16

Mar

Solved: Commercial Dishwasher Leaking Water

A leaking commercial dishwasher can make things difficult. Even though it will still work and clean dishes, there will be water everywhere to deal with. So, you must look for ways to fix this problem or consult a commercial appliances repair technician. Here are some ways you can detect the cause and fix a leaking commercial dishwasher.

Fixing A Leaking Commercial Dishwasher

Is The Dish Rack Present?

The dish rack may seem like a forgettable aspect of dishwashing, but it’s an important one. If the dish rack is not in its place or is absent, the unit may leak water because of drainage problems and others. So, keep the dishes on the dish rack and then place the dish rack on the dishwasher for cleaning without leaks.

Check The Door

Any issue with the door will lead to a leaking problem. Therefore, if there is a leak, you should check the door.

You should try to close the door and see if it closes properly. If it seems that it was properly closed, check its gaskets. Because even when the door feels closed, worn gaskets can allow water to leak from the dishwasher during the wash cycle.

Moreover, if the door is not closing, then you should adjust the door. You should check if anything is in the way of the door like the dish rack. If nothing is stopping the door from closing, you should consult an expert.

Keep in mind that, sometimes, a leaking issue is just a human error. Maybe someone didn’t close the door properly which led to a leak. So, instruct the staff members responsible for handling the dishwasher to make sure the door is closed before starting a wash cycle.

Clean The Wash Arm Of The Dishwasher

In some cases, the issue of leakage is due to a wash arm, also called a rinse arm, not rotating. Water might accumulate in one part of the unit and lead to a leak. The solution to this problem is to clean the wash arm because it usually stops rotating when food particles and dirt build up on it.

To clean the rinse arm, you have to remove it from the dishwasher first. For that, you can use pliers. Clean the spray arm with warm water and dishwasher soap or any other cleaner you use for cleaning the dishwasher. After cleaning, fix it back into its position. Run the machine to check if the problem is fixed or still there.

Replace The Spray Arm

The spray arm or wash arm is what sprays the water. It’s done with the small holes in the spray arm that spray liquid on the dishes. If the spray arm bursts, there may become a bigger opening for much more water to be released than required. This will cause the dishwasher to overflow with water and leak from any side of the unit.

To check the spray arm, you will need to remove it. Once removed, check the small holes. If some appear bigger or cracked, the spray arm is burst and must be replaced.

Many experts recommend that if you notice your commercial dishwasher leaking, you should replace the spray arm even if it appears fine. But we know. You would not want to replace the spray arm if it’s okay. So, the best course of action should be to have the unit inspected by a professional who can check everything and then carry out repairs or replacements.

Check And Clean The Filter

The filter placed at the bottom of the interior of the dishwasher is to stop anything other than water and liquids from draining. Over time, the filter becomes so clogged that even liquid can get through or does get through but at a very slow pace. When this happens, the unit overflows with water that starts leaking from some place like the sides of the dishwasher.

This is why you must clean the filter regularly to prevent this problem. Moreover, you should also clean the area where the filter is placed because it gathers a lot of gunk as well.

Inspect The Drain

If the drain where the water from the dishwasher goes is clogged, water won’t have anywhere to go so it might start leaking from weird places. So, check the drain and unclog it. There are various ways of unclogging a drain like using a plunger, pouring hot water, using store-bought solutions, and using a drain snake. However, if the drain doesn’t unclog, consult a plumber.

Check The Drain Pipe Of The Dishwasher

Water goes through the drain pipe to the drain so if there is any damage there, water will leak from the pipe. The drain pipe is not visible and to see it, you have to open the cover that’s usually at the lower side of the dishwasher. Do this after powering off the unit.

Once you remove the cover, check the drain pipe that must be connected to the roof of the compartment you’re seeing. If it’s not connected to that or appears damaged, then that’s the cause of the leak. Sometimes, the drain pipe or any other part is worn and must be replaced.

