Bradley Soap Dispensers Maintenance
Overview
Quality soap dispensers require good quality soap and periodic maintenance to properly operate. Bradley soap dispensers will provide dependable, consistent operation over the long term when soap with reasonable viscosity and pH levels are used and when a minimal amount of periodic maintenance is performed on the valves.
Most soap dispenser problems are caused by soap that is too thick or corrosive, or bya lack of maintenance. Many soaps come in concentrate form which must be dilutedwith water. Often, the soap is improperly diluted or used straight out of the bottle, whichcauses clogging and valve failure. If proper soap is being used, valves that have neverbeen cleaned are usually the source of dispensing problems. With proper maintenance andsoap, Bradley dispensers will provide long term, trouble free operation.
Soap/Sanitizer Parameters
Soap thickness is determined by a measurement called viscosity. Liquid soap viscosityshould be between 100 cps (centipoise) and 2500 cps for Bradley liquid soap dispensersunless specifically noted on a technical data sheet. Bradley gel sanitizer dispensersaccommodate most commercially available gel sanitizer within a viscosity range of100 cps – 3000 cps*. Bradley foam soap and foam sanitizer dispensers accommodatemost commercially available all-purpose, anti-bacterial, and PCMX/Triclosan foamsolutions. Bradley liquid sanitizer dispensers accommodate most commercially available70%–95% ethanol solution sanitizers.
pH Level
Unless otherwise noted on the technical data sheet, the pH (acid) level of the soap shouldbe in the range of 6.5 to 8.5. More acidic soaps (pH levels lower than 6.5) will corrodemetal parts (even stainless steel) and degrade rubber and plastic components. They willalso cause skin irritation. Most inexpensive soaps (typically the pink lotion type) fall intothis acidic category and will eventually cause valve failure and metal corrosion.
Soap Valves
Valves must also be maintained (cleaned) to function properly. At the very minimum, hot water should be pumped through valves periodically to clear out soap residue. Ideally, valves should occasionally be soaked for 30 minutes in hot water or a soap valve cleaning solution. The valve should be pumped at least 20 times while it is soaking to clear any clogs. The soap reservoir should also be flushed with hot water. In cases of extreme clogging, the valve should be disassembled and the parts should be soaked in hot water or cleaning solution to restore proper functioning.
Generally, any quality soap meeting the viscosity and pH guidelines above will work wellwith Bradley soap dispensers. PCMX or Isopropanol based antibacterial soaps (withinviscosity and pH limits) will also work with Bradley dispensers. Soaps satisfying thesebasic guidelines will provide consistent flow and reduce clogs.