Your dental practice relies on efficient, problem-free equipment to keep operations running smoothly—and that includes your amalgam separators. These unsung heroes ensure compliance with EPA regulations, prevent hazardous waste from entering the water supply, and keep your suction lines free from harmful buildup. But like any essential equipment, they require regular maintenance to function effectively.
Neglecting amalgam separator upkeep can lead to clogs, reduced suction power, and costly repairs—not to mention potential regulatory fines. In this article, we’ll break down why routine maintenance is a must, how it protects both your practice and the environment, and the best way to stay on top of it without the hassle.
How Amalgam Separators Work—and Why Maintenance Matters
Amalgam separators are designed to capture and remove mercury-containing amalgam particles from dental office wastewater, preventing them from entering sewage systems. To remain compliant, these devices must achieve at least 95% removal efficiency to meet federal regulations. The regulation, which became effective on July 14, 2017, and required compliance by July 14, 2020, ensures that dental offices play their part in reducing mercury pollution.
Proper maintenance of amalgam separators is essential for:
- Regulatory Compliance – Staying in line with EPA mandates to avoid penalties or legal issues.
- Environmental Responsibility – Preventing elemental mercury from reaching water sources, where it can convert into methylmercury, a toxic compound that accumulates in fish and shellfish.
- Equipment Efficiency – Reducing the risk of clogged chair-side traps and vacuum pump filters, which can disrupt your practice’s operations.
- Long-Term Cost Savings – Avoiding expensive repairs or premature replacements caused by neglect.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Amalgam Separator
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) outline best management practices for handling amalgam waste, including:
- Regularly inspecting and cleaning chair-side traps and vacuum pump filters to prevent blockages.
- Following manufacturer recommendations for replacing separator collection containers before they reach capacity.
- Using commercial waste services to recycle or properly dispose of collected amalgam, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Avoiding bleach or chlorine-containing cleaners, which can dissolve amalgam and increase mercury discharge.
Skipping maintenance can result in inefficient separation, leading to suction issues, equipment malfunctions, and non-compliance risks. In the next section, we’ll cover the step-by-step approach to keeping your amalgam separator in top shape.
How to Maintain Your Amalgam Separator for Optimal Performance
Maintaining your amalgam separator doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency. By following a structured maintenance routine, your practice can ensure compliance with EPA regulations, prevent costly breakdowns, and keep your equipment running efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Amalgam Separator Maintenance
1. Check Manufacturer Guidelines
Each amalgam separator has specific maintenance requirements. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filter changes, cleaning schedules, and disposal procedures.
2. Inspect Chair-Side Traps and Vacuum Filters Regularly
Best practice: Clean and check traps daily or weekly, depending on patient volume.
Full or clogged traps can lead to reduced suction and equipment strain, increasing the risk of costly repairs.
3. Monitor Amalgam Separator Collection Containers
Most separators have a fill-level indicator—check it routinely to avoid overflow.
Replace collection containers before they reach capacity to prevent contamination or blockages.
4. Dispose of Amalgam Waste Properly
Use an EPA-compliant recycling service to handle amalgam waste. Do not dispose of amalgam waste in biohazard containers, red bags, regular trash, or drains.
Ensure extracted teeth with amalgam restorations are disposed of according to recycler guidelines.
5. Use the Right Line Cleaners
Avoid bleach and chlorine-based cleaners, as they can break down amalgam and release mercury into wastewater.
Instead, choose line cleaners specifically designed to minimize amalgam dissolution while keeping vacuum lines clear.
6. Schedule Routine Maintenance & Inspections
Set a regular maintenance schedule with a professional dental equipment maintenance service to check for potential issues before they escalate.
Document inspection dates, filter changes, and waste disposal records to stay compliant.
By incorporating these maintenance steps into your practice’s routine, you can protect your equipment, maintain compliance, and contribute to responsible environmental practices.
How Tekagogo’s Preventative Maintenance Program Keeps Your Amalgam Separator Running Smoothly
Regular maintenance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about preventing costly breakdowns before they happen. Tekagogo’s Preventative Maintenance Program takes the hassle out of maintaining your amalgam separator by ensuring it’s serviced on a structured schedule, so you never have to worry about missed filter changes, system clogs, or compliance risks.
Why Enroll in Tekagogo’s Preventative Maintenance Program?
- Automatic Scheduling – No more guessing when your amalgam separator needs service. With scheduled maintenance visits, your system stays in peak condition year-round.
- Regulatory Compliance – The EPA requires amalgam separators to achieve at least 95 percent removal efficiency. Routine maintenance ensures your practice meets these standards, avoiding penalties or legal issues.
- Reduced Downtime – Clogged or full separators can reduce suction power and disrupt patient care. Preventative maintenance keeps everything running smoothly.
- Proactive Issue Detection – Small problems can turn into major repairs if left unchecked. Regular service helps identify and resolve issues before they impact your practice.
- Flexible Scheduling – Maintenance can be scheduled after hours or on weekends to minimize disruptions to your office workflow.
- Cost Savings – Properly maintained equipment lasts longer, reducing the need for emergency repairs or premature replacements.
How the Program Works
- Enroll: Sign up for Tekagogo’s Preventative Maintenance Program to receive ongoing, scheduled service for your amalgam separator.
- Customized Scheduling: Choose a maintenance plan that fits your practice’s needs, whether that’s quarterly or semi-annual.
- Expert Service: A skilled technician will inspect, clean, and service your amalgam separator at regular intervals, ensuring it operates at peak efficiency.
- Ongoing Support: Keep track of maintenance history and upcoming service dates through Tekagogo’s platform, giving you full visibility and control.
With Tekagogo’s Preventative Maintenance Program, your practice can stay compliant, reduce unexpected equipment failures, and maintain seamless operations. Schedule a demo to learn more about how we take the stress out of equipment maintenance.
Stay Compliant and Avoid Downtime with Tekagogo
Amalgam separator maintenance isn’t just another item on your to-do list—it’s essential for protecting your equipment, ensuring EPA compliance, and keeping your practice running smoothly. With Tekagogo’s Preventative Maintenance Program, you get scheduled service, expert support, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your equipment is always in top condition.
Don’t wait for a clog or compliance issue to disrupt your operations. Enroll in Tekagogo’s Preventative Maintenance Program today and keep your practice running without interruption. Log into your dashboard or contact us to get started.