Posted on September 13 2021
Side Mount Sensor Flushometers are inherently easy to maintain, which is why they are such a popular choice for a retrofit sensor flushometer. The most common maintenance issue with them is simply that the batteries are dying or dead. However, there can be other situations that do require some additional maintenance. In this article, you will learn the following:
- General side mount information, including the acronyms of all four side mount models and major differences between them
- Installation instructions all side mount models
- How to turn on service mode
- When to replace the sleeve assembly and why
- The most common side mount flushometer field issues and solutions for all models.
General Information about Side Mount Sensor Flushometers
Side mount operators can be retrofitted onto any existing Sloan manual flushometer. This includes flushometers on water closets, urinals, utility (service) sinks, and bedpan washers. Note that this statement applies to exposed manual flushometers, not concealed (behind wall) flushometers.
Side Mount Operator Models
Sloan makes four different Side Mount Operator models, SMOOTH, SMO, SFSM, and DFSM. Here is what those acronyms stand for:
-
SMOOTH – Side-Mount Operator Over
The Handle - SMO – Side-Mount Operator
- SFSM – Single Flush Side-Mount
- DFSM – Dual Flush Side-Mount
Major differences between the units include the following:
- The SMO model has an electronic override button, whereas the other 3 units all have a True Mechanical Override (TMO) button. The SMOOTH, SFSM and DFSM also have a ‘non-hold open’ design that prevents intentional flooding.
- SMOOTH, SFSM and DFSM are available in hardwired models. The SMO does not have a hardwired option.
- SMOOTH units are placed over the handle, and the other 3 units replace the handle.
- SMOOTH side mount operators do not readily attach to GEM flushometers.
- Dual Flush Side Mount (DFSM) operators do not readily attach to piston type flushometers.
Read our Sloan Retrofit Kit Flushometer Comparison Guide to learn more about retrofit flushometer options. The guide includes a helpful side mount operator comparison chart that makes choosing the right model for you simple and easy.
Installation Directions for Side Mount Sensor Flushometers
Plus directions for how to turn on service mode when performing maintenance.
Directions for installation SMO, SFSM, and DFSM units
- Shut the water off (although very experienced installers can make this update without shutting the water off). This avoids any possibility of tripping the relief valve and getting a rush of water.
- Remove the handle.
- Install the new side mount operator. The unit comes with the wrench needed to complete the installation.
- Power on the unit or remove the label over the sensor. This enables the unit to enter the ‘start-up’ mode once it detects a target.
Directions for installation of SMOOTH units
- Turn the water off.
- Slip the unit over the handle.
- Tighten the unit with the included allen wrench.
- Remove the sticker from the sensor so it can detect a target.
- Move out of the way so it can calibrate for 1 minute.
Directions for Service Mode for Side Mount Units
All side mount units can be placed in a “service mode,” which means that maintenance personnel don’t have to worry about setting off the sensor and getting surprise flushes when a unit is being cleaned or sanitized. “Service mode” can be turned on for up to 10 minutes by pushing the TMO button for 15 seconds. After cleaning is complete, press the TMO button once to exit service mode. Otherwise, the unit will return to regular service after 10 minutes.
Replacing the Sleeve Assembly: When and Why
Note: This section is applicable to Single Flush Side Mount (SFSM) and Dual Flush Side Mount (DFSM) units only.
Side Mount Sensor Flushometers require very minimal maintenance, and are also very easy to install, making them one of our most popular sensor products. However, there is one repair part that you‘ll want to keep on hand: The sleeve assembly.
How you will know if the sleeve assembly needs to be replaced:
If water begins to leak from the nut, then the sleeve assembly needs to be replaced. This is important to do right away because, if ignored, water will get inside the unit and deteriorate the plug. Then the water will damage the electronics inside the side mount. When that happens, the entire side mount operator needs to be replaced. Directions for making this repair can be found in the “Issues and Solutions” section further down in this blog. Look for the indicator ‘Leaking at the handle coupling during flush,’ and find EBV-500-A SFSM and EBV-550-A DFSM underneath.
We highly recommend keeping sleeve assemblies in stock so you can quickly replace them when needed. If you maintain the sleeve assemblies, your side mounts can last a long time, and you can avoid the expense of replacing the entire unit.
Part #88849 (Sloan model EBV-570-A)
For Single Flush Side Mount
EBV-500-A units
View online
Part #89753 (Sloan model EBV-505-A)
For Dual Flush Side Mount
EBV-550-A units
View online
Sleeve Assembly Installation Tip:
Be sure to place the sleeve assembly with the flat notch facing upwards into the collar nut. Failure to install flat notch correctly can result in damage to the unit. Tighten collar nut with supplied collar wrench.
Most Common Side Mount Sensor Flushometer Field Issues and Solutions
Below are side mount issues and solutions, listed by model, in order from most common to least common. 9 out of 10 times, the problems associated with side mount operators have to do with the batteries. Other issues can occur, although they are much less common. For more information related to side mount light indicators, range adjustment, and closet/urinal calibration, see our related article, Sloan Side Mount Light, Range, and Calibration Information.
EBV-200-A SMOOTH Issues and Solutions
Note that there are no repair parts for SMOOTH units. So all troubleshooting will end in either replacing the batteries, fixing the unit, or replacing the unit. SMOOTH units are also available in an EL-600-A hardwired model.
