As we hit the halfway mark of the year, now is the perfect time to conduct a thorough check-up on your bottling equipment and water treatment systems. Preventive maintenance ensures that your operations are running smoothly and compliant to help extend the lifespan of your machines. For companies that rely on high-performance automatic bottling machines, a mid-year tune-up is essential to avoiding costly downtime.
At Steelhead Inc., we know the importance of keeping your bottling equipment in prime operating condition. With over four decades of experience in engineering and building industry-leading water treatment and bottling equipment, we’re here to help you keep things running smoothly. Use this mid-year maintenance checklist to stay ahead of potential issues and maintain peak productivity.
1. Inspect and Sanitize Your Bottling Equipment
Your automatic bottling machine is the core of your operation. Whether you’re producing 5-gallon bottled water or single-serve containers, cleanliness and mechanical reliability are essential.
Checklist:
- Clean nozzles and filling heads to prevent contamination.
- Clean and sanitize conveyor belts and bottle holders.
- Check for residue buildup in rinse, fill, and cap stations.
- Replace any worn or cracked O-rings and gaskets.
- Lubricate moving parts as specified in the machine manual.
Steelhead Inc. offers a variety of bottling equipment options, from semi-automatic to fully automatic lines designed for ease of maintenance. Our stainless steel bottling machines resist corrosion and simplify the cleaning process.
2. Check and Calibrate Sensors and Controls
Modern automatic bottling machines use multiple sensors and automated controls to monitor fill levels, cap placement, and bottle positioning. Ensuring these are properly calibrated can prevent errors, reduce waste, and improve output quality.
Checklist:
- Calibrate level sensors and flow meters.
- Test emergency stop and safety mechanisms.
- Verify alignment of visual sensors and detection systems.
Steelhead Inc.’s bottling machines are engineered with intuitive controls and diagnostics to help you quickly identify and correct sensor issues before they affect your operations.
3. Test Water Treatment Components
The quality of your water starts with your treatment system. Whether you’re using ozone, UV, or reverse osmosis, mid-year maintenance is essential for maintaining water purity and system efficiency.
Checklist:
- Test and replace filters and membranes as needed.
- Clean and descale tanks and tubing.
- Check the performance of UV sterilizers and replace lamps if necessary.
- Verify ozone generator output and inspect contact chambers.
Steelhead Inc. manufactures advanced water treatment systems that are fully integrated into our bottling equipment, ensuring your end product meets the highest standards of purity and taste.
4. Review Bottle Washer Performance
Steelhead Inc.’s automatic bottling machines can also include high-performance bottle washers to ensure containers are free from contaminants before filling. Poor washing performance can compromise water quality and brand trust.
Checklist:
- Inspect washer jets for blockages.
- Check temperature settings for sanitization efficacy.
- Clean and descale the washer chamber.
- Ensure detergent levels are properly maintained.
5. Train Your Team
Even the best automatic bottling machine can run into trouble if operators aren’t properly trained. Mid-year is a great time to conduct refresher training on safety protocols, maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting techniques.
Checklist:
- Review startup/shutdown procedures.
- Provide hands-on cleaning and inspection demonstrations.
Steelhead Inc. offers service and support for every product we deliver, helping your team maximize uptime and product quality.
Stay Ahead with Steelhead Inc.
Regular maintenance ensures your investment in premium bottling equipment continues to pay off year after year. At Steelhead Inc., our machines are efficient and easy to maintain. From automatic bottling machines to fully integrated water treatment systems, our products are designed to meet the needs of water bottling companies across the globe.
Request a quote with Steelhead Inc. today or call 800.966.7471 to learn how we can support your success.
