How to Fix a Soap Dispenser? - Polish Manufacturer Mexen - Mexen Ireland

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How to Fix a Soap Dispenser?

How to Fix a Soap Dispenser?
Category: Practical bathroom tips
Author: Mexen

Liquid soap dispensers are simple devices that have become a staple in Irish kitchens and bathrooms. Their operation principle is remarkably simple: you press the pump, soap flows out through the spout, and the pump automatically retracts for the next cycle. Unfortunately, even such a straightforward accessory can malfunction. The most common cause of dysfunction is a clogged or broken spring. Let's see how to deal with this.

Liquid Soap Dispenser - How Does the Pump Work?

The pump in a soap dispenser is a very clever mechanism. When you press it with your finger, the spring-loaded piston pushes air into the soap reservoir, creating a vacuum inside the container. The liquid is drawn in just after the piston retracts. The next press causes part of the soap to be pushed into a small tube leading to the spout, while the rest returns to the reservoir, creating the vacuum necessary for pumping fresh soap.

The Dispenser Pump Doesn't Work - What Does It Mean?

The two most common issues with manual dispensers are the pump failing to retract or improper soap distribution. If you notice the pump is not retracting, it is likely blocked. It's important to remember that some soap dispensers lock after the pump is fully pressed and rotated 90 degrees. In this case, you can unlock the pump by turning it back to the operating position.

Another potential problem is a too short or bent tube. Inexpensive plastic soap dispensers usually have plastic tubes that are easily damaged. A common cause of dysfunction is also a blocked tube. Sometimes, soap hardens in the tube, effectively blocking it - in this case, simply rinse the mechanism with warm water.

Soap Dispenser - How to Clean the Accessory?

First, unscrew the cap from the soap container and remove the pump. Wipe the tube thoroughly with a paper towel, then submerge all the apparatus, including the pump and tubes, in warm water for about 5 minutes. The water dissolves hardened soap, so if you had problems dispensing liquid, this procedure may solve the issue. If the malfunction is due to a broken spring, soaking the mechanism will ease the later disassembly of the device.

Soap Dispenser Still Not Working - What to Do?

If the soap dispenser doesn't work despite thorough cleaning, you can proceed to a full "service." Start by unscrewing the pump reservoir from the spout, then remove the spring. If the accessory is in good technical condition and shows no signs of intensive use, there's no point in buying a new dispenser. The cost of purchasing a spring is minimal, and its installation is entirely intuitive. You can also replace the dispenser tube if it is too short or bent. The tube is not permanently attached to the dispenser, so you can easily remove it. You will find replacement accessories in any bathroom shop and on the manufacturer's websites.

Don't Look for New Dispensers - Repair the Old Ones!

If none of these procedures fix your pump, it is likely due to damage to the internal seals. In such a case, repair is absolutely unfeasible, and purchasing a new pump is a decidedly better solution. However, such cases are rare, so with a little effort, you can save your soap dispenser and restore its smooth operation. Remember to act as soon as you notice the first problems. In the vast majority of cases, using warm water and thoroughly rinsing the dispenser is sufficient to restore uninterrupted operation.

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