This must be fixed by a commercial dishwasher expert to make sure that the drain pipe is sealed properly. Keep in mind that, in some cases, the drain pipe may appear fine, but it may leak water due to a broken seal. This is why this must be inspected and repaired by a licensed professional.

Check The Float Switch

The float switch keeps the water levels in the dishwasher in check. If it becomes faulty, the water will rise above the required levels because the float switch won’t signal the control board to turn off the water inflow. Due to this, the dishwasher may leak water.

A faulty float switch or float assembly must be replaced. It’s the job of an appliance repair expert.

Replace The Dishwasher

This is not a fix for a leaking dishwasher. This only shows that the dishwasher is old enough to be replaced. Why?

Because dishwashers experience wear and tear over time. They are exposed to moisture so they develop rust and corrode slowly even though they are made of corrosion-resistant materials. If an internal part of the dishwasher corrodes, there may come a time when it will allow water to leak.

Corrosion leaks in commercial dishwashers are usually not repairable. However, you should still get an opinion from an expert. If not repairable, your only option would be to replace the unit. If you used your commercial dishwasher for 10-15 years, you did well and a replacement should not be a surprise.

Conclusion

Commercial dishwasher leakage is an annoying issue because your dishwasher may work, but it will leak water and create a mess. So, you must check the dish rack and the door first thing. Then, check other parts like the spray arm and the filter. Some leaks are due to a clogged filter or drain pipe, so clean your dishwasher regularly. This will also reduce limescale buildup that can corrode important components. Most importantly, if an issue arises, you should consult a commercial dishwasher repairs Springfield expert for advice and repairs.

29

Feb

Walk-In Cooler Is Spoiling Food: 8 Common Reasons

Your walk-in is stuffed with food that is your business’s inventory so you have to keep it fresh. But if your walk-in cooler is spoiling the food, then it’s not keeping the food in the right environment it’s supposed to. You must consult commercial refrigerator services. Here are some reasons why your walk-in cooler is spoiling food.

Causes Of Your Walk-In Cooler Spoiling The Food

Incorrect Temperature Settings

We will start with a simple cause. Check the temperature settings of the walk-in. It should be what you have set or what your management has instructed. According to the FDA, the temperature of a walk-in cooler should be below 40°F. However, many experts suggest that the ideal temperature for a walk-in chiller is 35-38°F.

As you already know these settings are for a walk-in cooler for keeping things cool. If you have a walk-in freezer, the right temperature is between 0 to -10°F.

Thermostat Problems

A thermostat showing incorrect temperature is a common issue. This can lead you or the staff to believe that the temperature is fine when in reality the temperature is warmer and that’s why the walk-in cooler may be spoiling the food stored inside.

Therefore, if you suspect that the temperature you’re seeing is not right, double-check it and use a food-grade thermometer. Place it in the central part of the walk-in cooler and in a medium height to get a good reading.

However, keep in mind that all walk-in cooler manufacturers emphasize that the temperature shown by the thermostats can be 2-4 degrees different than the actual temperature.

Poor Food Storage Practices

Bacteria growth on food or food spoilage can be due to a problem with the walk-in cooler, but in some cases, the cause may be poor food storage practices. This is a kind of a problem that you or your staff can investigate themselves so it’s better to get this out of the way so you can then have a walk-in cooler expert check the unit.

Storing A Food Item In The Walk-In Cooler That Isn’t Meant For It

A food item that must be frozen to keep fresh will be of no use if you put it in a walk-in cooler unless you have placed it for thawing. The food will allow bacteria and pathogen growth which will not only spoil that food, but can also spread to the nearby foods as well. So, always check the labels of products so you know which should be frozen and which are fine when refrigerated.

Keeping Raw Meat And Ready-To-Eat Products In The Same Rack

Raw meat and other products like fish are the most prone to spoilage and developing pathogens. Their storage life is also less compared to other products. This is why you must keep them in separate racks. In fact, every product type should be at a certain distance from others and some should be in separate racks if you have the space.

