Cleaning Drain Lines
Today we are going over a common problem owners and operators face with fountain beverage machines: clogged drain lines. It can be very frustrating to see your drain tray overflowing onto the counter and floor of your establishment. Not only is this messy, but it can also be hazardous and lead to unhealthy conditions.
This video highlights one way to unclog a drain line.
You will need to start with some basic tools: nylon bottle brushes (1/2″, 3/4′ and 1″, depending on your drain diameter), gloves, safety goggles, a screwdriver, and towels. Start by removing the splash plate on the front of your dispenser. Lancer units will lift up, but if you have a Cornelius unit you will need to remove a couple of screws. Once the splash plate is removed, you will want to carefully lift the drain tray from the unit so you can gain access to the clamp that holds the drain line in place. Loosen the clamp with your screwdriver to remove the drain line.
Now that the drain line is removed, be sure to check the barb fitting for any cracks or damage, then set it aside. You are now ready to clean the inside of the drain line. This can get pretty messy depending on the extent of the clog, so be prepared with towels to help clean up. Begin by inserting your brush into the line to clear and break away any debris. Extra long handled brushes are preferable here as they can reach farther into the line. Once you are satisfied that you have cleaned out all the debris, secure the line to the drain tray with the clamp and place the drain tray back on the unit. Then clean the splash plate and place it back on the dispenser.
To ensure the clog has been cleared, slowly pour hot water down the drain. If it is still clogged, you might want to double check that there is no blockage coming from the exit portion of the drain line under the unit. If there is, some more cleaning may be required.
After you have cleared the clog and the drain is flowing freely, be sure that you are pouring a gallon of HOT water down the drain during cleaning procedures. This will aid in keeping the drain free and clear at all times. If you have any questions, please call Donastar at 833-366-2782 or reach us through our website: donastar.com. We’d be more than happy to help.