My dispenser doesn't respond when I hold my hand under it. What's wrong?
Check a few things before assuming it is broken. First, distance: Secura says the sensor detects a hand from as far as 2.75 inches, so a hand held well below the nozzle will not trigger it. Second, soap: Secura warns against thick or lotion-based soap, which can clog the nozzle, and then the sensor fires but nothing comes out, which looks just like a dead unit. Third, batteries: it can blink red when they need changing. If it still will not dispense, contact Secura under the two-year warranty.
What batteries does it take, and how long do they last?
It takes four AA batteries, and they are not in the box. Battery life depends on how often the dispenser is used, and it is generally long: one household changed the batteries only twice in nearly three years. A red blink can signal that the batteries are running low.
Can I put dish soap or lotion in this instead of hand soap?
Not lotion, and not any thick soap. Secura says directly not to use thick or lotion-based soap, warning it may cause clogging or dispensing failure. A thin liquid soap, whether for hands or the kitchen, is what the pump is built for. If a thick soap has already dried inside the mechanism, that is a likely explanation for a unit that used to work and now dispenses unevenly or not at all, so rinse the line with warm water before assuming the pump has failed.
Is the 2-year warranty worth relying on given the durability complaints?
It is the main safeguard, and it is a good one. Too many units break within a year, which falls inside the two-year manufacturer warranty Secura offers, and Secura gives an email support address for queries in its warranty description. Value for money comes out mixed, which reflects those failures. Keep your proof of purchase somewhere you can find it.
How much soap does it hold, and how often will I refill it?
Secura gives the capacity as 17 oz (500 ml), in a clear container so you can see when it is running low. How long a fill lasts depends on the dial setting and how many people use it: at the low end of the 0.03 to 0.19 oz range it lasts far longer than at the top. Refilling is easy, since the top twists off.
Can this be mounted on a wall, or does it only sit on a counter?
Both. Secura says it can be wall mounted or placed on a countertop, and describes wall mounting as a way to save counter space. One owner hangs theirs from a nail or screw using the inset on the back and finds it sturdy that way. Mounting it on the wall also keeps it away from splashes at the sink, which helps protect the sensor.