Storing Food Items In The Wrong Racks

As mentioned above, some foods are quickly perishable like meat so keeping them in the right racks is important.

Vegetables and fruits should go to the topmost shelves. That’s because the bacteria on these is less dangerous as compared to that of raw meat. So, even if water or condensation drips from them to the food items in the lower racks, it won’t cause a problem.

Then comes the place for precooked items. The rack under the produce items should be for them. Why? Precooked food already reached a high temperature of 140+° Fahrenheit killing pathogens in it so anything dripping from it is also not dangerous for the items placed beneath it. However, keep in mind that dripping from pre-cooked food is still not preferred because it can alter the taste of the food underneath it.

The rack beneath precooked food should be for dairy items like milk, cheese, and eggs. Dairy products can produce bacteria that can be harmful but as long as they are kept at a temperature of 40°F or lower, there is little to no risk of dairy contaminating the items placed in the racks under it.

The second last rack should be for raw meat. It has a high risk of developing pathogens so its dripping due to condensation is bad for other foods.

In the bottom-most rack, you should place thawing food items as they are bound to drip. Anything you put in the walk-in cooler from the freezer to defrost should go there.

Placing Sensitive Items Too Close To The Door

When the four of a walk-in is opened, warm air enters and affects the nearby items the most. So, if you have raw meat or dairy near the door, its temperature may frequently reach the danger zone (between 40°F to 140°F). Even if the temperature of these products goes to 45°F frequently, they will allow the growth of pathogens that will lead to food spoilage.

Storing Hot Items Before They Cool Down

Every food business follows this practice but sometimes, in the rush, a staff member might put precooked food in a walk-in cooler that is still releasing steam. This can be bad for the items stored in it. Because due to the increased temperature, that part of the walk-in refrigerator may become a good place for the growth of microbes.

Moreover, if this is done frequently, it can cause spoilage of a large food quantity. Plus, it will also affect the energy efficiency of the walk-in cooler as it will use more energy to cool down the hot food.

Therefore, make sure the food is cooled before you store it in the walk-in. Follow the recommendations of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA):

  • If the food is in a large quantity, divide it into smaller portions for faster cooling outside and inside the walk-in cooler. Do the same for large pieces of meat.
  • Clean the sink and put cold water and ice in it. You should then place the container that has the food in the sink. During this, make sure the water in the sink doesn’t get to the food in the container.
  • Remember the two-stage cooling technique. In the first stage, the food should be cooled from 140-70°F within 2 hours. In the second stage, it should take about 4 hours for the food to reach the temperature of 41-40°F. When it’s at 41-40°F, you can safely put it in the walk-in cooler after covering it. Moreover, make sure never to cover the food when it’s hot.
  • Additionally, don’t use the outdoors for cooling the food because there can be temperature fluctuations that can be bad for proper cooling. Moreover, animals can find the food and contaminate it.
  • Use a food-grade thermometer to check the temperature of the food at various intervals.

Walk-In Cooler Problems

Any problem with a walk-in cooler that impacts its cooling ability can cause food spoilage as well. Many times, dirty condenser coils, evaporator coils, fans, or vents can cause malfunctions in walk-ins. So, make sure your walk-in is cleaned and maintained properly.

Moreover, door seal and hinges issues can leave the door unsealed. This allows warm air in, wreaking havoc on the food and increasing utility bills as well.

In addition to that, frost buildup in a walk-in cooler can cause various problems including food spoilage. This can happen due to an issue with the door, gaskets, pressure relief port, insulation, etc.

Conclusion

Food spoilage in walk-ins can be due to food storage errors or an issue with the walk-in cooler itself. So, go through the food storage practices and also have the unit inspected by a walk in cooler repair Alexandria technician.

15

Feb

Commercial Food Steamer Fixes You Must Know

Commercial steamers are essential appliances in cafes, restaurants, and food businesses. So, if they don’t function as expected, it can be frustrating and mostly you need a hand from a commercial appliances repair expert to fix your commercial food steamer. Therefore, we are giving you some tips for fixing two common problems with your commercial steamer.