Indicator: Red LED flashes when no user is present or does not flash when user is within range
Issue: Range is not properly adjusted
Resolution: Adjust sensor range. Note that if there is a mirror across from the unit, the unit will probably have to be replaced because it’s reflection will cause it to function improperly. Range can be adjusted to its mode. If it’s a urinal in closet mode, then you would push the lever, wait for it to display urinal mode, then adjust the lever so it has the correct sensor range.
Indicator: Sensor blinks rapidly when user is within range
Issue: Batteries are low
Resolution: Replace batteries
Indicator: LED lights do not function
Issue: Batteries are dead or unit no longer functions
Resolution: Replace batteries or replace unit
Indicator: Override button works, sensor not detecting target
Issue: Improper range adjustment or sensor issue
Resolution: Adjust sensor range or replace unit. First check batteries. Then check the range and see if it needs to be adjusted using the TMO button. If that isn’t the case, then the sensor has died and the unit needs to be replaced.
Indicator: Override button and sensor work, no flush
Issue: High static pressure or worn out gears
Resolution: Adjust static pressure or replace the unit. If you hear the motor start to turn but then it sounds like it’s under stress, that is an indication that there is high static pressure and the unit needs to be adjusted. If you don’t hear any change in sound, then the gears may be worn out which indicates that the unit needs to be replaced.
EBV-89-A SMO Issues and Solutions
Indicator: Green LED flashes when no user present
Issue: Sensor is covered or range is set too far out
Resolution: Uncover sensor and/or adjust range
Indicator: Yellow LED flashes
Issue: Low batteries
Resolution: Replace batteries
Indicator: LED lights are not functioning
Issue: Dead batteries
Resolution: Replace batteries
Indicator: Leaking at the handle coupling during flush
Issue: B39 “Cone” seal worn out
Resolution: Replace B39 seal. Do this by turning off the water, removing the unit and the cone seal, then cleaning where the cone seal was and cleaning the plunger if needed. Then add a little silicone grease on the inside of the seal, then push it over the plunger, snapping it over the barb of the bushing. Put the handle gasket back in place when mounting the unit back to the valve body.
Indicator: Override button works, sensor not detecting target
Issue: Improper range adjustment or sensor issue.
Resolution: Adjust sensor range or replace unit. Most likely, it just needs to be adjusted if the sensor range window is not damaged. Often the sensor is either under or over extended. If the sensor is broken, then the unit will simply need to be replaced.
Indicator: Override button and sensor work, no flush
Issue: High static pressure or worn out gears
Resolution: Adjust static pressure or replace the unit. Static pressure can happen on low floors. Most often if you hear the motor turn and nothing happens, this means the gears are likely worn out. However, sometimes the relief valve might be hung up on the diaphragm or piston, and needs to be adjusted.
Indicator: Override button does not work but sensor does
Issue: Worn out button cover or broken button switch
Resolution: Replace button cover. It is possible for the button to wear out or become damaged, but this does not happen often. If you remove the button cover, and push the button, and the unit works, then the button cover simply needs to be replaced. If the button does not work, then the unit needs to be replaced.
EBV-500-A SFSM and EBV-550-A DFSM Issues and Solutions
Issues and solutions are listed together for both the single and dual side mount units because they are very similar.
Indicator: Red LED flashes continuously, OR Red LED flashes 4x after 8 seconds, OR Red LED flashes 1x per hour with no user
Issue: Batteries are low
Resolution: Replace batteries
Indicator: Red LED flashes continuously after calibration
Issue: Improper start up
Resolution: Remove batteries for 10 seconds and repeat installation procedure
Indicator: LED lights do not function
Issue: Batteries are dead or unit is dead
Resolution: Replace batteries. If the unit still does not start up after new batteries are installed, the unit has died and needs to be replaced.
Indicator: Leaking at the handle coupling during flush
Issue: Bushing assembly (also called a sleeve assembly) is worn out
Resolution: Replace EBV-570-A Single Flush Bushing assembly (black) or EBV-505-A Dual Flush Bushing Assembly (green). There is a cone seal around the plunger. When this leaks, you replace the whole bushing assembly. The replacement bushing assembly comes assembled with a gasket, and is pre-greased with 100% silicone grease. Buy the bushing assembly for the unit you are repairing, then remove the old bushing assembly and clean out the plunger. Then slide the new bushing assembly onto the unit, make sure it is aligned properly with the notches, and tighten it onto the valve body.
Indicator: Override button works, sensor not detecting target
Issue: Improper range adjustment or sensor issue
Resolution: Adjust sensor range or replace unit. First, check to make sure the sensor range is correctly set. The range might be too short or too long or picking up a stall door behind it. If you get no response while completing the sensor adjustment, then the unit may have died and needs to be replaced.
Indicator: Override button and sensor work, no flush
Issue: High static pressure or worn out gears
Resolution: Adjust static pressure or replace the unit. Static pressure can happen on low floors. Most often if you hear the motor turn and nothing happens, this means the gears are likely worn out. However, sometimes, the relief valve might be hung up on the diaphragm or piston, and needs to be adjusted.
Indicator: Override button does not work but sensor does
Issue: Button damaged
Resolution: Replace unit. This issue is very rare. If the TMO button is very loose, then either the button is damaged, or if neither works, then the unit might be in improper start up mode. If that is the case, remove the plunger, wait 10 seconds, then start it back up. If none of that helps, then the button is damaged and the unit will need to be replaced.