Why Is My Commercial Dishwasher Making Loud Noises?

Why Is My Commercial Dishwasher Making Loud Noises?

Commercial dishwashers are key kitchen appliances in the hospitality industry. They are designed to clean and dry several batches of dishes at the same time throughout the business day. Normally, commercial dishwashers make a humming noise while functioning. However, if it is loud, it means there is something wrong. Plus, your commercial dishwasher can also make some other noises that you should be aware of. Any noise that is louder or stranger, you should investigate it yourself or hire a commercial appliances repair technician to inspect the dishwasher.

Check The Ventilation Fan And Wash The Pump Motor

If your commercial dishwasher is making a humming noise, there could be two reasons i.e. the ventilation fan or a malfunctioning wash pump motor. Keep in mind that a commercial dishwasher does produce a slight humming sound when it is operating normally.

You should not confuse that with a problem. If the humming sound gradually becomes louder, then you should check these parts for problems. If you observe that your commercial dishwasher is making a loud humming noise during the drying cycle, it most likely means there is a problem with the ventilation fan.

The fan runs on a motor that consists of bearings. The bearings could be worn or the motor itself needs replacement. You can either try replacing the bearings or the motor to see if the problem gets fixed. During checking the bearings and the motor, check the fan blades as well. If the commercial dishwasher happens to be old, there are chances the fan blades are damaged, cracked, etc.

Furthermore, if your commercial dishwasher is making a high-pitched humming sound, it means the motor is faulty. The good news is that you might be able to replace it on your own if you have the right tools and skills. If not, you will be needing an expert.

Dishwasher Making Grinding Noise

Some commercial dishwashers make a grinding noise too when functioning, which is normal. This is usually the case in dishwashers with a motor-driven electronic control panel but the grinding should not be too loud. If the dishwasher has suddenly started making a loud grinding noise, you should check for a foreign object stuck inside.

Normally, a dishwasher makes a grinding noise when a foreign object is stuck between the blades of the dishwasher. This can happen during cleaning if a hardened food or a broken part of a dish fall to the bottom of the dishwasher. The object can stop the blades from rotating.

Therefore, if you hear your dishwasher producing a grinding or vibrating sound anywhere during the washing and drying cycle, turn it off and let the steam dissipate. Then, simply gain access to the bottom rack and remove it to inspect for any food items, glass, or dish parts.

Moreover, you will also need to inspect the dishwasher screen. It is present under the lower spray arm. Check for debris and remove it using water and soap. Next, move on to the pump housing cap and again check for debris. You will need to check every component visible and accessible for anything stuck.

Food items getting stuck is common in commercial garbage disposals too. Use the services of a commercial garbage disposal repair Alexandria technician for inspections.

Insufficient Water Spraying Into The Dishwasher

A commercial dishwasher requires a specific level of water to wash the dishes. If the water being sprayed in the dishwasher is insufficient, the machine might produce a weird grinding noise. For this, you will need to check the inlet valve for any clogs or issues that might be preventing the water from accessing the machine.

Circulation Pump Issue

The circulation pump as the term suggests helps circulate the water inside the machine. This pump also consists of bearings that might produce a grinding noise if they are worn. However, if the dishwasher is years old, it might be time to replace the motor. Make sure that you opt for the exact replacement or replace the dishwasher if it is frequently running into problems.

Dishwasher Making Banging Or Knocking Noise

If your dishwasher is making thumping noises, it most likely means that you have installed it too close to the walls or the cabinet, which is causing the drain line to vibrate against the walls. Adjusting the position of the dishwasher might solve the issue.

In addition to that, it could also be that the spray arm is hitting something inside the machine as it rotates. To fix the issue, you will need to access the dishwasher and check the spray arm for its mobility. If it’s having difficulty, it means either something is stuck or the spray arm itself needs replacing.

Dishwasher Making Noise When Draining

You might face a situation where your commercial dishwasher is making noise when draining. It might produce a loud rubbing, grinding, or humming sound. The likely cause could be the following.

Seized Drain Pump Issue

The drain pump is designed to drain the water out of the machine once the washing and drying cycle is complete. It is common for foreign objects to become stuck in the drain pump which will produce weird sounds as a result, especially during the drain cycle.

That said, you will need to check around and inside the drain pump to make sure nothing is hindering its performance. Clean the dishwasher first because it may stop the noises. If the noise stays after cleaning the unit, check and replace the drain pump.

Rattling Noises

When a dishwasher is running, you might hear rattling sounds due to loose forks or dishes contacting each other but that should neither be too loud nor continuous. Plus, rattling or squealing noise is also common in brand-new dishwashers if they haven’t been used in a long time.

Try running the machine using water for a while to check if the rattling noises goes away. If it doesn’t, it means there is a fault with the wash motor. To inspect the motor, you will need to run an empty cycle. It could also be due to a blocked filter, clogged drain, etc.