Commercial Steamer Fixes

Commercial Food Steamer Is Overfilling With Water

If your restaurant steamer overfills with water, you should perform these actions:

Level The Unit

A simple cause of overfilling in commercial steamers is the tilting of the steamer in one direction. So, check the steamer and level it. You should also check the floor where it’s placed. Is the floor damaged? Are the wheels or legs of the steamer damaged? To make sure the steamer is level, employ a sprint level.

Check If The Water Pressure Is High

High water pressure will lead to the overfilling of the steamer. You should check the water pressure of the facility. It should not be more than 60 PSI for the proper functioning of your steamer. If it’s greater than that, your steamer will frequently overfill from water causing a mess.

On the other hand, if the water pressure is low, it can cause other problems like no steaming, which means no cooking. Therefore, water pressure is an important factor.

Make Sure The Water Level Setting Is Correct

This is another simple thing that most people take care of, but sometimes, it’s ignored. If your steamer is new and you don’t know what is its minimum and maximum water level recommendation, refer to the user manual.

Check The Water Level Control System

The water level control system is what keeps the water level in check. It has valves and sensors that work with the control unit of the steamer to operate and regulate the level of water in the steamer.

If a valve or sensor malfunctions, there will be water-related problems. For example, if the valve becomes stuck in the open position, water will keep flowing into the reservoir and it will overflow. On the flip side, if the valve is stuck closed, no water will enter the unit and the unit won’t steam at all.

Similarly, if the sensor malfunctions, it won’t detect the correct level of water. This will result in overflowing water or low water levels in the steamer.

Sometimes, these valves and sensors are functional, but malfunction due to limescale buildup in the unit. Other times, they are worn and need to be replaced.

You need an expert to inspect the water level system to know whether the components are dirty or faulty. The professional will suggest the right action after inspecting the steamer.

Check The Drainage System

If the water control system is sound or fixed, but your steamer is overfilling with water, the next thing to check is the drainage system.

Through the drainage system, excess water is removed to keep the right water level inside the reservoir. However, if the drainage system is blocked, water won’t have anywhere to go so the unit will overfill with water.

The blockage of the drainage system including the drain stainer is common. Over time, grease, minerals, and food particles build up on the drain stainer and the pipes of the drainage system causing a blockage. The blockage is not apparent when minor, but when it becomes significant, you notice water drainage problems and overfilling of water.

If you want your commercial steamer to function without problems, you must clean and delime it often. This will prevent all types of blockages.

However, if you clean and delime your steamer as recommended by your manufacturer, but you face drain and water blockages, you should check your water. It may be due to hard water.

Hard water means an excess amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium in water. These minerals stick to the surface of materials when water passes through. This white, yellow, or brown buildup is called scale and it’s hard to remove. This can block valves and pipes causing water problems in your steamer.

So, consult your water supply company for more details and if the water is hard, consider getting a water softening system for your facility. However, even with soft water, you must keep a proper schedule of cleaning and descaling your steamer.

Check The Door Seal Or Gasket

The door seal or gasket creates a seal around the door that keeps the steam and water droplets in the unit airtight. However, if the gasket or seal becomes loose or is damaged, there is some space for steam or water vapors to escape. Due to this, you will notice water outside the steamer and may think that it’s overfilling with water and look for water pressure but the problem could be with the door seal.

Door seals can be damaged due to usual wear and tear and frequent use of the steamer. Other than wear and tear, improper cleaning can also damage the door seal. Using harsh cleaners can cause damage to the seal and other components of the steamer. So, make sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solutions for cleaning the steamer.

Commercial Steamer Door Opening During Operation

The door of the steamer opening during operation can be a huge problem. Because of this problem, your steam might not be cooking food as expected. Another issue from this can be steam and water around the steamer.

Close The Door Latch Properly

If this happens seldom, then the person closing the door may not be shutting it properly. Make sure to close the door properly so it doesn’t open when pressure builds up inside the steamer during its operation.

