Commercial dishwashers have added a lot of convenience when it comes to washing and drying dishware. If you are busy dealing with customers, you cannot afford to spend time cleaning all the dishes manually even if you have a good number of workers, some of them will have to deal with the dishes manually. To reduce the serving time, you need to clean dishware as fast as you can and your commercial dishwasher will do it for you. However, it can run into problems as well such as not filling up with water. You can understand the causes of the problem so you can fix it yourself or have some knowledge when discussing this your commercial appliances repair technician.
Faulty Drain Solenoid
The drain solenoid is specifically designed to engage the drain valve once the washing cycle is complete. This allows the machine to drain the dirty water. If the solenoid tends to malfunction, it will not be able to engage the drain valve and the water will remain inside the machine.
If the solenoid remains faulty and the machine continues to run the cycle, excess water will eventually accumulate and cause leakage. So, if you find a pool of water underneath the dishwasher, it might be the solenoid has gone wrong. To check the solenoid, you will need to access it using the manual and test it using a multimeter.
If the multimeter does not show any readings, it means the solenoid is faulty. If it is, you will need to contact the manufacturer or an expert for replacement.
Spray Arm Blockage
Sometimes, the problem may not be what it seems. A commercial dishwasher comprises several different parts. One of them is the spray arm that sprays water onto the dishes once you run the cycle. The spray arm keeps rotating to clean the dishes.
With time, it can become clogged or blocked due to leftover food particles. This is yet another common issue and you should not panic. If the spray arm is clogged, it will not allow the water to come out.
For inspecting the spray arm, you should remove it. After removal, look for food particles or limescale on the small holes. Furthermore, you should also clean the spray arm using any cleaning agent you prefer. In many cases, warm water and a detergent is enough. However, make sure to use a cleaning tool like a toothbrush. This will help thoroughly clean the spray arm. And, once you are done, simply re-install the spray arm. However, if the dishwasher happens to be old, you will need to check if the spray arm is broken.
Spray arms are mostly made from plastic. So, it might be that it has cracked or damaged while moving the machine. Fortunately, replacing it is quite easy and affordable.
Malfunctioning Float Switch
The float switch is a vital component of the commercial dishwasher. It informs the machine and turns off the supply of water once the unit has received enough. This means that if the float switch happens to be malfunctioning, it will prevent water from entering the dishwasher.
Although, the float switch is located in more or less the same location but may slightly vary based on the model of the dishwasher. You may have to use the user manual. Test it by gently lifting it up and down to make sure it makes a clicking sound. If not, you may need to adjust or replace the switch.
It is relatively a simple repair if you have the skills and the tools. However, you an also hire an expert for this task.
Damaged Water Supply Line
Water is filled up in a commercial dishwasher with a connection to the water supply line. With time, it can clog or become blocked due to dirt and dust. As a result, the water will not be able to enter the machine. To check for issues, you will need to close the water supply and use a torchlight to check for any clogs.
If you find any clogs, you will need to use a chemical to break it down and a tool. Make sure you are not so aggressive as you might end up damaging the pipe. If the water supply line happens to be damaged, you will need to replace it.
Keep in mind that water supply lines can fairly become clogged easily. The salts in the water can accumulate with time and block the pipe. This means you will need to make sure you perform regular maintenance to ensure the supply line does not become clogged again.
Broken Door Switch
The door switch is a component that signals the dishwasher to start filling with water. Modern commercial dishwashers are packed with several smart safety features. If the door switch is faulty, the unit will think that the door is still open and won’t fill up with water.
To check it, you will need to turn off the dishwasher and test it for continuity using a multimeter. You will need to contact the manufacturer for the exact replacement part.
Door problems can also occur in other commercial appliances like your oven. So, if your oven doesn’t heat up, check its door, if the door or its seal is damaged, consider commercial oven repair Alexandria.
Water Inlet Valve Is Blocked
The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. In most cases, the inlet valve tends to clog or block, which tempers the flow of water. Although these valves are inexpensive, you might need an expert’s help especially if you don’t have the tools and skills.
If the buildup happens to be normal, you can use a clean cloth and a chemical to remove it. However, if you do not find any obvious reasons, you will need to look in other areas. It might be that the machine is not receiving water from the supply line itself.
Does Maintenance Help Avoid Commercial Dishwasher Issues?
Surprisingly, majority of the business owners are still not aware of the fact that both personal and professional maintenance can do wonders. Considering the fact that commercial dishwashers wash and dry multiple batches of dishes at the same time, it is highly likely for units to experience minor issues.
That said, you must have commercial dishwashers inspected and maintained at least once by a professional annually. If the usage frequency is a lot more, you will need to do it twice. In the meantime, you should also train your employees to look after the machine as well.
If there are any unusual signs & symptoms, you will need an expert to check it out rather than waiting for the issue to go away on its own. It might seem as expensive but consider it an investment to prevent future complications from taking place.
Should I Replace The Commercial Dishwasher?
Commercial dishwashers tend to last for several years if maintained properly. However, with time, they become weak and begin to experience problems. If there comes a point where the repair costs have either neared or crossed the actual value of the unit, you might want to replace it.
Conclusion
Commercial dishwashers not filling with water can happen due to several reasons. Instead of wasting your time and effort, you should follow the above-mentioned and get straight to the problem. If the solutions are difficult or you don’t want the appliance to break down often, it’s better to get commercial dishwasher repairs Springfield done by an expert.
