Quick Dam QD1224-6 Water Activated Flood Bags Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

Quick Dam Water Activated Flood Bags are designed to absorb, control, and divert floodwater, providing an effective solution for property protection. These sandless sandbags are lightweight and compact when dry, expanding significantly upon contact with water to form a protective barrier.

Each bag measures 1ft x 2ft and expands to 3.5 inches high, absorbing up to 4 gallons of water. They are ready to use without the need for sand or extensive labor, making them ideal for emergency situations.

Image: Quick Dam Flood Bags packaging. The packaging highlights features such as water activation, absorption capacity, and various applications.

Key Features:

• Water Activated: Bags expand on contact with water.
• Rapid Expansion: Grows to 3.5 inches high in approximately 10 minutes.
• High Absorption: Each bag absorbs up to 4 gallons of water.
• No Sand Required: Eliminates the need for heavy sand or labor.
• Compact & Lightweight: Easy to store and deploy.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for doorways, garages, erosion control, and various indoor/outdoor water diversion needs.
• Long-lasting Protection: Can remain in place for 3-6 months.
• Reusable: Bags shrink as they dry out and swell again when re-exposed to water.
• Pet-Friendly & Non-Toxic: Safe for the environment.

2. Setup and Activation

Initial Placement:

1. Positioning: Place the dry flood bags directly in the path of oncoming water. For optimal performance, ensure the wider edge of the bag faces the water source to prevent rolling.
2. Activation: As water makes contact with the bag, the inner absorbent material will begin to swell. Full expansion to 3.5 inches high typically occurs within 10 minutes, provided sufficient water is present.
3. Pre-soaking (Recommended): If heavy rainfall or significant water flow is anticipated, or if you plan to stack the bags, pre-soaking them with a hose is recommended to ensure maximum activation before deployment.

Image: A person pre-soaking a Quick Dam flood bag in a wheelbarrow using a garden hose. This demonstrates how to activate the bag before placing it in position.

Stacking for Higher Barriers:

To create a higher barrier, stack multiple bags in a brick formation. For a solid and stable base, follow a 1:3 ratio: for every 1 foot of desired height, extend the base by 3 feet.

Image: A diagram illustrating the recommended 1:3 stacking ratio for Quick Dam flood bags to ensure a stable and effective barrier against water.

Image: Activated Quick Dam flood bags stacked in front of a house doorway, effectively blocking rainwater from entering.

3. Operating Tips

• Monitor Initial Activation: During the first activation, observe the bags to ensure they are directing water as intended. Adjustments may be necessary based on landscaping and water flow patterns.
• Height for Stability: Always stack bags higher than the expected water level to maintain stability and prevent them from floating away.
• Flexibility: Quick Dam bags are flexible and can be curved or wrapped to fit various contours.
• Winter Use: For use in freezing temperatures, ensure bags are fully activated before freezing occurs to maximize protection when snow melts. Avoid moving frozen bags to prevent tearing. If salt is present, pre-activate bags and wrap plastic under and over them to prevent salt contact.

4. Maintenance and Storage

Ongoing Protection:

Activated bags can remain in place for 3-6 months for continuous protection. They will shrink as they dry out but will swell again once re-exposed to water. The drying time varies with climate, averaging about 3 months in higher humidity.

Storage:

Unused Quick Dam bags have a shelf life of 5+ years. Store them in a sealed bag for maximum longevity. Keep them on hand for immediate deployment during emergencies.

Reactivation:

Once completely dry, the bags will feel crunchy. Smooth the contents to evenly distribute the super absorbent polymers before reactivating.

5. Disposal

Quick Dam bags are safe for disposal:

• General Waste: Dispose of used bags in regular trash.
• Environmentally Safe: They are pet-friendly, non-toxic, and environmentally safe.
• Soil Additive (Optional): The inner contents can be cut open and spread/blended into lawns or gardens as a soil additive to help retain moisture. Note: The contents will be very slippery until they degrade.

Image: Icons representing the eco-friendly aspects of Quick Dam products, including being made from recycled content, pet-friendly, suitable for trash disposal, and generally eco-friendly.

6. Troubleshooting

• Incomplete Activation: Bags will not fully activate unless enough water is present. Ensure they are exposed to sufficient water for optimal swelling.
• Saltwater Use: DO NOT use Quick Dam bags with salt water, lime, or calcium. These substances will cause the inner absorbent to release water and deflate the product, rendering it ineffective.
• Degradation: Direct sunlight can cause the product to degrade rapidly, potentially resulting in a slimy texture. Store unused bags away from direct sunlight.
• Tearing: Do not cut the bags, as this will expose the inner contents and make the product unusable. Avoid moving bags while frozen to prevent tearing of the outer material.
• Seepage on Porous Surfaces: Porous surfaces like unfinished cement can cause excessive seepage as both the surface and the bag try to absorb water. Placing a plastic barrier film underneath may help.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For any questions, concerns, or support regarding your Quick Dam Water Activated Flood Bags, please contact Quick Dam customer service. While specific warranty details are not provided in this manual, Quick Dam is committed to customer satisfaction.

Please refer to the manufacturer's website or product packaging for the most current contact information and warranty policies.