Prime and Clear Tube

If your Stream Machine stream sputters, sprays, or loses distance, the most common causes are air trapped inside the tube or small debris (sand, grit, leaves) restricting flow. Both issues reduce pressure and break up the water stream. Use the priming and flushing steps below to restore full performance quickly and safely.

Signs You Have Air in the Tube

• Weak stream or reduced range
• Sputtering or “gurgling” sound when shooting
• Uneven spray instead of a concentrated stream
• Bubbles visible in the tube during filling
• Launcher feels partially filled or “springy”

How to Prime a Stream Machine (Remove Air)

Priming means filling the tube completely with water so the piston can build pressure. Air usually enters when the nozzle is not fully submerged or when the handle is pulled too quickly during filling.

Priming Steps

1. Extend the handle fully so the tube is empty.
2. Submerge the nozzle completely underwater (deeper is better).
3. Pull the handle back slowly and smoothly while keeping the nozzle submerged the entire time.
4. Pause for a second with the nozzle still underwater to let bubbles escape.
5. Push the handle forward in one smooth motion to test the stream.

If You Still See Bubbles

• Repeat the fill more slowly.
• Keep the nozzle farther below the surface to prevent air from being pulled in.
• Refill from calmer water (avoid waves, splashing, or shoreline churn).

Best Priming Tip: Use a Bucket or Tub

If you are in shallow water or near a shoreline, a bucket or tub filled with clean water is the fastest way to prime properly. It gives you consistent depth and reduces bubbles caused by moving water.

• Fill a large bucket/tub deep enough to fully submerge the nozzle.
• Prime using a slow pull-back with the nozzle well below the waterline.
• Shoot a few test streams back into the bucket to confirm a solid stream.

Sand or Debris Inside the Tube

Sand and grit often get pulled into the tube when filling in very shallow water or near the shoreline where sediment is disturbed. Debris can increase friction, cause the handle to feel rough, and partially block the nozzle, reducing pressure and distance.

Common Causes of Debris

• Filling near beach sand or muddy bottoms
• Refilling where people are kicking up sediment
• Submerging the nozzle into leaves or grass
• Using very dirty bucket water during backyard play

How to Flush Sand and Debris Safely

Flushing removes grit without damaging internal seals. Avoid forcing the handle if it feels gritty or stuck.

Flush Method (Recommended)

1. Fill a bucket/tub with clean water.
2. Submerge the nozzle fully and slowly fill the tube.
3. Push the handle forward to shoot into the bucket.
4. Repeat 10–20 cycles to rinse out particles.
5. Dump the water if it looks cloudy or sandy and refill with clean water, then repeat.

Rinse After Lake or Beach Use

After playing in natural water or sand, flush the launcher with clean water before storing it. This helps prevent buildup and keeps the handle sliding smoothly.

Nozzle Clog vs Tube Debris

If your handle moves smoothly but the stream looks scattered or weak, the nozzle may be partially clogged. If the handle feels gritty or drags during movement, debris is likely inside the tube.

Quick Check

• Smooth handle + weak spray: flush the nozzle with clean bucket cycles.
• Gritty handle + resistance: focus on tube flushing and avoid forcing movement.

What Not to Do

• Do not use oil, grease, or household lubricants inside the tube.
• Do not force a stuck handle; flush first.
• Do not store the launcher with dirty water inside.
• Do not refill in shallow sandy water if you can avoid it.

When to Contact Support

If you have repeatedly primed and flushed with clean water and the launcher still sputters, leaks, or cannot build pressure, there may be seal wear or damage that requires replacement.

• Persistent leaking that reduces pressure
• Handle jams at the same point after flushing
• Cracks in the tube or front section
• No improvement after multiple clean-water flush cycles

Most performance issues are solved by fully priming (removing air) and flushing debris using clean water. A complete fill and a smooth push restore a strong, concentrated stream and longer distance.