Vinotemp Wine Cooler Wine Spurting or Spitting

Vinotemp wine coolers are designed to keep your wines at the perfect temperature while offering a convenient dispensing system. However, one common issue that users may encounter is wine spurting or spitting when trying to dispense a bottle. This problem can be both messy and frustrating, disrupting the enjoyment of your wine collection. In this blog, we will delve into the causes of this issue, provide detailed DIY solutions, and offer preventive measures to ensure smooth operation of your Vinotemp wine cooler.

Causes of Wine Spurting or Spitting

Understanding the root causes of wine spurting or spitting is essential for effective troubleshooting and prevention. Here are the primary causes:

1. Wine Tube is Restricted
   • Description: The wine tube may be kinked or blocked, impeding the smooth flow of wine.
   • Impact: This restriction can cause wine to spurt out irregularly as the pressure builds up behind the blockage.
2. Bottle is Near Empty and There is Too Much Gas in the Bottle
   • Description: As the wine bottle nears emptiness, the remaining gas can cause an imbalance, leading to spurting.
   • Impact: The excessive gas pressure forces the wine out in spurts rather than a smooth flow.
3. Gas Pressure is Too High
   • Description: Excessive gas pressure can force the wine out too quickly, causing spitting and spurting.
   • Impact: High pressure disrupts the normal flow, leading to messy and inconsistent pouring.
4. Wine Solenoid Valve is Dirty
   • Description: A dirty solenoid valve can obstruct the flow of wine, causing it to spurt out erratically.
   • Impact: Debris or sediment in the valve hinders smooth dispensing, resulting in spurting.

DIY Solutions

Fixing wine spurting or spitting issues in your Vinotemp wine cooler can often be done at home with a few tools and some patience. Here are the steps for each cause:

1. Checking and Clearing Restrictions in the Wine Tube

• Step 1: Turn off and unplug the wine cooler to ensure safety.
• Step 2: Locate the wine tube and inspect it for any kinks, bends, or blockages.
• Step 3: Gently straighten any kinks and remove any visible blockages. If the tube is dirty, clean it with warm water and a mild detergent.
• Step 4: Reassemble the tube and ensure it is securely connected. Turn the cooler back on and test the dispensing function.

2. Changing the Empty Wine Bottle

• Step 1: Identify if the wine bottle is nearly empty.
• Step 2: Carefully remove the near-empty bottle from the dispenser.
• Step 3: Replace it with a full wine bottle, ensuring it is properly seated and connected to the dispenser.
• Step 4: Check the gas pressure and adjust if necessary, then test the dispensing function to ensure smooth operation.

3. Replacing the Pressure Regulator

• Step 1: Turn off and unplug the wine cooler for safety.
• Step 2: Locate the pressure regulator, typically found near the gas cylinder.
• Step 3: Detach the existing pressure regulator following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Step 4: Install a new pressure regulator, ensuring it is set to the appropriate pressure level as recommended by Vinotemp.
• Step 5: Reconnect the gas cylinder, turn the cooler back on, and test the dispensing function.

4. Cleaning the Wine Solenoid Valve

• Step 1: Turn off and unplug the wine cooler.
• Step 2: Locate the solenoid valve, which is usually inside the dispensing mechanism.
• Step 3: Carefully remove the valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Step 4: Clean the valve using a small brush and a solution of warm water and mild detergent, removing any debris or sediment.
• Step 5: Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely before reassembling.
• Step 6: Reinstall the clean solenoid valve, turn the cooler back on, and test the dispensing function.

Preventive Measures

To avoid future occurrences of wine spurting or spitting, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Regular Maintenance: Periodically check and clean the wine tubes and solenoid valves to prevent blockages and buildup of debris.
2. Monitor Gas Pressure: Regularly check the gas pressure and adjust it to the recommended level to ensure smooth dispensing.
3. Replace Bottles Promptly: Replace wine bottles before they are completely empty to maintain proper gas-to-wine balance.
4. Professional Servicing: Schedule regular professional maintenance to inspect and service the cooler’s components, ensuring optimal performance.

By understanding the causes, applying detailed DIY solutions, and following preventive measures, you can keep your Vinotemp wine cooler in excellent working condition, ensuring a perfect pour every time.