In Oxygen Not Included, liquid reservoirs are vital for managing the flow and storage of various fluids in your colony. However, many players encounter a frustrating issue where their liquid reservoir is not outputting as expected. This problem can stall automation, disrupt farming, and cause stress among duplicants. Understanding how the liquid reservoir functions and what can prevent it from operating properly is key to keeping your fluid systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Understanding How the Liquid Reservoir Works
The liquid reservoir is a storage building that holds up to 5,000 kg of liquid. It has two ports one input and one output. The reservoir will accept liquid from a pipe into the input, store it internally, and then output it through the output pipe as long as certain conditions are met. This system seems simple, but if anything is misconfigured, the liquid won’t flow out.
How Liquid Flow Is Controlled
The game’s piping system is not passive. Liquid must have a valid destination to flow. If the system isn’t pressurized correctly or if there’s a block in the line, the reservoir will not release its contents. Understanding how the flow rules work in ONI will help you identify and fix output issues more easily.
Common Reasons Why the Liquid Reservoir Is Not Outputting
There are several reasons why a liquid reservoir might not output as expected. Below are the most frequent causes and how to troubleshoot them.
1. No Valid Output Path
If the output pipe from the reservoir is not connected to a destination that can accept liquid, then nothing will happen. The system requires a path for the liquid to flow through and somewhere for it to go. Check for the following
- Broken pipe segments
- Disconnected output ports
- End of pipe not attached to a valid input
Make sure the output line is fully connected and leads to a building or element that is able to receive liquid.
2. Backed-Up Pipes
Liquid pipes work on a push system in ONI. If the pipe is already full or backed up further down the line, the liquid will not flow from the reservoir. This is especially common when multiple liquid sources feed into a single line, or when the destination is not consuming liquid fast enough.
3. Incorrect Pipe Orientation
Sometimes, players mistakenly reverse the input and output ports on the reservoir. The white port is for input, and the green port is for output. Ensure the liquid is entering the correct side and exiting from the proper side as well.
4. Flow Blocked by Liquid Valve
If you’re using a liquid valve on the output line, double-check that it is not set to zero or a very low flow rate. A valve set to 0 g/s will prevent any liquid from passing, which might appear like the reservoir is not working.
5. Priority and Automation Settings
Liquid reservoirs are not affected by priority settings in the same way other buildings are, but automation signals might influence related components in your fluid network. If a shutoff valve or sensor is in the output line and set to block flow, the reservoir will stop releasing liquid.
How to Fix Liquid Reservoir Output Problems
If your liquid reservoir isn’t outputting, try the following step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix the issue.
Step 1 Verify Connections
Ensure the reservoir is properly connected to a pipe network. Check for green (output) and white (input) ports. Use the overlay view (F6) to see the full pipe system. Look for any broken segments or places where the pipe doesn’t lead anywhere.
Step 2 Examine the Pipe Contents
Click on a pipe segment to inspect what’s inside. If the output pipe is full, it means the liquid has nowhere to go. Clear the blockage downstream by expanding the system or improving drainage at the destination.
Step 3 Check for Valves or Shutoffs
Inspect all valves and shutoffs on the output path. Ensure that manual or automated valves are set to allow flow. A good rule of thumb is to set the valve to at least 1000 g/s to ensure a continuous output.
Step 4 Simplify Your Output
As a test, connect a straight pipe from the output port to a pitcher pump or a liquid vent in open space. If the liquid starts flowing, you’ve confirmed the reservoir is functioning properly. The problem is further down in your setup.
Step 5 Restart the Game
While rare, some output issues may be caused by bugs or game-state glitches. Saving and reloading the game can sometimes reset the simulation and solve unresponsive reservoir behavior.
Design Tips to Prevent Output Issues
Planning ahead and designing your liquid systems carefully can help prevent the liquid reservoir from getting stuck. Here are some useful design tips
- Always give liquids a destinationMake sure your output pipes connect to something that will consume or store the liquid.
- Use overflow branchesSet up alternate pipe routes with valves to prevent system backups.
- Separate fluidsDon’t mix different liquid types in the same pipe system.
- Include buffer spaceAdd liquid reservoirs downstream as buffer zones to prevent flow disruptions.
Advanced Troubleshooting Using Plumbing Overlay
ONI’s plumbing overlay is your best friend when dealing with liquid reservoir issues. Use it to follow the entire path from liquid source to destination. Watch for empty or blocked labels on pipe segments, which indicate trouble areas. You can also click on any building or pipe segment to see real-time flow rates and contents.
What If the Liquid Reservoir Outputs Intermittently?
If you’re seeing inconsistent output, this might mean that the output pipe is intermittently blocked or shared with another input source. In complex systems with multiple liquid pumps, you may need to install a liquid bridge to control direction and prevent flow conflicts.
When your liquid reservoir in Oxygen Not Included isn’t outputting, it’s almost always due to connection errors, blocked pipes, or misconfigured valves. Taking the time to examine your system step by step using the plumbing overlay can quickly reveal where the problem lies. With some practice and thoughtful design, your liquid handling systems can become reliable and efficient, giving your duplicants the resources they need without frustrating delays. Make sure to test small systems before scaling up and always give your liquids somewhere to go. This way, you’ll avoid bottlenecks and keep your colony flowing smoothly.