It’s easy to lose sight of the importance of well-functioning equipment in a commercial kitchen. However, anytime there’s a minor or major issue with restaurant equipment, its importance becomes abundantly clear. That’s especially true of commercial dishwashers. Normally, they’re part of the background noise of a busy kitchen, and when that noise goes silent, productivity can grind to a halt. To prevent a sudden shutdown in your commercial kitchen, you’ll want to keep tabs on how your commercial dishwasher is functioning. Here are six signs to look out for that may signal that your dishwasher needs servicing.
1. The Water Temperature isn’t as High as It Needs to Be
If you’re using a high-temp dishwasher, water temperatures must reach 165 degrees for a stationary rack and 180 degrees for any other rack type. If you’re noticing less steam or heat from the dishwasher, you could have an issue with your water supply or with your booster heater. Even low-temp dishwashers need a minimum of 120-degree water to effectively clean and sanitize dishes. You should test temperatures with test strips to ensure you are in compliance. Health codes have very strict requirements about water temp,
so you’ll want to address the issues before your next inspection.
2. You Notice Your Dishwasher Leaking Water
If you notice moisture pooling around the dishwasher, you could have gasket, hose, pump, or drain problems. If you have a condensation hood not running right, you could have extra condensation from the dishwasher collecting on the floor. This could be a dangerous safety hazard if it continues to accumulate.
3. Plates and Cups are Stained After Being Washed
A commercial dishwasher not performing well is one of the top reasons to call for a diagnostic service visit. If you use
a chemical (low-temp) dishwasher, you may need to change or increase the amount of chemicals you use, check for blocked spray arms, or check the thermostat. If you use a high-temp washer, you may have hard water, a faulty thermistor, or you may have inadvertently tripped the booster or wash tank high limit.
Both of these will need to be reset by an authorized technician.
4. You Notice Rust on or Around the Equipment
Commercial dishwashers use a lot of water, and
water plus metal can equal rust over time. You may have spots where water pools or sits, leading to rusting. Limescale buildup in the boiler and rinse tanks may also contribute to rusting. Regular maintenance, including deliming the machine, will extend life to keep from replacing these components and improving the function of your dishwasher considerably.
5. The Control Panel isn’t Working
If you find yourself having to press the control panel buttons multiple times to start a cycle, you may have an issue with the control board overlay. Overlays go out over time due to constant use. Also, most control boards are sensitive to power surges, so if you’ve had one in your commercial kitchen, it could affect the functionality of your dishwasher.
6. The Dishwasher is Not Draining or Filling Properly
First, check for drain obstructions like food, bones, or utensils that might be blocking the water flow. The drain screen should be checked and cleaned every shift. If it’s clear, check the water inlet valve. Do you see a dirty filter screen? This can affect inlet valve operation. If you still have problems with filling and draining, it could be signs of mechanical failures and should
also be checked by a licensed professional
to diagnose and fix the problem.
Need Assistance with Your Commercial Dishwasher?
If you’ve noticed any of these issues cropping up with your commercial dishwasher, it may be time to bring in an expert you can trust. ATECH is committed to repairing and maintaining your commercial equipment quickly, efficiently, and effectively. To help you keep a regular schedule for servicing your commercial kitchen equipment,
reach out to us for a planned maintenance visit today.
Share On: