What’s involved?
On receipt of the head from your Sparklets syphon, we will inspect, examine, clean and test each component, and as part of our commitment to sustainability we will replace only those parts which are required, such as all the rubber seals. We will then completely sterilise your head, pressure test it on one of our test syphons one last time to guard against leaks, then return it to you, ready for use .
Guaranteed to last at least 12 months, our experience tells us that over 90% of all vintage Sparklets soda syphons heads can be reconditioned using our unique process. If you are unsure whether yours is suitable, please see the images and FAQs below. If you send us photos, including one of the CO2 capsule connection feature, we will be able to give you an opinion.
If you have an old metal bodied BOC Sparklets soda syphon in your collection or at the back of a cupboard, we can return a large proportion of Sparklets Soda Syphons from the 60’s and 70’s (see pictures for ones we have successfully reconditioned; we can also handle very early 'Globemasters') back to a fully working condition with about a 90% success rate. We also carry a limited range of original, new and re-manufactured parts.
Which syphon heads are suitable for reconditioning?
All BOC Sparklets brand metal bodied syphons with a solid coloured plastic head (with a CO2 capsule attachment feature with a round base (see first and third pictures - a neck close-up of an early Hostmaster 1 and a teal striped metal bodied syphon)) are suitable. This includes most Sparklets syphons from the late 1950's onwards, including early 'Hostmaster', 'Globemaster', etc. We are now also able to recondition glass bodied syphons (see my other listings) - do please send us a picture to make sure, before sending your syphon).
What to do next
Once you have paid for your order we will send you our postal address. Please then send us your old Sparklets soda syphon head (with all the internal parts) in a small cardboard box, which we will use to return your reconditioned syphon head back to you. We can also replace some missing or broken parts from our stocks of reconditioned spares, but this does carry an additional cost. For example, around 10% of syphon heads need a new plunger valve piece as the old one has broken at its end. As these currently have to be taken from another donor syphon before they can be reconditioned to replace the broken item; they cost an additional £20. Parts of the piercing assembly are also sometimes badly corroded, especially if deposits of limescale are present in the mouth of the CO2 capsule charging feature.
T's and C's
Over 90% of the heads for all the chrome plated Sparklets soda syphons from the 40's to the 60's can be reconditioned without needing additional components. Sometimes, however, during the dismantling process, components are found to have become broken, and where it is not possible to recondition them, we can offer alternatives. In these circumstances, we will inform you via Ebay message. We will then provide you with a quote for the cost of the (recycled or reconditioned or newly remanufactured) components required to complete your job.
Because you have not sent us your syphon body we are unable to inspect the inside for corrosion or damage (this is covered in the full reconditioning service listed elsewhere). As a result you will need to self-certify that the syphon body you currently have is mechanically strong enough to be re-pressurised once we supply a working syphon head. Soda syphons operate at a peak of around 60 to 90 pounds per square inch.
By paying for this service you have agreed that you are self-certifying that the body of your syphon is mechanically strong enough to be used for its intended purpose. Recon Syphons cannot, and does not, guarantee any part of your syphon that we have been unable to personally inspect for damage or wear.
Costs
A straightforward uncomplicated reconditioning of one syphon head (e.g. no substituted parts) is GBP70 inclusive of return UK postage. Discounts are available for multiple items sent together (10% on the cost for each additional item over the first, up to a maximum of 20%). Ask for a combined invoice at the checkout. Please contact us for revised postal costs if you are not from the UK.
Our head reconditioning service includes :
1) Taking the head apart to remove the cap, spring, valve plunger, CO2 inlet valve assembly, etc. Due to age and water damage, parts are often seized together badly or have become broken and cannot be re-used (see below for remedies).
2) All the old parts are ultrasonically and mechanically cleaned to remove traces of old grease, lime, metallic corrosion, rubber seals and dirt. Parts are deliberately not brought back to a “new and shiny” condition, but simply brought back to an “aged but fully working” condition to maintain authenticity.
3) Removal of all the old seals (these are generally old, cracked, inflexible and non-working); old natural rubber parts are discarded and replaced with new, more durable, ones.
4) All the old O ring and other types of seals used in the syphon head assembly are then replaced with correctly sized new ones (not recycled or recovered or old stock!).
5) All the parts in the syphon head are re-assembled using appropriate potable water service approved lubricants, using the correct one for each part.
6) The repaired head is then pressure and leak tested on one of our test syphons.
7) A12 hour soak test in a fridge is carried out to ensure there is no water or gas leakage and adequate levels of carbonation are maintained.
8) If all the head seals are working properly then good levels of carbonation and no water leakage will be observed, leading to an overall PASS. Leakage of water or low levels of carbonation are further investigated.
9) If all seems OK then the test syphon is emptied of water and the customer's head is made ready for dispatch to the owner or purchaser.
Where possible, metal and plastic parts not in current manufacture or which cannot be economically re-made are replaced by recycled ones from donor syphons. However, all rubber sealing parts used are NEW.