Abstract: An apparatus and method to eliminate the waste involved in flushing out the syrup in the delivery line between the dispensing tank and the mixing chamber in a large-scale bottling operation. The apparatus consists of a pair of sensors or probes. The first is located between the dispensing tank and the pump and is connected to a microprocessor that controls the subsequent actions of the device. Also connected to the delivery line downstream of the pump are an air supply, a water supply, and a supply of pressurized CO.sub.2. These are also connected to the processing unit. When the first probe detects air in the line upstream of the pump, it notifies the processor, which shuts off the pump, and opens up the CO.sub.2 supply line. This then drives the syrup that is present in the delivery line towards the mixing chamber. Thus the mixing and bottling process continues normally.