A commercial dishwasher is designed to wash and clean multiple batches of dishware in commercial settings like restaurants and hospitals. These machines are not only effective but also energy efficient to ensure you don’t receive hefty energy bills at the end of each month. But commercial dishwashers tend to run into problems sometimes, most commonly related to drainage issues. Let’s take a look at the potential reasons and how you can troubleshoot them. You may need the assistance of a commercial kitchen appliance repair expert to fix some of these problem.
Clogged Drain Or Drain Hose
A clogged drain or drain hose happens to be one of the most common reasons contributing to blockages, preventing proper drainage. If the drain or the drain hose happens to be blocked, it will prevent the water from exiting the machine properly. As a result, the water will either back up or not drain at all.
This can cause issues like standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher and leakages leading to significant damage overtime.
However, you can fix a clogged drain hose easily with a few basic tools and by following instructions. Read the user manual and locate the drain hose. Next, use a cleaning agent with a soft brush to remove any obstacles or limescale. Make sure not to use any sharp or hard objects as they could damage the drain hose.
At the same time, check other areas for potential blockages as well, such as the filter baskets. Once the blockage has been fixed, reinstall or connect the items properly and restart the machine.
Faulty Drain Pump
The drain pump is responsible for moving the dirty water out of the machine once the washing cycle is done. As the term suggests, the drain pump helps the machine drain the water so that it flows smoothly out of the machine without finding its way into different areas of the machine.
Although drain pumps happen to be rigid components, they can run into issues sometimes due to high usage frequency. The unfortunate thing is that most electronic components do not show any signs or symptoms before giving up.
So, if you notice the machine failing to drain the water properly after the wash cycles, it means the drain is most probably at fault. To fix the issue, you will need to consult an expert who will either repair or replace the unit.
Improper Installation
Commercial dishwashers, like other commercial electronic kitchen appliances, require maintenance. While thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the machine is crucial but sometimes, the experts can miss out on minor details during installation.
This could lead to drainage or other minor issues. If the machine fails to drain properly, you should check the drain valve or pump. Such problems can lead to water buildup and potential flooding. If the situation remains ignored for long, it can cause bacteria and mold growth.
Therefore, the best way to ensure the commercial dishwasher works without any issues is by running a test before loading it with dishware. The test run will indicate any problems that need to be fixed before using the machine normally.
Broken Or Cracked Drain Solenoid Valve
A broken or cracked drain solenoid valve could also be the reason your commercial dishwasher is failing to drain because these valves help the water exit the machine based on the machine’s command or demand. With time, the solenoid valve might break or crack due to wear and tear.
Although the solenoid valves are located in more or less the same area, but might differ based on the model of your machine. To find out if the drain solenoid valve is in one piece, you will need to consult the user manual and access it.
If that is not possible, you will need to consult an expert. But if the valve happens to be broken, you will need to replace the drain solenoid valve.
Damaged Or Kinked Drain Lines
Damaged or kinked drain lines can also cause the commercial dishwasher to stop draining. If you observe that the machine is struggling to exit dirty water, it could be due to damaged or kinked drain lines. If that is the case, you will most probably observe water buildup inside the machine and eventually leaking from unexpected areas.
Modern commercial dishwashers are loaded with safety features that stop the machine from working if there is a malfunction to protect the components.
Similarly, ice mahcines can also run into drainage problem. If your ice machine is leaking or not draining, check the drain lines before contacting a commercial ice maker repair Alexandria technician.
Electrical Issues Or Control Board Malfunction
An electrical issue or control board malfunction can cause the entire machine to suddenly stop working, let alone serve drainage issues. The control board serves as the brain of the machine. When you press a button, the control board sends the command to the ECU of the machine, who further sends a signal down to the particular component.
If the control board happens to malfunction, the machine will not be able to follow any commands. As a result, the machine will ultimately fail to drain water. Commercial dishwasher electrical issues can take place due to a variety of reasons, including wear and tear.
With time, the machine loses its strength and usage leads to components weakening. Plus, the wires can also wear out, making it difficult for the control board to receive and send signals.
In this case, you will need to consult an expert who will perform an inspection and decide if the board can be repaired or will need replacement.
Lack Of Maintenance
Sometimes, the problem is not with the machine itself but with the laziness and ignorance of the owner or user. It is a common misconception that commercial dishwashers do not require much maintenance since they are already designed to wash the dishes and remove dirty water.
But the fact is, commercial dishwashers require frequent maintenance, especially if it is used throughout the day as food leftovers can clog the drain exits and impede the performance of the components. While you can train your employees to perform routine maintenance, professional maintenance is vital.
A professional not only thoroughly cleans the machine inside out but also inspects for potential problems. There is no doubt that such services can be expensive, but they ensure the machine runs without any complications in the long run.
In other words, it is a small price to pay to keep future troubles at bay. But you should make sure to hire a professional who is certified and licensed to perform such tasks. Opting for someone offering a lower quote just to save some money will surely land you in hot water.
Conclusion
The key is to be prepared and act swiftly if a problem occurs to prevent further complications. By keeping the tips mentioned above in mind and calling in a commercial dishwasher repair Springfield professional when necessary, you will be able to keep your dishwasher running smoothly for long.
