Autoclaves are the heartbeat of any sterilisation setup. Whether you’re running a dental practice, tattoo studio, lab or vet clinic, your business relies on a functioning unit. But when something goes wrong, repairs can be expensive and stressful. Knowing what to check before calling in a technician can save you time, cash and headaches.
If your current machine is outdated or unreliable, you can browse high-performance autoclaves built for long-term use.
1. Don’t Skip a Thorough Pre-Repair Inspection
Before booking a repair, run a simple in-house inspection. You might find the issue is minor and doesn’t need a tech at all. Loose lids, low water tanks or dirty filters can look like big faults but are easy to fix on your own.
Start with basics:
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Is it plugged in?
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Is the door seal cracked or out of place?
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Does the tank need cleaning?
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Is there any noise or strange smell?
Keep an eye out for error codes, power issues or unfinished cycles. Document what you find. That info helps when speaking to a technician.
Many fixes are possible once you understand the issue. If you’re not sure how to troubleshoot, a useful reference on testing autoclave components before repair can help you break down where the problem might be coming from.
2. Understand Who Should Repair It—and Who Shouldn’t
Not every technician is qualified to work on your machine. Some general appliance repairers may not understand the inner workings or safety risks of autoclaves. You need someone with experience in sterilisation equipment.
Before you hand it over, check:
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Are they certified for your model?
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Do they use genuine replacement parts?
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Will they give you a written report?
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Do they know industry rules?
We’ve seen damage done by unqualified hands. What looked like a simple fix ended up costing more in second repairs. Worse, it can void your warranty or cause safety issues.
To avoid that mess, it's important to learn about autoclave repair and maintenance essentials to make sure your technician is the real deal.
3. Always Back Up Sterilisation Records First
Digital autoclaves often store cycle logs on internal memory or USB. These records help with compliance and protect you if there’s ever a dispute about sterilisation practices. Before any service or reset, back everything up.
If your machine needs a software update or mainboard replacement, that data can disappear. For clinics, this isn’t just inconvenient—it can be a legal risk.
You might not realise how much you rely on this data until it's gone. So make regular backups part of your routine. If the unit doesn’t allow it, it might be time to look at models with better digital tracking.
Backing up doesn’t just protect records—it protects your business.
4. Know the Common Signs of Bigger Issues
Sometimes what seems like a simple fault is just a symptom of something more serious. You might replace a valve or sensor, only to have the same problem show up again a week later.
Here’s what to keep an eye on:
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Cycles stop midway through
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Pressure builds too slowly or not at all
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Instruments come out wet
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Steam leaks during operation
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Repeat fault codes with no pattern
These problems often come from hidden issues like failing circuit boards or heating elements. Doing quick fixes again and again won’t help. A full inspection gives you a clearer view of whether the unit’s worth repairing.
If you’re seeing the same error twice, don’t assume it’s random. It’s often the sign of a larger problem.
5. Compare Repair Costs Against Replacement Value
Before agreeing to any quote, think about the long-term value. A repair might seem cheaper upfront, but if the machine is old or needs multiple parts, replacing it could be smarter.
You might be better off replacing if:
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Repair costs exceed half the cost of a new machine
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Your model is over 8 years old
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You’re waiting weeks for parts
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You’ve had similar repairs in the past year
A clinic in Sydney faced this issue last year. After spending nearly $2,000 across three repairs, they were forced to buy a new unit anyway when the steam generator gave out. That money could’ve covered a brand-new machine with modern features and faster cycle times.
Long-term thinking always wins here.
6. Check the Warranty—Even If You Think It's Expired
Warranties don’t always end when you think they do. Some cover parts longer than others, and if you’ve stuck to the service plan, you may qualify for extended support.
Before paying out of pocket, look through your original warranty docs. If you’re not sure, ask the supplier or manufacturer. Brands sometimes offer goodwill repairs if you’ve kept the machine in good condition.
In one case, a small clinic had their pump replaced for free even though the base warranty had ended months earlier—because they had a full service record and used approved parts.
It’s worth checking. You could save hundreds.
7. Use Downtime to Review Your Workflow
If your machine is out of service, don’t waste the wait. This is a good time to review how sterilisation fits into your daily flow. You might find room for big improvements.
Start with questions like:
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Do we rely too heavily on one unit?
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Is there a backup machine or manual tracking method?
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Could we space out procedures to reduce load?
One vet clinic in Brisbane used downtime to revamp how they handled instrument prep. Instead of scrambling, they now run a daily sterilisation checklist, stagger use and rotate gear. No more panic when one unit’s offline.
Sometimes, a repair gives you the chance to rethink everything.
8. Plan for Preventative Maintenance Going Forward
Most repair jobs could’ve been avoided with simple maintenance. A good plan doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to happen on time.
Set a schedule:
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Weekly: Clean the chamber and drain
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Monthly: Check seals, gaskets and filters
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Quarterly: Do full inspections
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Annually: Get professional servicing
Also, document everything. When a tech comes in, your records will help them get up to speed quickly. It’ll also help with warranty claims and audits.
Maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns. It extends the life of your machine and keeps your workflow smooth.
FAQs
1) How often should I get my autoclave serviced?
Service frequency depends on how often you use it. For high-use clinics, quarterly servicing is a must. At the very least, get a full service once a year. Clean the chamber weekly, check gaskets monthly and run a vacuum leak test regularly. Keep a service log. It keeps you safe and helps with future warranty or repair claims.
2) Is it safe to repair an autoclave in-house?
You can safely handle basic tasks like cleaning filters or replacing rubber gaskets. But anything involving pressure, heat or electronics should be left to a certified technician. Autoclaves work under high heat and pressure, so a wrong move can lead to safety hazards. Follow your user manual and only do what’s allowed without tools.
3) What’s the average lifespan of an autoclave?
With regular maintenance, most units last 8–10 years. High-end models with good care can push 12–15 years. But once replacement parts get scarce or faults start stacking up, it’s usually time to upgrade. Age isn’t the only factor—cost and reliability matter too.
4) How do I know if the heating element is the issue?
You’ll notice the chamber stays cold or the cycle doesn’t build pressure. Some machines display a fault code specific to heat failure. If you’re seeing these symptoms, a technician can test resistance levels to confirm. Heating faults are serious, and they often signal deeper electrical problems.
5) Can I use my autoclave while waiting for repair?
Only if you’re 100% sure the issue doesn’t affect sterilisation. If it’s anything related to heat, pressure or chamber integrity, stop using it. Running cycles with a fault can lead to unsterile instruments and legal trouble. When in doubt, switch to a backup or use manual tracking until it’s fixed.
Stay Ahead of Repairs by Staying Informed
Autoclave repairs aren’t just technical—they affect your workflow, safety and peace of mind. Don’t wait until something breaks to act. Start with inspections, hire qualified help and always back up your records.
The smart move is to stay prepared. Fix small issues early, track servicing and plan ahead. That’s how clinics stay productive and safe—even when problems pop up. For trusted autoclave solutions, quality servicing tools and expert support, visit MES Australia. Your sterilisation process will thank you.
For all your autoclave requirements, please call us today on 1300 342 013 or leave an enquiry.
