Trouble-Shooting Bubblers
- BUBBLER SPURTS WATER WHEN PUSHBUTTON IS RELEASED.
- BUBBLER STREAM OVERSHOOTS THE LAVATORY BASIN
- BUBBLER STREAM DOES NOT FORM A HIGH ENOUGH ARC.
temperature valve. Often, the “Milky” color seen in water coming from the warm water side is due to saturation with tiny air bubbles. Thorough purging of the piping system at each tap will relieve some of these symptoms. With the passage of time, the water system will stabilize and less and less air will be found in the system. As this happens, the spurting problem decreases and eventually ceases. However, based on water conditions and usage of a given water system, the process can take several weeks to several months for conditions to stabilize.
Some suggestions to lessen this phenomenon are:
1. Systematically purge each tap starting with the most remotely located from the source of the flow.
2. Locate pneumatic valves as close as practical to the fixtures they serve. Never install a valve above a fixture with more than ten feet of tubing between the valve and the valve outlet as this produces a “Head” pressure and accentuates the spurting problem.
2. Check the hole in the spout or bubbler for debris or blockage. The outlet hole of the bubbler must be clear of any obstruction or partial obstruction to form the proper height of the arc. Clear any debris inside the bubbler head by disconnecting the supply tube from the fitting and blowing air back through the bubbler. Do not use tools or probes through the hole on the bubbler as they may damage the finish or distort the hole, causing an erratic stream. Re-assemble the valve and adjust the timing to the desired cycle length.
2. Check plastic supply tubing for possible kinks that would restrict water flow.
3. Make sure inlet stops are open.
4. Turn off inlet stops and inspect strainer screens for blockage or mineral build-up. Use clean water to rinse away debris. If the mineral build-up is severe on the screen, use a commercial mineral solvent, (like Calcisolve or Limerase) to clean it. Thoroughly rinse the screen before re-installing it.