Soda Syphons are fairly simple beasts, but are prone to two main problems. Firstly, the rubber parts perish over time and so the syphon loses pressure. There is no cure for perished rubber, so you'll have to source a spare part. The best place to look is somewhere like a plumbers, where they have rubber gaskets. Take your part in & see if they have anything similar. Enthusiasts may wish to start with a lump of rubber and make their own!

The second problem is losing the bulb-holder. Many second-hand syphons are sold without this precious item. See here for more details.

  1. Press lever to ensure syphon is not charged. Unscrew head and remove syphon tube, making sure the plastic sleeve stays inside. Fill the syphon body to the top with cold water, (A) If the level falls after filling DO NOT top up again as this will overfill the syphon.
  2. Replace the syphon tube and screw on head tightly - take care not to cross the threads. (B)
  3. Insert bulb into bulb holder and screw firmly onto syphon head. The bulb is automatically pierced and the gas discharged. The syphon is charged when gas cannot be heard bubbling into the water (about 30 seconds).
  4. Shake syphon vigorously for at least 10 seconds. (D)
  5. Remove bulb holder. There will be a gentle pop or hiss which will stop in a few seconds.

Important Don'ts
Do not fill the syphon without making sure the arrowed plastic sleeve is in position inside the syphon body.
Do not use more than one bulb except when charging a Globemaster model which requires two bulbs.
Do not fill the syphon with warm water unless you are cleaning it. Before using a syphon for the first time or if the syphon has been stored for a long time it should first be rinsed out. Follow the Instructions for cleaning given below.

For Globemaster models only
Repeat stages 3, 4 an d 5 ie syphon requires two bulbs to fully charge.

Cleaning a syphon
Press lever to ensure syphon is not charged. Remove head, syphon tube and then remove the plastic sleeve by using the key provided on the end of the bulb holder (E). Rinse out with plain warm water. Replace the plastic sleeve syphon tube and head.