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What To Do If Your Commercial Dishwasher Stops Working Suddenly
August 9, 2021
In a commercial kitchen, it can be concerning if things get quiet...too quiet. If there’s a break in the usual background noise of hums, clicks, and buzzes, it might signal a problem with the equipment in your kitchen. This is especially true for a commercial dishwasher. Since commercial dishwashers can use gallons of water for one load of dishes, they emit a constant sound from hot water moving at incredibly high speeds over the dishes, cups, and flatware. If you suddenly hear a break in that continuous noise, you may have a problem on your hands. 

Here are five steps to take if your commercial dishwasher breaks in the middle of a busy lunch rush. 

1. Have an alternative plan in place. 

If you work in a commercial kitchen, you’re probably accustomed to executing Plan B on a regular basis. Produce deliveries may not arrive, new specials could be added to the menu, or an employee may need to leave suddenly to take care of a sick child. If you manage a commercial kitchen, you also need to have an alternate plan for equipment breakdown. Restaurants operate on tight budgets, and losing a day of service can have a significant impact on your bottom line. To cope with a broken dishwasher, keep a large supply of plastic or paper utensils, cups, plates, and bowls in storage. With backup dishes, you can continue to serve customers while scheduling an emergency repair visit. 

2. Establish a relationship with a local commercial kitchen service repair company.

When a commercial dishwasher breaks down, the last thing you want to do is to desperately call twelve commercial kitchen repair companies, looking for one that’s available on short notice. In the restaurant industry, commercial equipment undergoes a lot of wear from heavy use. Before your equipment breaks down, interview local equipment repair companies to find one that’s responsive, experienced, and available for emergency calls if needed. A service technician who has familiarity with your kitchen and equipment will be able to work quickly and diagnose your problem more accurately. It’s also helpful if the service company stocks OEM parts on-site for quick repairs. (At ATECH, we have Go-Boxes stocked with manufacturer equipment specific OEM parts ready for emergency calls.) 

3. If the dishwasher stopped mid-cycle, check the power.

Although this troubleshooting step may seem too simple, you’d be surprised how often it fixes the problem. If you have had no previous issues with your dishwasher until it suddenly stops mid-cycle, a power cut could be the problem. First, open and close the dishwasher door to make sure it’s latching correctly. Check if there are any dishes in the way of the spray arms or detergent dispenser. Ensure the unit is plugged in, and reset the circuit breaker if power suddenly stops. If there is a light switch near the dishwasher, it may need to be turned on to activate the circuit. If none of these steps solve the problem, move to the next troubleshooting step. 

4. If the commercial dishwasher is leaking, check the following parts for replacement.

Boilers and Rinse Tanks 

Rust or limescale buildup can cause leaks in the boiler or rinse tank. To prevent damage in the future, have your machine regularly descaled by a qualified professional. Using a commercial water softener or water filter can help prevent this. Depending on your water quality, you need to use a commercial dishwashing descaling product to clean your dishwasher on a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. 

O-Rings and Door Gaskets 

Tight seals are essential for preventing leakage. Check the gasket and door rings. If any seem loose, contact an equipment repair company that is also an OEM parts dealer to source the part and install it if needed. 

Water Inlet Valve 

If you notice water pooling at the bottom of your commercial dishwasher and overflowing during some cycles, you may have a faulty inlet valve. Replace this part to address the problem. 

5. If your commercial dishwasher is not draining, consider these issues. 

Drain Pump 

First, check for blockages in the drain pump, as well as in drain hoses and sink drains. Backed-up debris can prevent the dishwasher from draining. If everything looks clear, you may have collapsed bearings or a complete pump failure. 

Impeller or Solenoid 

Both of these components are difficult to check. If you’ve checked other options, it might be time to bring in a professional to look a little deeper into the machine. Both can be replaced quickly, bringing your dishwasher back to working order. 

ATECH Understands Commercial Dishwashers

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. 
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