Sometimes the water doesn't filter thru the cord, i found you must totally fill the container, to the top, with water.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from waterpik.comBy WaterPik, Product Support, March 15, 2022
Hello L Jonesy - We are sorry for the difficulty you are experiencing with the unit. We would like to see if we can help. Please reach out to us at 1-800-525-2774 or send an email to smreviews@waterpik.com. Talk to you soon.