Bradley TDB3103 Installation page 18

TDB3103, WF3203
Soap Maintenance Tips
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.
Soap thickness is determined by a measurement called viscosity. Soap viscosity should be between 100 cps
(centerpoise) and 2500 cps for all Bradley soap dispensers. Thinner soaps are perceived by the users as being
"watered down" so users tend to take more than they need, resulting in waste. Thick soaps flow slower and
inhibit the "flushing" action of the valves, which allows the soap to congeal in the valve and cause clogs.
The pH (acid) level of the soap should be in the range of 6.5 to 8.5. More acidic soaps (pH levels lower than
6.5) will corrode metal parts (even stainless steel!!) and degrade rubber and plastic components. They will also
cause skin irritation. Most inexpensive soaps (typically the pink lotion type) fall into this acidic category and
will eventually cause valve failure and metal corrosion. Base soaps (pH levels higher than 8.5) will cause
swelling or degradation of rubber and plastic parts and skin irritation.
Generally, any quality soap meeting the viscosity and pH guidelines above will work well with Bradley soap
dispensers. PCMX or Isapropanol based antibacterial soaps (within viscosity and pH limits) will also work
with Bradley dispensers. Soaps satisfying these basic guidelines will provide consistent flow and reduce clogs.
Most soap dispenser problems are caused by soap that is too thick or corrosive, or by a lack of maintenance.
Many soaps come in concentrate form which must be diluted with water. Often, the soap is improperly diluted
or used straight out of the bottle, which causes clogging and valve failure. If proper soap is being used, valves
that have never been cleaned are usually the source of dispensing problems. Bradley has entered into an
agreement with Champion Brand Products to provide additional customer service for purchasers of our
dispensers regarding soap issues. They are very helpful and can get to the bottom of almost any soap dispenser
related problem. They also sell an excellent "Bradley approved" soap. Please see Soap Instruction Sheet 215-
1286 for details about soap valve cleaning or how to contact Champion. With proper maintenance and soap,
Bradley dispensers will provide long term, trouble free operation.
Bradley soap dispensers will provide dependable, consistent operation over the long term when the proper
soap is used and when a minimal amount of periodic maintenance is performed on the valves. Valves must be
maintained (cleaned) to function properly.
To ensure proper operation of your soap dispenser, follow these instructions:
• Once per month, unscrew valve from reservoir and soak it for 30 minutes in hot water.
• Push valve at least 20 times while it is soaking.
• Flush soap reservoir with hot water while valve is soaking.
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. Soap dispensers that will not be used for extended periods of
time (schools during summer break, etc.) should be drained, cleaned and left empty until put back into service.
Soap left on the outside of dispensers can cause discoloration and corrosion of the reservoir (even on stainless
steel units). All soap should be wiped or scrubbed off daily, then the outside of the dispenser should be rinsed
with clear water and dried with a soft cloth.
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SOAP RECOMMENDATIONS
SOAP DISPENSER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
1-26-10 Bradley Corporation • 215-1332 Rev. U; EN 10-00-002
Installation