Regardless of the type of dental handpieces that you use and the frequency of use, if your water line becomes clogged, it will negatively impact the overall performance of your dental handpieces.
Each and every single day – somewhere throughout the nation – a dental practice struggles with low water flow or no water flow.
According to industry professionals, water flow issues nearly always relate to a clog within the line in which that water flows. Regardless of filter type and filter amounts, water treatment system, or the quality of lines and dental handpieces that you utilize, debris will accumulate and clogs will occur.
In this brief guide, we will outline that which you should check if you discover that you have insufficient water flow to your dental handpieces.
The Water Relay Valve
If your dental handpieces are up and running, but your water flow is less than favorable, you should first start by checking the water relay valve. These specially-designed devices typically have a total of three lines running to them.
One line is for the air, one is for water to come in, and one is for water to go out.
You should perform the following steps to determine if this valve is the culprit behind your insufficient water flow:
- First, remove the line that is designated for the outgoing water.
- Immediately thereafter, press down the foot control. If you find that there is no water, continue to the next step.
- Remove the line from the valve that is designated for air. Press down on the foot control again. You should feel some of the air coming out of the line. If you do, continue on.
- Now, you should take off the third line, which is where the water goes into the unit. If you have you find that you do have water and air, the valve should be replaced. Remember, to get water, you must have air.
The Water Filter
If you have checked your valve and all is well but are still having issues getting proper water flow to your dental handpieces, you must check the water filter.
First, you must completely turn off the water at the shut-off point. Then, you must remove the filter cover.
Once done, take out the filter.
You may then reconnect everything and see if there is proper water flow. If yes, you should replace the filter immediately.
Water Pressure
If all else has checked out, the final step is to check both the air pressure and the water pressure going to your internal dental unit. In most instances, you should have the air set at 80 PSI and the water set at 40 PSI.
Just as regular maintenance is required for the functionality of dental handpieces in your practice, you should ensure a proper maintenance schedule of your dental unit. This will ensure that water flow is always optimal for the tasks that your practice handles.