When there is a problem with a machine we want to find out the following things:
- Precisely what the problem is that needs to be fixed
- How to fix the problem
- What caused the problem
- What can be done in the future to make sure the problem does not happen again
Over 90% of all problems are from something the customer is or is not doing and can often be remedied by going through the process below. If after going through the process below and the problem is not remedied please call us during our open hours with the machine and CO2 cylinder in your hand so we can do some troubleshooting over the phone. There is a small charge for this troubleshooting service that is then applied to any repairs should repairs need to be done. If your machine is under warranty the troubleshooting charge is covered.
The 12-ounce Soft Drink Machine
Problem:
The machine is not carbonating the water as well as it should.
- Precisely what the problem is that needs to be fixed
1. Are you using refrigerated cold water? Customers will often use water straight from the faucet and everything is fine until the warmer outdoor temperatures come along and the water in your pipes is not as cold. The instructions that come with the machine ask that you use water that has been chilled in the refrigerator.
2. Has the machine been back flushed in the past 6 months? This is a maintenance process that takes but a few minutes to do every 6 months. Often time flies by and customers forget to do this. We encourage you to subscribe to our email newsletter by clicking on the newsletter link as every 6 months we send out a reminder to back flush the machine. Instructions on how to back flush the machine can be read by clicking on the Back flushing link on our website.
3. Is the proper amount of water being used? The water should be poured in the machine to where it comes to the bottom of the fill cup that you are pouring the water into, not to the top of the fill cup, not only half way so you can make a half size drink. The instructions for using the machine are on our website and it may be helpful to review them.
4. Are you pushing the carbonating button down firmly all the way? Many times customers have come to us with this problem and they were only pushing the carbonating button down part way. Make sure you push it down firmly all the way when carbonating.
5. Are you pushing the carbonating button down two or more times until the machine makes the sound that lets you know that it is done carbonating? You can review the instructions for carbonating by clicking on the link at our website.
When a drink is made the machine leaks water
- Precisely what the problem is that needs to be fixed
1. Determine where is the water leaking from: Remove the top of the machine from its base, take that part to a sink (with the CO2 cylinder attached), fill it with water, slowly carbonate while carefully looking to see exactly where it is leaking while pointing the water leaking from the machine towards the sink.
- The most likely place for the machine to leak is through or around the burst disc. The burst disc is a small plastic part screwed into the side of the water chamber on your machine. It is about the size of a dime, there is nothing hooked up or connected to it and it looks kind of like a crown in that it has 6 knobby bumps on the part.
- If this is where it is leaking click here
- If your machine is leaking from some other place email or call us telling us precisely where it is leaking from after making that determination by doing the first step.
