarms is the right approach for most battery alarms: switch the alarm off, remove the battery, shake out the water and let it dry completely somewhere warm before putting a battery back in. Don't use a hairdryer on high heat or put it on a radiator, which can warp plastic. Trakker recommends letting even its weatherproof DB7-R units air dry after use in very humid conditions, with the protective cases removed.

If the alarm still misbehaves once dry, contact the maker or retailer: many offer repairs, and corrosion caught early is often fixable.

Looking after alarms on the bank

• Keep alarms in their cases until you set up; many cases double as power switches.
• Use alarm covers or a brolly in heavy rain or frost.
• Don't overtighten alarms on buzz bars; reviewers have noted that some heads can crack if forced.
• Rinse off mud and grit at the end of the session, then dry.

Frost and ice

On frosty nights, moisture on the line can freeze on a roller wheel and slow it down. An alarm cover or umbrella over the rods helps, as does keeping the line out of the water's surface film. In the morning, let ice thaw naturally rather than forcing the wheel round. Vibration alarms such as Delkims have no wheel to freeze, which is one reason some winter anglers prefer them.

Storing alarms between seasons

1. Remove all batteries to stop leaks damaging the contacts.
2. Clean and dry each alarm, receiver and case.
3. Charge rechargeable alarms part-way before long storage, rather than leaving them flat.
4. Store somewhere dry, not in a damp garage or car boot.

Cleaning alarms properly

Mud, groundbait and scales get everywhere on the bank. To clean an alarm, switch it off and remove the battery, then wipe the body with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush or cotton bud around the roller wheel, snag ears and sockets. Avoid solvents and household sprays, which can damage rubber inlays and soft-touch finishes, and never submerge an alarm, even a waterproof one. Dry everything before it goes back in its case.

Looking after receivers

Receivers often get more abuse than the alarms: dropped on the bivvy floor, sat on, or left in a damp sleeping bag. Keep yours in its case when travelling, hang it up rather than leaving it on the ground, and charge rechargeable receivers, such as Nash's R4, before each trip rather than topping up at the last minute. If the receiver has an exposed USB-C port, keep its cover closed in the rain.

A pre-session checklist

• Switch on every alarm and receiver at home: do they power up and pair?
• Check the battery level indicator, or fit fresh batteries if you can't tell.
• Spin each roller wheel by hand: it should turn freely without grinding.
• Check threads and locking nuts for damage.
• Pack spares, cases and any charging cable.

Repair or replace?

A cracked case, broken snag ear or stiff wheel is usually repairable or replaceable for less than a new alarm, especially from makers that sell spare parts. Water damage caught early is often fixable too. It's time to replace when the electronics are corroded beyond repair, the alarm no longer pairs reliably, or parts are no longer available for an old model. If you're upgrading, our buying guide will help.

Warranties

Most alarms come with at least a two-year guarantee. Delkim, Gardner ATT and Wychwood's Solace all quote two years. Nash offers an extended two-year warranty on registered Siren alarms, and Wolf extends its Icon warranties by a year when you register. Keep your receipt and register online when you buy.

Many "faults" are really set-up issues: read how to set up bite alarms, and check your battery type in the batteries guide.