If there are internal blockages or damage, a likely cause is liquid coming from the reservoir if the float valve failed. If you suspect this, make sure the machine is turned off and disconnected, then open the machine up.

If you’ve seen any signs of liquid damage, then you will need to clean, sterilize, and dry all the internal tubing, as well as the inside of the pump.

There are two reasons for this. One is to prevent an infection risk. The second is that the full mains voltage goes into the device as far as the electric pump.

So if you try to run it with liquid inside, this may cause a short circuit and cause further damage.

The best thing to use for cleaning it is alcohol and cotton. You should not use chlorine on any metal parts, it causes rapid corrosion.

You need to first remove all of the tubing. This needs to be sterilized by soaking in chlorine solution and then rinsing thoroughly following normal cleaning protocols.

Next, disconnect the two terminals going to the pump.

You will now need to take the pump off the device, take it apart, and check all the internal parts and clean them. There are three screws holding the pump in place.

We will show you how to take out the individual parts in the subsequent videos.

All the internal parts need to be cleaned using cotton and alcohol and left to dry before reassembling. It really is important to clean everything thoroughly. Pre-term babies are extremely vulnerable to infection, which can easily kill them. Suction pumps are used constantly on multiple babies, so they represent a very high risk of cross-infection if they are not properly cleaned.

Only when everything is clean and dry will you reassemble the device and turn it on to test it. Do not turn it on while it is wet.