In recent years, technologically advanced taps such as thermostatic mixers and photocell-controlled taps have become more popular in the public sector, but foot-operated taps continue to be chosen for many projects due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness and reliability. Idral foot-operated taps are designed to be long-lasting and easy to maintain, with no need for specific technical knowledge. The maintenance that may be necessary over time depends essentially on normal wear and tear or damage to the closing parts caused by foreign bodies coming from the piping, especially in cases where supply filters have not been installed (or incorrect installation). Here are the most frequent problems and how to solve them:
1) PROBLEM: poor water supply or inefficient mixing (hot water at too low a temperature).
The maximum water flow and its correct mixing (where applicable) are linked to the full stroke of the shut-off valve (1), which is pressed from the lever by a self-lubricating plastic screw (2); over time the latter may wear out, reducing the effective stroke of the valve. When necessary, the screw can be adjusted with a 12 mm spanner, unscrewing it until it comes into contact with the valve and resetting the lever play. This operation can be carried out by the end user, without the need to involve a specialist technician.
2) PROBLEM: Failure to close or delayed closure with pedal lever down
As a result of lever pressure, the shut-off valve slides from the outside to the inside of the pedal, slipping on o-ring seals: the dirt that could be deposited on the surface of the valve could eventually accumulate on the seals and prevent it from sliding freely, causing a slow return to the closed position or even blocking it with consequent continuous water supply. NB: this problem is highlighted when, when the lever is pressed fully down and then removed, the lever does not immediately return to its rest position (all the way up) but remains in the dispensing position, or rises slowly, prolonging the water supply. In this case it is necessary:
- Shut off the water supply
- Remove the pin with seeger (4) and remove the lever (3)
- Remove the packing gland (5)
- Clean and lubricate the gaskets inside the fitting: if the gaskets deteriorate, replace the entire fitting. WARNING: the gaskets used in the foot valve are of a special compound, selected for this type of use; for this reason, commercial gaskets cannot be used, only original spare parts must be used.
3) PROBLEM: water does not shut off, with pedal lever in rest position
Check the absence of the conditions indicated in point 2 and that the lever, pushed by the shut-off valve, returns to its rest position without obvious slowing down. If dripping or continuous water flow occurs, the shut-off valve and supply pin must be replaced, acting as follows and referring to these links for the spare parts exploded view:
| Taps | Two-pedal mixers | Single-pedal progressive mixers |
| Spare parts 02061 Spare parts 02064 |
Spare parts 02066 02068 spare parts |
02070 spare parts Spare parts 02072/90 |
- Remove the lever as indicated in point 2
- For items 02061-64-66-68:
- Turn off the water and remove the tap by disconnecting it from the power supply
- Remove the pin with seeger 02097PES and the lever
- Remove gland packing 02087
- Remove shut-off valve 02083 and return spring 02089
- Remove supply pin 02085
- Reassemble with new 02083 and 02085 components, taking care to grease the seals with silicone grease suitable for contact with drinking water.
- For art. 02070 - 02072/90:
- Remove the feed pin 02092: the spring 02095 and the shut-off valves 02091C - 02091F will also be removed.
- Reassemble with the new 02092 and 02091C / 02091F components, taking care to grease the seals with silicone grease suitable for contact with drinking water.
CAUTION: Before reassembling the body, check for dirt and foreign bodies, and clean the filters.
supply filters.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Before installation, bleed the supply pipes correctly and install filter taps with suitable characteristics (see installation instructions): failure to install them will invalidate the product warranty.
- In case of disassembly for maintenance clean the gaskets with filter in supply and replace if necessary
- When servicing the mixers (in case of water shutoff), we recommend replacing the sealing components of both hot and cold supplies in any case: this will extend the maintenance interval and ensure optimal performance.
- IDRAL has numerous service centres throughout Italy: if you have any doubts or needs, you can contact them to carry out maintenance on site.
by Alessandro Creola
Production manager