Damaged Door Seal Or Latch

The door seal and latch work together to keep the door closed. If either of the two components is damaged, the door may open during operation. Have an expert check these parts to detect problems with them and fix them.

Adjust The Door Pin

We know that the door seal wears over time. Due to this, you have to adjust the door pin. If not, the door seal won’t shut the door properly and it may open when the steamer is steaming food.

You can consult an expert to know whether your unit requires this door pin adjustment. You can also read the user manual if it instructs about anything like this. If it does, then its door pin does need adjustment with time.

Look For A Clogged Drain Or Vent

A clogged drain line or vent will create pressure in the steamer which can push the door to open up. You should clean the drain line and the vent. Moreover, make sure not to attach more than two steamers to the same drain line.

Conclusion

Two common problems of a commercial steamer are overfilling with water and the door opening during operation. Now you have fixes for these problems. To avoid issues with your steamer, always consult a commercial steamer repair Fairfax technician for inspections and repairs. Moreover, clean and descale your steamer regularly to avoid clogs and blockages inside the unit. Only you use cleaning solutions recommended by the manufacturer of your commercial steamer.

29

Jan

How To Prevent Your Commercial Refrigerator From Breakdowns?

A severe problem with your commercial refrigerator can lead to inventory loss. This means you would not only need to spend money on repairing the refrigerator but also must get fresh inventory. Some problems can’t be avoided, but some can be. If you take care of your refrigerator with the help of commercial refrigerator services, you can avoid many problems and enjoy a rather smooth functioning of your food business. Here are the things to do.

Tips For Avoiding Commercial Refrigerator Breakdowns

Choose The Right Location

Whether you’re just moving in a commercial refrigerator or already have a refrigerator in your facility, make sure you place it correctly. An ideal location for a commercial refrigerator is one that’s not too warm or humid. So, placing it too near the kitchen or any cooking equipment can lead to frequent breakdowns of the refrigerator.

Moreover, you should make sure that the vents and fans of the refrigerator have enough space to “breathe”. This means the refrigerator should not be closely placed alongside a wall. Instead, there must be a distance of 6-12 inches between the unit and the wall or any nearest item. Along with that, don’t keep any boxes or items near the refrigerator.

Why is this suggested? Because a refrigerator’s condenser coils and the compressor become hot during the refrigeration process. They must be able to throw heat outside using the fans for cooling. If anything is blocking the fans or vents, then the coils, the compressor, and the internal components will heat up. This will put stress on the components and eventually, the unit will break down.

Don’t Leave The Refrigerator’s Lights On

When putting inventory inside or taking something out from the refrigerator, lights are used. However, make sure the lights are not left on without any reason. That’s because lights produce heat inside the refrigerator so it will have to work more to cool down the interior.

Ensure That The Door Shuts Off Properly

A common cause of many commercial refrigerator problems involves improper closing of the refrigerator door. If the door of a commercial refrigerator is not closed or improperly closed, warm air will keep entering the unit. It will make the compressor and other parts overwork for cooling the interior. This will increase the wear and tear of the components and the risk of the unit breaking down apart from increasing the electricity bills and spoiling the stored food.

In worst cases, door problems can cause water leakage and freezing of the evaporator coils and the fans of the refrigerator.

So, the door of your commercial refrigerator should be opened only when required and closed firmly afterward. Moreover, frequently check the door seals and hinges. If you notice any problem, consult an expert.

Clean The Unit Including The Condenser And Evaporator Coils

For most restaurants and cafes, this is a part of their basic commercial refrigerator care routine, but in spite of it, some parts of the refrigerator are ignored like the condenser and evaporator coils. This can be because monthly deep cleaning is uncommon in comparison to the daily superficial cleaning.

The evaporator and condenser coils work together in the cooling process. In this, the condenser coils become hot and need to throw heat outside. When there are layers of dust on them, their heat transfer is affected. On the other hand, evaporator coils become cold and if they are not cleaned, they might freeze up.