Do Commercial Dishwashers Require Maintenance?

Because commercial dishwashers work throughout the business week without any breaks, it is important to look after them and schedule expert maintenance to ensure everything works fine. At the same time, part of the responsibility also lies on the owner to train their employees to regularly inspect and clean the machine after a tough working day.

Commercial dishwashers require maintenance as other household appliances do. In fact, manufacturers also recommend scheduling expert maintenance to prevent costly repairs. The services can be expensive but will keep your machine running effortlessly for years to come.

In addition to that, it would be smart to maintain a maintenance log. That way, you will be able to keep track of the repairs and replacements without having to rely on your employees every time.

Conclusion

Summing it up, commercial dishwashers are tough and rigid machines but require care and maintenance. These machines might unexpectedly produce certain noises and you need to be prepared for that. So, keep the tips mentioned above in mind to quickly overcome the issue if you encounter a similar issue in the future. Take help from a professional for proper commercial dishwasher repairs Northern VA.

5 DIY Maintenance Practices For Your Commercial Refrigerator Your Staff Can Perform

5 DIY Maintenance Practices For Your Commercial Refrigerator Your Staff Can Perform

Commercial refrigerators that are used daily often have an urgent need to tend to. Hence, you need to understand these commercial refrigerator repairs and maintenance tips that your staff can also perform with ease.

Clean The Inside And The Outside

When maintaining your commercial refrigerator, don’t forget to clean the cooling units. You should clean out any spills or stains that might be present inside the units. Furthermore, your staff can also clean the outside to circumvent any exterior spills that make their way to the essential parts that keep the refrigerator running. Don’t forget to clean and wipe the additional moisture that might be present in your refrigerator.

Make your staff aware of the cleaning that needs to be done underneath the refrigerator. This will allow you to eliminate bacteria and mold that contaminate food. Other than that, it will also help you to tackle dirt and dust while keeping the condenser coils in check.

Frequently Clean The Condenser Coils

The condenser coils should be cleaned at least once every six months. But proper cleaning is only needed when this component is really dirty. Six months is just a standard recommendation and the number might fluctuate depending on the situation of your refrigerator.

However, it is recommended that you should check your commercial refrigerator frequently and clean the freezer coils to guarantee that there is no dirt buildup that can clog things up. If you don’t actively clean the condenser coils, the evaporator will take longer to cool the inside. As a result, you might have to call in a technician to service the reducing strain from the motor of the evaporator.

Actively Clean Up The Tubes And Drain Pans

The larger your refrigerator is, the more slime and sludge will form. This usually causes units to freeze and lose their functionality. Furthermore, you may notice it to form in the drain pans and tubes. In case if these pans overflow, your kitchen will get filled with sludge and moisture that oozes a nasty and pungent smell. Clogged tubes are a serious problem and cause an overflow in the defrost system; causing leakage onto the kitchen floor.

To solve these problems, you should immediately train your staff to clean the tubes and drain pans. The pan can be cleaned with the help of a vinegar solution or warm water and soap once a month. You should also check the tubes every few months to prevent any significant blockages that might occur. If you start to notice any water spots or calcium on the exterior of the hoses then you should use soap and water to clean them up.

Examine The Door Gaskets Of The Refrigerator

Seals and split door gaskets occur frequently due to heavy usage of refrigerators. The gasket is an essential component that cools down the conditioned space. A cracked or torn gasket leads to the seeping of warm air into the refrigerator that spoils the food. Bacteria and mold also build-up due to food debris in the worn-out gaskets.

It is better to assess all the sides of the door gaskets to find any issue. In addition, tell your staff to constantly check any occurring rips or tears and ensure that all four sides of the door are sealed well. However, you should clean the refrigerator gaskets gently by using mild soapy water, which will help you to remove any food debris.

Examine The Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil, very much like the condenser coil, is an imperative part of your commercial refrigeration units. This part is situated by the evaporator fan and assimilates heat as the warm air goes through the framework, which then, at that point assists in cooling the inside.

This part should be kept clean as well. Keep the evaporator coil clean and try not to pack the inside of the ice chest or cooler, with a ton of things, particularly in case they’re hot. Hindering wind stream to the evaporator coil will make it freeze, which then, at that point prompts both an ascent in bureau temperature and water spillage.

Conclusion

Whether you use your refrigerator with caution or not, you should teach your staff these maintenance techniques to keep the refrigeration running. If the appliance experiences a problem, never delay contacting a commercial appliances repair expert.

Commercial Ice Maker Buying Guide

Commercial Ice Maker Buying Guide

Commercial ice maker repair can be challenging. How to avoid this? You have to understand the below given guide on how to buy the best commercial ice maker.

Types of Commercial Ice Makers

Various types of ice machines are used nowadays. So it is important to know which types are available. This will help you choose the best and your desired commercial ice maker.

