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What This Guide Helps With
Addresses external causes of detergent pump failure, including blockages, air locks, and supply issues, ensuring proper dosing during cycles.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient and Staff Safety
- Confirm washer is empty and staff are clear of spray.
- Why: Prevents accidental exposure to chemicals or moving parts.
2. Verify Detergent Supply
- Check detergent container for adequate volume and correct type.
- Expected: Pump should have a proper supply to prime.
- Why: Empty or wrong detergent prevents priming.
3. Inspect Tubing and Connections
- Examine all suction and feed lines for kinks, leaks, or disconnections.
- Expected: Tubing free of obstructions and properly connected.
- Why: Blocked or loose tubing stops detergent from reaching pump.
4. Check for Air Locks
- Remove air from lines by loosening connection at pump inlet slightly, then retighten.
- Expected: Air bubbles escape; pump can now prime.
- Why: Air trapped in the line prevents proper suction.
5. Prime the Pump Manually (If Supported)
- Follow manufacturer instructions to manually prime or reset pump.
- Expected: Pump should start drawing detergent.
- Why: Some HS Series units require manual intervention after empty refill.
6. Inspect Pump and Strainer
- Remove and clean inlet strainer; check for visible debris.
- Expected: Strainer clear; pump can draw fluid.
- Why: Debris may prevent suction.
7. Run a Test Cycle
- Start a short cycle with detergent dosing enabled.
- Expected: Pump primes and delivers detergent successfully.
- Why: Confirms issue resolved before returning to service.
If the Problem Persists
External causes likely ruled out.
Action:
- Remove washer from service
- Label Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to escalate ensures patient safety and avoids damage.
Clinical Use Tip
Never attempt troubleshooting while instruments are inside the washer.
Move patient cases to an alternate washer if needed.
Only handle detergent lines when safe and wearing PPE.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Washer failed to prime detergent pump during a standard cleaning cycle."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Tubing partially blocked and air trapped in inlet line; detergent supply adequate."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleared tubing, removed air lock, and manually primed pump; test cycle successful."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Detergent container level
- Tubing condition
- Air lock presence
- Strainer cleanliness
- Pump sound and operation
- Final washer status (ready for service)
Final Thought
Proper troubleshooting of the detergent dosing pump protects staff and ensures patient instruments are properly cleaned. Always start with simple external checks and escalate only when needed. Document all findings for accountability and compliance.
That is successful troubleshooting.