Your practice relies on your sterilization center to be operation smoothly and efficiently. If you are having trouble with your Midmark sterilizer, here are some quick things to check:

Water Level

• If the water level in your unit is low, it will not allow enough water in the chamber to effectively sterilize the contents.
• Low water will result in an error code displayed on the screen during a cycle.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance (also known as PM) is crucial for equipment longevity and performance. By regularly servicing and inspecting machinery, offices can identify potential issues before they lead to costly breakdowns or downtime. This proactive approach not only enhances safety and reliability but also improves efficiency, reduces repair costs, and extends the lifespan of equipment. Ultimately, it helps organizations maintain productivity and achieve better return on investment.

How can I tell if my unit needs a PM?

• Visible steam leaking out of the door while building pressure
• Water pooling underneath the door from water dripping past the gasket
• In severe cases, error codes will be thrown by the unit if pressure cannot be built in the chamber due to a steam leak

How is a PM on a Midmark M9/M11 Sterilizer Performed? 

• Midmark M9/M11 Maintenance Sheet - contains recommended daily, weekly and monthly maintenance
• Allow the machine to cool completely to avoid burns
• Check the door and dam gaskets
• If the door gasket is loose, it is time for replacement
• When replacing the door gasket, ensure that it is properly installed (pictured below)
• Ensure the dam gasket is properly seated inside the groove of the door gasket.
• If the dam gasket is installed incorrectly, it will not seal and will cause a steam leak
• Remove the trays and tray racks
• Using a paper towel with distilled water, wipe down the chamber
• Using a paper towel with distilled water, wipe down the water level (shaped like a disc) and temperature (shaped like a probe) sensors located in the rear of the chamber
• Check the steel mesh chamber filters
• One is located on the bottom of the chamber, the other is located on the rear of the chamber to the left of the temperature sensor
• Replacement is recommended, however they can be rinsed, cleaned and reinstalled
• To reinstall, push down while slightly twisting
• Reinstall tray rack
• It is crucial to install the tray rack properly. Improper installation can cause error codes to be thrown

Door Gasket Installation

Dam Gasket Installation

Correct (dam gasket is properly seated in groove of door seal):

Incorrect (dam gasket is not properly seated inside groove of door seal):

If your autoclave is still acting up after performing these quick checks, please contact us and we will get you up and running right away!