Why Dishwasher Breakdowns Are Not Unexpected

When one thinks of dishwasher breakdowns, one may associate them with being unexpected. However, in the average restaurant's kitchen, dishwashers don't simply fail. They gradually lose their peak performance well before the call to service is made. These silent failures happen behind the curtains, without lights or beeps, just quiet hints that things aren't quite as perfect as they ought to be.

For Nova Scotia commercial dishwasher installation, a lot of attention goes toward buying the right model, having it fitted properly, and ensuring the electrical and plumbing requirements align. Yet even the most ideal installation cannot prevent issues from eventually cropping up down the road that remain undetected and unfixed.

Longer Wash Cycles

One of the first signs that something may have gone awry is when wash cycles begin taking longer than they normally do. The issue could be due to too many dishes or dirtier ones. However, the culprit may be a slowly clogged drain, debris in the spray arms, or an issue with the temperature sensor. The longer wash cycles slow down service, adding stress on internal components and wearing them down. This inefficiency sneaks up on you and requires a call for professional repair.

Spotty Dishes

Another common silent failure is residue or coating on the dishes after a full cycle. Under good Nova Scotia commercial dishwasher installation, the equipment produces spotless results after each cycle. The gradual and unseen buildup of minerals, a poorly loaded rack, or irregular water pressure can sometimes interfere with the cleaning.

These performance drops are easy to miss because they're an all-or-nothing situation. Some dishes may come out spotty, or some may need a re-run. But if you find yourself wiping dishes after they come out of the dishwasher, the equipment is already failing.

Door Gaskets and Seals

Door seals and gaskets aren't always top of mind until they crack or become worn out. However, before they even reach a cracked or worn state, they may become a bit less flexible or fit a bit less snugly, so heat and humidity begin escaping partway through the cycle. It may not leak or give an error message, but it will create internal condensation, longer dry times, and corrosion in places you can't see.

This is why regular maintenance after a Nova Scotia commercial dishwasher installation must involve running your hand along the seal for even slight differences. When the kitchen temperature or humidity level is higher near the machine after a cycle has completed, a seal may start to fail.

Strange Sounds

All dishwashers produce some noise, usually when they're rinsing or draining. However, a small change in sound, a less-pitched hum, or a fresh sputtering unheard previously, is the first audible signal of deterioration. Because they don't stop the machine from doing what it's doing, those initial warning signs aren't reported until they've become a full-blown problem.

Training your staff to identify and report changes can be the simplest thing you can do to prevent a breakdown from even happening. In Nova Scotia commercial dishwasher installation, performance isn't about keeping the machine working, it's about keeping it working as it's supposed to. Breakdowns sometimes occur suddenly when it comes to a dishwasher, but most often they result from relentless, quiet faults which didn’t get the attention they warranted in the initial stages.

At Atlantic Equipment Services, we work with kitchens throughout the province to ensure the service doesn't begin and end at Nova Scotia commercial dishwasher installation. From performance testing to preventative maintenance programs, our experts listen to the silent failures before they become loud.