This film will explain what to do if the motor runs normally when you turn on the device, but when you block the patient tube, there is no suction or very weak suction.

The Aspiret suction pump works by sucking air out of a sealed system made up of all the tubes and the reservoir. This creates a vacuum.

If the motor is running correctly, but little or no vacuum is being produced, there are several possible causes that should be checked.

The first component to check is the float valve in the reservoir lid. When the reservoir becomes full, the float valve closes to stop further suction. This safety feature helps prevent the reservoir from overflowing. In most cases, emptying the reservoir will allow the device to operate normally again.

However, the float valve can sometimes become stuck. If it gets stuck when closed, suction may be reduced or lost. If it sticks open, fluids from an overfilled reservoir may enter the device.

The float valve can be removed by twisting and pulling it free.

Inside the float valve housing is a small insert piece with a red rubber seal attached to it. This piece can be removed by simply turning the float valve upside down. The seal can then be detached by gently pulling it off the tip of the insert piece.

Check the red rubber seal at the end of the insert piece for signs of damage or wear, and replace it if necessary. If removed, make sure to refit the seal the correct way around.

Once fitted back onto the tip of the insert piece, drop it back into the float valve housing and refit the entire float valve onto the lid. The float should move freely up and down. If it does not move, the valve may not function correctly and needs to be replaced.

If the float valve is not the cause, inspect the reservoir and lid for any signs of damage. Check that the seal inside the lid is intact and replace it if it is worn or damaged. Look for any cracks in the lid or reservoir that could allow air to enter the system.

Finally, make sure the lid fits securely and closes properly.

A blocked bacterial filter can also reduce or prevent suction and may need to be replaced.

When fitting a new filter, make sure it is installed the correct way around as it is designed to allow airflow in only one direction.

Check the filter for any signs that water has passed through it. This may appear as a color change or residue. If this is present, the filter must be replaced as it represents an infection risk.

Water damage on the filter may also indicate that the float valve is not working properly. This could mean that water has entered the internal tubing of the device where it may have caused blockages or damage, in which case, the whole machine will need to be cleaned and disinfected. We will show you how to do this in a later film.

If no problems have been found so far, the next step is to open the machine and inspect the internal components. Make sure you turn the device off and unplug it before starting.

Once opened, check for any signs of liquid damage. If none is found, check that all tubes are correctly connected and that none are broken or blocked. If there is any sign of liquid damage or liquid is visible in any of the tubes, the machine will need to be disassembled and cleaned.

If no leaks or blockages are identified, the issue may be with the regulator knob. This controls the level of suction and can become damaged. This will be covered in a later video showing how to check and replace it.

Finally, if no faults have been found, the problem is likely within the pump motor itself. Further videos will demonstrate how to assess and repair these components.