Moreover, cleaning other parts of the refrigerator is essential as well such as the drain. If it’s not cleaned, it will become clogged. Clogged drain can cause standing water inside the unit. Plus, dust and dirt buildup on the fans slow down their movement. This also impacts the efficiency of the unit.

Therefore, apart from the daily cleaning, deep clean your commercial freezer or refrigerator at least once every month. You can also hire an expert for cleaning.

Check The Defrost Timer

The defrost timer is used to schedule automatic defrosting of your commercial refrigerator. Your refrigerator determines the best frequency of its defrost cycle by using the temperature, pressure, and timer controls. So, the defrost cycle of the same refrigerator used differently will be different. It can be between once every 2 hours to once a day.

You should check your refrigerator to make sure that the defrost timer is set correctly and that there is not too much frost on the vital parts like the fans and evaporator coils. If there is, then adjust the timer. If this doesn’t reduce ice in the unit, then any other component is malfunctioning. Consult a professional.

Notice The Sound Of The Refrigerator

You already know how your commercial freezer or refrigerator sounds, so frequently try to hear its sound and make sure that it’s normal. If you notice louder noises, call in an expert. Similarly, if you smell anything wrong like a burning smell, or a musty/sweet smell, reach out to a professional.

Clean The Air Filters

Like other refrigeration units, your commercial refrigerator also features air filters and you have to keep them clean. Not cleaning the air filters can damage them and reduce their efficiency. You should know that the air filters inside a refrigerator are made to keep the air inside the unit clean and the stored food fresh. Even if a food item expires, the mold or bacteria are caught in the air filters and mostly stopped from contaminating all the items in the refrigerator.

So, if they are damaged due to ignoring cleaning, they won’t be able to stop bacteria and other contaminants from attacking other foods. This can speed up food spoilage inside your refrigerator. Therefore, clean the air filters once a month to avoid problems. And have them inspected by a professional during an inspection so they are replaced if damaged.

Keep The Unit Dry

This sounds like a simple advice, but it’s an important one. If the interior of the refrigerator is too moist and any spills are not cleaned, it can lead to various problems like excessive freezing and the icing up of the internal components like the fans. So, clean up spills as they happen. Moreover, clean the interior of the unit once every week.

This tip is even more critical for walk-in units because spills or moisture on the floor can cause slips and someone can hurt themselves if they are not careful.

Schedule A Commercial Refrigerator Service

Even when you do take care of your commercial refrigerator or walk-in freezer properly, many things can’t be cleaned, inspected, or fixed by a layman. This is why you should have your commercial refrigerator serviced depending on your usage and the manufacturer’s instructions. You should have it serviced once every 3 to 6 months.

The professional will not only check the things that you normally do, but many things that you can’t like the compressor, electrical wiring, condenser coils, evaporator coils, fan motors, refrigerant levels, and others.

Conclusion

You can reduce the breakdown count of your commercial refrigerator significantly if you follow the above-mentioned tips. However, some problems are inevitable. So, if you do face any problem with your unit, consider commercial refrigerators repairs Fairfax immediately so an expert can take a look at the unit and suggest fixes.

14

Jan

How To Fix A Leaking Commercial Garbage Disposal?

A leaking commercial garbage disposal can turn your kitchen into a stinky mess and reduce productivity. So, if you notice that there is a leakage from the garbage disposal, you must either hire commercial appliances repair services for an inspection or try a few things yourself.

Determining The Location Of The Commercial Garbage Disposal Leakage

Before fixing your leaky garbage disposal, you should determine where it’s leaking from because the leakage causes differ depending on the location of the leak. Moreover, some leaks are obvious while others are not quite noticeable. During checking or fixing the garbage disposal, make sure to never put your finger or hand into the disposal because it can cause injuries.

Begin your inspection from the top. Check the upper part of the unit connected to the flange. There may be water dripping down from there. Then, move your attention to the drain pipes. Look for loose connections as they are common. However, in some cases, the drain pipe is damaged or its seal is worn. Lastly, check the bottom of the garbage disposal.

