You can find the overflow float valve just under the collection reservoir lid. It is attached to the bottom of the machine port. The valve is a safety feature which stops the device from pumping if the reservoir becomes full. This protects the pump from fluid damage.
Inside the valve, there is a float that can go up and down. If the fluid level rises too much, the float is pushed up, blocking the port and preventing fluid from going into the bacterial filter and then into the machine.
Ideally, the reservoir should be emptied regularly before it becomes full. That way, the float valve remains clean.
If the reservoir is ever completely filled up and the float valve engaged, then the valve needs to be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly. Otherwise, it can stick and stop working.
To test the float valve first, make sure there is a floater inside and that it moves freely up
and down, by shaking it gently back and forth. You can then take the valve holder out of the lid to inspect the floater.
Make sure it is not damaged and is clean. If in doubt, clean it with water.
If it is damaged at all, then the floater will need to be replaced. You must put it back the correct way.
This floater has been put in the wrong way round and it will not work.
After you replace the floater, turn on the machine and test it to see that it works.
If you do find any damage on the float valve, then you should also check the bacterial filter. Likewise, check the filter.
If ever you find that the valve is missing upside down or dirty with a faulty valve, it’s very likely that fluid may have leaked through, in which case, you should change the filter.
The bacteria filter is a paper filter held in a plastic housing between the collection reservoir and the pump itself. It is designed to stop airborne particles, which may contain bacteria or other gems escaping from the reservoir and getting into the machine.
It is particularly important for infection prevention that the filter is regularly checked and maintained. Otherwise, it could put both babies and healthcare workers at risk of cross infection.
Look to see if the paper is wet or there are any other stains or other signs that it may have become wet in the past. If so, the filter needs to be changed. To do this, simply take out the whole unit and replace with a new filter.
Finally, you should check that there are no signs of liquid inside the pump itself. If any liquid has entered the pump, then everything has to be taken apart, cleaned and dried before further use.
