The amalgam separator by Solmetex NXT Hg5 needs to be replaced when the solids reach the "full line" that is dotted across the label. Alternatively, the manufacturer also recommends to replace it after 12 months even if the solids have not reached the full line.
How to tell when it needs replacement
The amalgam separator will be completely filled with water but you do not replace it when the water reaches the full line. You should only replace it if the solids in the container has reached the full line.
Photo of "full line" on Solmetex NXT Hg5: This container is filled with water with a tiny little bit of solids in it. The full line is dotted across the label.
Visual differences between Water vs Solid in amalgam separator:
The water is lighter in color and tends to sit on top.
The solids is darker in color and tends to sit on the bottom of the container.
Essentially it will form two layers, the bottom layer is solid and the top layer is water.
Photo example of same amalgam separator two months later: Here you can see the solids increasing in size after 2 months of use. yes, this is the same amalgam separator in the above photos.
You can easily distinguish the difference between water and solids in the photo above. It is quite obvious in our opinion.
We will upload a photo of what the amalgam separator looks like once the solids have reached the full line once we're ready to replace it. Stay tuned until then!
What if I forgot to replace it?
If you do not replace the amalgam separator after the solids have reached the full line, it will begin to get backed up. This could caused major problems to your dental plumbing system and we all know that plumbing bills ain't cheap.
What happens:
The solids will continue to build above the "full line" but it stops after a certain point.
The solids will start to get backed up into the plumbing lines after that point.
We are embarrassed to admit this but we forgot to do this at our dental office.
After we replaced it, the new container got full after just a week of use, that was how backed up it was.
Normally it takes about 9 months or so for it to fill up but it really depends on how busy your practice is.
Thankfully, nothing happened to our plumbing system but if you've ever experienced any mishaps with the compressor/vacuum you know it can shut down the whole office when its out of commission!
Our dentists in Long Island City wrote this article to remind ourselves of when to replace the amalgam separator by Solmetex and also what the signs to look for are. It's really helpful to know how to replace this by yourself because you can save a lot of money.