Fixing A Leaking Commercial Garbage Disposal

Leakage From The Top

If the dripping is visible from the top part of the disposer, it’s either the gasket or the disposal flange. If you can’t determine which one is leaking, hire an expert or replace both.

Replacing The Rubber Gasket

There is a rubber seal on the garbage disposal that is mounted to the flange. It becomes loose with time or due to an impact. Another reason for this rubber gasket becoming ineffective is no use of the garbage disposal and the sink for some time. The seal dries up and when it’s used after some time, it can’t stop water from leaking.

Moreover, if you ever remove your commercial garbage disposal and place it back again, you will need to use a new rubber gasket. Using the same one will cause leakage and you will have to remove it again to replace the rubber seal.

You can easily replace the gasket if it’s leaking:

  1. The first step is to unplug the power cord of the garbage disposer because you will need to remove the unit to change the rubber gasket. Moreover, disconnect the drain hose as well. If your garbage disposal is connected to your dishwasher, then remove the dishwasher drain hose too.
  2. Unlock the garbage disposal from its position. Use a wrench on the mounting nuts on the sides and move it counterclockwise. If there is another person with you, tell them to hold the bottom of the disposer because it will drop down and can be damaged if no one is there to hold it. In case no one is near you, create a support for the disposer by placing things under it so when you unlock it, it doesn’t fall on the floor.
  3. Remove the round, black gasket on the garbage disposal. Use it as a sample to buy an exact one. Put the new rubber seal on the disposer. The correct position of it is flat and inside the lip of the unit.
  4. Ask a helper to put the disposal into its position under the sink and look at it from above the sink to ensure that the gasket is sitting flat. Then, do the locking procedure of the disposer.
  5. Reconnect the drain and power cords and check the garbage disposal. If it still leaks, consult a professional.

Sealing The Disposal Flange

A disposal flange is a drain or ring that connects the disposer with the sink making sure the water and fluids go from the sink to the disposer and nowhere else. It’s sealed with plumber’s putty. Moreover, it also has a mechanism for tightening. Both of these things ensure a sealed flange.

You can try your luck by just tightening the flange. If the issue was just a loose flange, tightening will do the trick. But if the seal is worn, you will need to reseal it:

  1. You will have to remove the commercial garbage disposal. So, disconnect all of its connections. Remove the power cord from the outlet and remove the drain hose.
  2. Use a wrench on the mounting nut to move the unit counterclockwise to disconnect it from the sink. Use your leg or ask another person to hold the disposer as it becomes free.
  3. Remove the flange by removing or loosening its bolts. Pop out the clip under the flange and then take out the flange from the top.
  4. Clean the area where the flange was so the new seal doesn’t leak.
  5. Take a decent amount of plumber’s putty and create a putty rope by rolling it on your palms. The putty rope should be dense enough to fill the gap where you’re going to put it.
  6. Wrap the putty rope on the flange’s rim. Put the flange in its place and tighten its screws. Plumber’s putty dries up quickly so you don’t need to wait. During this part, if the putty rope is short and is not enough to go around the whole rim, don’t make another small putty rope to fill the remaining part because this will cause leaks. Discard the existing putty rope and make a new, larger one.
  7. Use another person’s help to keep the disposer in its position under the sink and lock it into its place.
  8. Connect its drain hose and plug it into the outlet to test.

Leakage From The Side

A leakage from the side of the commercial garbage disposal means that the drain hose is the culprit. In many cases, drain hoses are merely loose and only need to be tightened. This effectively stops the leakage.

However, if the leak doesn’t stop, have an expert to look at it. They may replace the rubber seal of the drain hose or replace the entire drain hose if it’s damaged.

Moreover, some garbage disposals have a dishwasher drain line. Check that as well because it may be loose and cause leakage. Tighten its clamp.

