How do you clean the bite valve? There appears to be no way to remove the bite valve from the tube because it is sealed inside the rubber stopper.
1522142
They can be removed if you pull hard enough, but to clean the inside of the bite valve you will need to squeeze the bottom half of the bladder for the cleanser from the bladder to go through the tube in the inside of the valve.
1522143
I boil water and then place it in the water for 30 seconds to a minute and repeat as necessary. I also run the hot water through the line. Its quite durable and I havent had a problem doing this thus far.
1969564
If you have a pair of really good scissors you can cut into the bottle and get the last bit out. It takes some work, but can be done. I have done this a few times, and have gotten a couple more days out at least.
794055
Yeah just like the other users said. Pull out the stopper and squeeze the air out. You have to squeeze the valve stem a little bit to open it up.
2281840
After working with this awhile, I found that you can take the whole rubber valve completely off and it releases the pressure. I tried and tried pushing the little button to no avail and finally got frustrated so I attacked the whole rubber valve and it came off easily. Now I can use it. It is made well and looks like a polycarbonate container which is very tough. I'd recommend this with the instruction manual modified to tell us the rubber valve can be removed to release the pressure.
2052802
The big bite cover doesnt fit with this big bite valve. You have to plug to the tube and thats it.To release water to your mouth you just have to bite the valve with your front tooth an suck. It doesnt have a cover or something.
342691
I'm having a problem with staining on the hard plastic under the bit valve. There is a dark brown ring stain that won't come clean with bleach. Although I know it is clean, I don't like the looks of the dark brown ring, which is visible through the bite value. Has anyone found a way to remove this stain?
66712
The next time you get it off, and before resealing it, you should always use a little bit of Vaseline to lube the threads of the housing. If you do that, the next time you remove it, it will be much easier. A tiny amount of Vaseline also helps seat the O-ring properly. Vinegar and a warm water soak is also recommended for your first removal. I have not tried that, but it is in the instructions and makes a lot of sense.
847161
weird trick that I use is the effervescent tablets used to clean dentures. I drop a tablet in the bottle that's filled with water. The bubbles help loosen up the gunk in the places the bottle brush cannot reach. After the effervescents, I wash the bottle with dish soap and water. and Presto! bottle is like new
2248178
As the others have said, it's a bite valve that has to be squeezed (quite vigorously) at the bottom to inflate or let the air out. I'm sure there's a more difficult valve out there... I just don't know where it is!
428392
The tire valve is NOT easily removable. It is crimped on. If you're creative and handy you could cut the hose and add your own needle assembly. It is a well made tool also.
18970
I used a dental pick. You simply put the tip of the pick under the black O-Ring and remove it. It improved the flow and function measurably.
1074697
Great question! I was concerned about that when I first got mine. I have three of these that are used for community functions. My solution was to take a latex glove, scrub the outside, turn it inside out and scrub the inside to make sure it is clean, then cut the fingers off and use the small one to slide over the top spout. That works great for me!
2138788
I just run water through the hose and wash the out side of the mouth piece with warm water, maybe a little soap. Then hang it on something so it drys completely before I use it again.
260101
There is a small plastic cap, mine was yellow or green (can't remember) that is screwed onto the valve assembly. It is where you screw on one of the plastic nozzles. The valve can be pushed through to the inside of the cap so you can clean it. As no nozzle is attached when it is shipped, they put a transportation lock on the valve to prevent it from falling into the unit.
584632
BEATS ME, I SENT MINE BACK. I believe the bite valve was straight, as was the place where the tube exits the cap. 'Believe', not sure. I sent mine back, unused, as the tube was too short to be useable.
1058297
Denture cleaner works wonders too. Add 4 or 5 tablets fill with water, let sit for several hours and clean with a bottle brush then rinse. You will be amazed at the black crud that comes out.
1466462
I don't have this problem, so I can't help you. I empty the bottle immediately after each ride and leave the top off until I fill it again. I also never close the valve, since the bottle sits upright in my bike rack holder.