Dropmaster
(Patented)
By GECCO, Inc.
RR 2, Box 2476G
Factoryville, PA 18419
Phone: 1-866-GECCO-00
Fax: 1-570-945-9542
Operation Manual Table of Contents
I. Introduction page 2
II. Safety Instructions page 3
III. Operations Procedures page 4 & 5
IV. Water Calculations Sheet page 6
V. Troubleshooting page 7
VI. Maintenance page 8
VII. Model Information – options/replacement parts page 9
VIII. Warranty page 10 & 11
X. Registration - Updates page 12
*KEEP THIS DOCUMENT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE*
I. Introduction
Dropmaster’s family of tools utilizes the most advanced combination vacuum siphoning and
water discharge system available on the market to aid the fire protection contractor during the
change out of sprinkler heads. Our innovative design allows for a clean effective way to
change sprinkler heads. The Dropmaster will allow a sprinkler fitter to change heads with no
residual odor or water coming from the sprinkler piping network when a head is removed or the
system is breached. Sprinkler fitters will only need a minute or two to change each sprinkler
head in a finished ceiling area. The Dropmaster’s unique combination of water siphoning and
discharge will allow the fire protection contractors’ fitters to work in a safe, clean environment
while producing cost effective results. The Fire Protection Contractor benefits by saving time,
the client benefits because there is less disruption, less down time and less clean up.
Dropmaster siphoning system utilizes technology that removes odor and water from a sprinkler
system by creating a vacuum in the sprinkler piping network; when a sprinkler head is removed
or the system is breached a siphoning action takes place removing both water and odor.
Dropmaster is designed to maintain a 10” HG vacuum at all times. The machine is designed to
maintain that level of vacuum because the manufacturers of grooved couplings recommend not
exceeding 10” HG of vacuum pressure.
The 20 feet of flexible vacuum hose allows for a quick and easy connection to any drain.
Connect the hose, activate the power source and the Dropmaster is ready to GECCO.
The Dropmaster Mini E is rugged, portable and constructed to be transported in a service truck
or van. The unit (2’ x 2’-6”) is built on a handcart and designed to fit through a hospital,
nursing home, motel or office standard door opening. Dropmaster comes with an electric motor
(120-volt 20-amp circuit required). No extension cords.
The Dropmaster comes standard with an automatic draining system. Please note the draining
system should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Dropmaster benefits:
1. Odor free, bacteria free working environment
2. Easy set up, easy clean up
3. Less down time
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II. Safety Instructions
1. Read all instructions before operation. Retain instructions for your permanent records.
2. Disconnect power source before servicing or cleaning unit.
3. Do not permit unauthorized persons to use the unit at any time.
4. Do not put alcohol or other combustible materials in the vacuum tank.
5. Never operate compressor at pressures or speeds in excess of those recommended by
manufacturer.
6. Some elements on the unit may be quite warm in normal operation. Do not touch or
permit combustible materials to come in contact with these components.
7. Do not touch moving parts while Dropmaster is in service.
8. Technician operating Dropmaster should utilize eye and hearing
protection at all times.
9. Unit should be operated in a clean and well-ventilated area.
10. Dropmaster is to be used for siphoning water or non-toxic antifreeze sprinkler systems
only. Do not use for other applications.
11. Use caution when transporting Dropmaster unit, make sure unit is properly
secured in transporting vehicle. Transport unit upright.
12. Please note separate safety instructions are enclosed for the motor and the compressor
used in the Dropmaster. These manuals must be reviewed before operating Dropmaster.
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III. Dropmaster Operating Procedures
1. Dropmaster is to be used only by a qualified fire protection technician.
2. The Dropmaster is designed to be used on one sprinkler system at a time.
3. Utilize normal shut down procedures for ‘Alarms’; i.e. customer/owner must notify
service monitoring alarms and insurance company.
4. Drain system main and inspector’s test at main location and at auxiliary drains. Research
system as to size and amount of sprinkler lines, sprinkler heads and what length the
drops are. To determine the distance from Dropmaster to the area being serviced, a
preliminary calculation should be done to determine amount of water trapped in
system. See page 6 for water calculations.
5. Close all control valves on the sprinkler system on which you will be working drain as
much water as possible at the main drain and the inspectors test valve or auxiliary drain
valves before hooking up the Dropmaster to the sprinkler system.
6. Check to see if the fire department connection and ball drips are on system side of alarm
valve. If they are on system side of alarm valve they must be capped or plugged before
you begin using the Dropmaster.
7. IMPORTANT - Before connecting Dropmaster, you must review the power sources. The
Mini E unit requires a 120 volt 15 amp circuit with no extension cords.
8. Connect the ‘Dropmaster Odor and Water Eliminator’ to the main drain or any
convenient drain connection. When putting the Dropmaster in to service according to
specified procedures, it will maintain a constant 10.00 inches of mercury vacuum
pressure, which in turn will cause a siphon effect when a sprinkler head is removed; thus
allowing the sprinkler fitter the time required to replace the sprinkler head with no water
back splash or odor from the pipe.
9. Connect the 1” discharge hose to the drains, any outlet.
10. Turn on the unit, ensure the unit is operating and pulling a vacuum on the system to be
worked on.
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