What is the first step in starting up a cooling system?

Filling the cooling system with water and checking for leaks is indeed the crucial first step in starting up a cooling system. This process ensures that the system is properly filled to the required level before any components begin to operate. Also, conducting a leak check at this stage is essential because it prevents damage to the equipment and the environment that could occur if the system were to operate while compromised by leaks. If water is circulated through the system without first confirming that it is leak-free, it could lead to inefficiencies, equipment failure, or unsafe operating conditions.

Once the system is confirmed to be leak-free and filled to capacity, other steps such as adjusting pH levels or adding chemical treatments can be performed afterward. These tasks are vital for the effective operation of the system but are secondary to ensuring the integrity of the system through the initial filling and leak-checking process.