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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots poor spray action or circulation caused by loading, blocked spray components, rack connections, water supply, or service-level circulation problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Processing and Confirm the Condition
Do not release a load if adequate washing action is in doubt. Identify whether:
- One spray arm appears affected
- Multiple spray arms are affected
- Wash pressure is reported low
- Cleaning results are poor
- The problem occurs with one rack or all racks
Expected outcome: The circulation complaint is clearly defined.
2. Inspect the Load for Mechanical Interference
Check whether instruments, trays, containers, hoses, or other items physically block spray-arm movement.
Manually check accessible spray-arm freedom only when the washer is safely stopped and according to approved handling procedures.
Expected outcome: Spray arms have unobstructed movement. If repositioning the load restores normal operation, verify a complete cycle and stop.
3. Inspect Accessible Spray Openings
Check accessible spray holes and surfaces for visible debris, labels, tape, scale, or other obstruction.
Perform only approved routine cleaning.
Expected outcome: Accessible spray openings are clear. If approved cleaning restores circulation, verify performance and stop.
4. Verify Rack and Manifold Seating
Confirm the rack or cart is fully inserted and correctly engaged with the washer's water connection or manifold interface.
Look for:
- Misalignment
- Damaged visible seals
- Incomplete insertion
- Obstruction at the connection
Expected outcome: The rack connection is secure and properly aligned. If reseating the rack restores spray performance, complete verification and stop.
5. Compare With a Known-Good Rack
If another compatible verified rack is available, compare operation.
Do not use a damaged or unverified rack as the comparison.
Expected outcome: If the problem follows one rack, investigate that rack or its manifold externally. If the problem remains with multiple racks, the washer itself becomes more suspect.
6. Verify Normal Chamber Fill
Confirm the washer is filling normally. Insufficient water can reduce effective circulation.
Expected outcome: Chamber water level appears normal for the cycle. If a corrected fill problem restores wash action, stop after successful verification.
7. Check for External Utility Problems
Verify required water services are available and no facility condition is affecting supply.
Expected outcome: External water supply is normal.
8. Perform an Approved Verification Cycle
Run an approved test using a correctly seated rack and proper load configuration. Observe for normal cycle progression and any available wash-pressure indication or alarm.
Expected outcome: Spray action and circulation remain stable through the wash phase. If performance is normal, troubleshooting can stop.
9. Escalate Persistent Low-Pressure Conditions
If spray paths, loading, rack connection, fill, and utilities are normal but circulation remains weak, stop external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The washer is removed from service for further evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
The remaining issue may involve internal circulation pumps, valves, plumbing, pressure sensing, drive components, or controls.
The washer should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench/service evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate STERIS documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel
Return-to-service testing must confirm normal circulation, spray action, complete cycle performance, and any required cleaning-performance verification. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A cycle can appear to complete normally while still providing inadequate mechanical washing action, so do not ignore confirmed low-pressure or spray-arm problems.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Sterile Processing reported poor cleaning results and observed that the upper spray arm on the Reliance 444 was not rotating."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found a large tray positioned high enough to obstruct spray-arm movement."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"The tray was repositioned, unrestricted spray-arm movement and normal cycle operation were verified, and the washer was returned to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Spray arm affected
- Rack or cart used
- Load configuration
- Visible blockage
- Spray opening condition
- Manifold connection condition
- Comparison rack results
- Water fill behavior
- Any pressure alarm or indication
- Final verification results
Final Thought
Poor wash action should be approached from the load outward: check interference, spray openings, rack seating, chamber fill, and utilities before escalating to circulation-system repair. Verification of actual cleaning function matters before return to service.
That is successful troubleshooting.