Commercial dishwashers are one of the best human inventions. These machines are designed to wash and clean multiple batches of dishware in restaurants, hospitals, and other commercial settings. Although these machines bring significant contribution to the table but like other appliances, can also run into problems. One of the most common problems surrounding commercial dishwashers is water leakage. Here is a guide on how to fix and prevent such issues. It’s best to consult a commercial appliances repair expert for dishwasher problems.

Leaky Dishwasher Door

One of the reasons your commercial dishwasher might be leaking is due to a malfunctioning door. The door on your commercial dishwasher is opened and closed numerous times on a daily basis, which takes a toll on the latches and seals. It might be that the door is not locking properly and causing water to leak when the machine runs.

But modern dishwashers are loaded with safety features. If there is a problem with the door or anything else, the machine will simply fail to run. If the door is the problem, it will be quite easy to diagnose and fix. Simply turn off the machine and try closing the door.

See if the door latches on properly. Or, if the machine is running and you believe the leakage is taking place from the door area, you should take a closer look. If the latch happens to be the problem, you should contact the manufacturer and replace it.

Depending on the model, it might be a bit complicated to replace the latch, especially if the machine is newer and modern. So, you can try contacting an expert and get the latch replaced within minutes.

Leaky Dishwasher Tub

Although the dishwasher tub is a tough component specifically designed to withstand years of washing and cleaning but with time, the wear and tear can take its toll. Commercial dishwasher tubs with holes or anything similar can be a bit tough to spot sometimes.

This usually happens due to poor maintenance and usage practices. For example, if the dishwasher is left dirty for longer durations and not washed at the end of each workday, the oil, grease, and other factors might corrode the tub. If you detect the problem early on, you might be able to fix it. But if the unit is quite old, you might have to replace the whole dishwasher.

Loose Or Damaged Valves

Loose or damaged valves such as water inlet valve, drain valve, and check valves can also be the reason contributing to your commercial dishwasher’s leakage issues. In some cases, the issue is not with the unit itself but with the components that are connected to it. But, for some reason, people are quick to point out that the machine is the problem.

That said, you will have to be a bit up close to find out if it is really the valves that need to be fixed. There is no major reason apart from the fact that valves simply get loose or damaged with time. You should also check the hoses for holes or cracks if any.

Fixing such issues is quite easy but might require help from an expert. A trip to the nearest hardware store and a phone call to an expert will fix the issue.

Worn Or Damaged Seals & Gaskets

Commercial dishwashers come with seals & gaskets that are designed to prevent water from leaking. During the washing process, the dishwasher utilizes a set of water jets that throw water at high pressure to make the dishes squeaky clean.

This high-pressure water is contained with the help of seals and gaskets. But, since these components are made of plastic and rubber in most cases, they need to be replaced after a certain period of time as they crack or become damaged.

Worn or damaged seals & gaskets are normal, especially in older machines. Plus, fixing them isn’t an issue either. All you need to do is find the replacement and remove the existing ones to install the new seals & gaskets.

But if your commercial dishwasher is loaded with sensors and features, you might have to call in a professional to fix it. The same is suggested for ice machines and commercial refrigerators. Contact a walk in cooler repair Fairfax expert to fix its seals or gaskets.

Improper Alignment

Improper alignment is another issue that goes unnoticed in many cases. Dishwashers need to be positioned on a leveled surface to keep the water level at the right angle. If the machine happens to be tilted, the water inside the machine might leak.

The reason is, the water will find its way where it should not be and leak from places that shouldn’t be dealing with water. This might cause significant damage to the machine as well. You might not notice the machine tilted, but you need to make sure the machine is placed on a surface that does not have bumps or any other issues.

Poor Maintenance

Poor maintenance is another major reason commercial dishwashers start to leak. Business owners often underestimate the importance of professional maintenance. For them, it is unnecessary spending, which can easily be avoided by training their employees to do the same.

But the fact is, commercial dishwashers deal with food leftovers on a daily basis. These leftovers find their way deep inside the machine and can block components or drainage. With time, the water begins to leak and it is thought the machine has broken down.

It could have been avoided if proper maintenance had been performed and a professional had been taking a look at the machine every now and then. Professional maintenance is not just about cleaning but also about avoiding potential problems.

Using their special skills and tools, experts are able to identify potential issues and fix them on the spot, keeping your future worries at bay.

Old Unit

If nothing else works, it might simply be that your machine has completed its lifespan and needs to be replaced. At this point, there is nothing much you can do when it comes to repairs and replacements. Every dishwasher, regardless of how well-maintained, will need to be replaced sooner or later as the components weaken with time.

When it comes to the point where the cost of repairs and replacement nears the actual price or value of the machine itself, you should save that money and invest it in a new unit. Dishwashers will stand the test of time, but not a lifetime.

So, if your dishwasher is leaking and experiencing issues every other day, it is a sign that you need to replace it.

Conclusion

Commercial dishwashers are prone to leakages, but that should not create panic every time it happens. You need to be prepared and familiar with the troubleshooting techniques to overcome the situation if required urgently. The information mentioned above will surely get you going, but you need to schedule professional maintenance and have a commercial dishwasher repair Arlington expert take a look frequently to keep the unit running trouble-free.