A hemodialysis machine comprising a dialysate flow path for delivering a flow of dialysate solution through a dialyser, the flow path including a flow balancer for achieving a balance in the dialysate solution flow volume observed between an inlet and an outlet of the dialyser over the course of a treatment, the flow balancer comprising a first flow balance pump having an inlet valve and an outlet valve and a second flow balance pump having an inlet valve and an outlet valve, wherein the flow path further includes a flow restrictor means downstream of the flow balance pumps to reduce the pressure difference across the valves in the dialysate flow path.