Modular Ice Machine

This type of commercial ice maker produces only the ice. You will need a separate bin to collect the ice. In terms of performance and reliability, they are the best. Ice dispenser repair services recommend this ice maker for kitchens.

Self-Contained Ice Machine

These machines are bigger in size and required in commercial kitchens, restaurants and industries. It also comes with a bin that collects the ice produced. They are also very reliable and offer great performance.

Undercounter Machine

Undercounter ice makers are mostly used in homes. They are also fit for commercial kitchens. You will find bars with undercounter ice makers. The size of this machine is not so big nor small. They are perfect in terms of performance.

Things To Consider When Buying Commercial Ice Maker

Your Ice Needs

When it comes to buying a commercial ice maker, the decision depends on many factors. The ice needs as well as what type of ice you need should also be considered. For larger and commercial kitchens, bigger machines with more capacity, better efficiency and low power consumption will suit the most.

Speed of Ice Maker

This might not seem light much of a problem but the speed of ice makers is a huge factor for home owners and restaurants. If you have restaurant, you need an ice maker with higher ice production rate to keep up with the demand.

How to check production rate? The production rate of every ice maker is mentioned, however, you should note that the calculation is for 24 hours in an idea environment where it has optimum atmosphere, temperature and power supply. Which means it won’t hit that mark, it will lower than that ideal number.

Storage and Dispenser

Here are some other things which you have to take into account while finding the best commercial ice maker. The storage is also important because it lets you decide whether you need a bigger or smaller size. Whereas the dispenser is also available in various categories. Dispensers have their own advantages. So you should also take care of the storage and dispenser.

Size and Capacity

Size refers to the dimensions of the ice maker. Commercial ice maker repair services suggest to have a moderate size when you cannot decide just as a refrigerator. But if you are buying for commercial kitchens or restaurants, size should be chosen considering the space. Capacity means the amount of ice it can make as well as store.

Your Budget and Ice Maker

Many times, the customers cannot buy perfect products because of the limited budget. You have to decide your financial limit for buying the commercial ice maker. Cost can increase with a bigger size, more capacity, ice bin, better quality product, brand and the dispensers. Figure out what kind of machine you want according to your budget.

Ventilation/Air Temperature

Among other factors, comes the air temperature or ventilation. This aspect is important because in hot weather, keeping the machine cool can be hard. So consider the environment where the machine will be kept. If there is good air provision, ventilation is not needed. Otherwise, you will have to take this factor into account as well.

Water Quality

Water quality is not the same in all regions. Some people have hard water while others have access to soft water. Nowadays, ice makers come with a feature which helps soften hard water. You cannot ignore this matter because it will affect the ice quality and its health.

Preventive Maintenance

Lastly, the customers also have to respect the natural factors. Not all brands have the same quality of ice makers. As recommend by ice dispenser repair Fairfax, brand should be chosen with great care. If you have to pay some extra bucks for a quality ice machine, it is worth trying instead of saving money and buying a poor quality ice maker because bad quality ice maker would break down more often and require frequent repairs.

Commercial Appliances Repair: Common Refrigerator Problems

Commercial Appliances Repair: Common Refrigerator Problems

The refrigerator, just like any other unit you have in your place of work, develops problems. Here are some of the most common refrigerator problems as given by commercial appliances repair professionals:

Failure of the refrigerator to cool

The reason why you have the fridge in the first place is that you want to cool the food; therefore, if it isn’t cooling it, it’s not doing its work. For the unit to cool the food, it must be working at a temperature of between 38 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the unit isn’t cool enough or it’s giving off warm air instead, you should check the thermometer and adjust the thermostat accordingly. If this doesn’t fix the problem, check whether the fan is running. You also should check the condenser coils and even try defrosting the unit.

If you do all this and the problem doesn’t go away, it’s time to hire a commercial appliances technician to help you out.

Leaking of the refrigerator

This is a very common problem and it comes about due to various reasons. If your unit has a water dispenser, it might be leaking because the lines of the dispenser are broken. To fix the problem you need to replace the lines with new ones.

The refrigerator might also leak when the defrost tray or drain pan has holes in it. If there are holes, try fixing them. Expert appliance repair professionals also recommend that you try cleaning the drain tube. It’s usually located on the floor of the refrigerator or at the back, on top of the wall. It all depends on the design of your unit.

For you to clean the unit you only need to use a turkey baster and half a gallon of hot water.

Loud noise coming from the refrigerator

Your refrigerator should always function quietly; therefore, if it’s making any type of noise, it definitely has an issue that you should fix as soon as possible. If the noise is coming from the inside of the unit, the fan is most likely the one that is causing it.

The fan will make noisy chirping, groaning, and even squealing sounds. To fix the issues you should open the door and check the condition of the fan.

Conclusion

These are some of the most common refrigerator problems and how to fix them. In the event you try fixing the problems without success, you should seek the services of commercial refrigerators services providers. As rule of thumb ensure that the service providers are certified and experienced enough.