Leakage From The Bottom

If you notice that the water is dripping directly from the bottom and it’s not coming from the top or the sides, then it’s a huge problem. This shows that the internal seal of your commercial garbage disposal is damaged. This repair is costly and it’s only suggested if your disposer is under warranty. If not, you’re better off replacing the entire unit instead of pursuing a repair.

This is because even if you do have it repaired, there is no guarantee of how long the seal will last. You may have to deal with the same issue quite soon. So, replace your commercial garbage disposal because once you have installed a new unit, you’ll be set for years.

Conclusion

A leakage from a commercial garbage disposal can be from three different places. So, you have to determine where it’s leaking from. If it’s from the top or the side, it can be fixed easily, but if the leakage is from the bottom, you will need to replace the unit. Call in a commercial garbage disposal repair Northern VA technician to inspect and fix your disposal. The inspection will also be helpful in identifying problems that might become a huge later.

28

Dec

Fixing A Commercial Ice Maker That’s Not Making Ice

An ice machine is supposed to produce ice, but if it’s showing problems, it can put your customer satisfaction at risk. So, you need a commercial ice maker repair technician who can arrive quickly on call and fix the problem. However, if you want to give it a go yourself or instruct a staff member to try their hands at repairing the appliance, here’s how to fix a commercial ice dispenser that’s not making ice.

Check If The Ice Maker Is Switched On

This is obvious but during the rush hours, a simple thing like checking if the ice machine is on or not can be overlooked.

Firstly, check the power cord of the machine. Is it plugged in? Then, press the ON button or switch the ON/OFF toggle and make sure it’s ON. Sometimes, the button or switch is broken. It won’t turn on the machine even if it looks like the button is in the ON position. So, have the button checked.

If the power button is fine and turned on and it doesn’t turn on the machine, you must check the circuit breaker because it may be tripped. Access the place where the breaker board is located, find the circuit breaker that is for the ice maker, and flip it on if it’s off.

However, if the appliance turns off again and the circuit breaker flips off, then a problem is causing it. Therefore, an expert should inspect the ice maker and the circuit breaker.

Give The Ice Machine Space To Operate

Ice makers require ventilation to operate properly. If they are placed closely with other items that are blocking its vents, the machine may not produce ice or produce less amount of ice because its airflow is disturbed.

So, make sure there is at least 6 inches of clearance between the ice maker and the nearest appliance, boxes, or wall.

Additionally, this rule is followed in every commercial kitchen, but it’s good to remind you that ice makers, refrigerators, and similar appliances should not be placed in close vicinity to heat-producing appliances such as ovens, steamers, etc.

Make Sure The Ice Maker Is Not Placed In The Hot Area Of The Kitchen

Even though the best location for an ice maker is outside of a kitchen, commercial kitchens are big enough to have sections of related appliances. So, if your ice machine is in the kitchen or any other place, make sure the room or kitchen is not too hot because warm temperatures can affect ice production.

In this case, you should move the ice maker to the part of the kitchen that’s cooler or to another part of the facility that’s easily accessible for the staff.

Ensure That The Ice Machine Is On A Level Surface

If you have just installed an ice maker in your commercial kitchen and it’s not producing ice, it has something to do with the leveling of the machine. If the surface is not level, the ice maker will either not function properly or won’t function at all. So, move the ice maker to a level surface.

Sometimes, leveling issues can arise in older machines with damaged feet. Therefore, if you have an old ice machine, check its feet.

Check The Water Supply

Another common cause of a commercial ice maker not producing ice is the disconnection of the water supply. No water, no ice. So, check the water supply if it’s turned off by somebody or if the water supply hose is disconnected.

The Water Pressure Must Be Appropriate

Water pressure matters for many appliances that depend their functioning on it like ice makers and dishwashers. Facilities, where the water pressure is generally low, will cause ice maker problems because low water pressure will lead to low or no production of ice. So, check with your local water company to solve this problem.

Check The Water Level

Neither too high nor too low water level is good for ice machines. If the water level is low, the machine won’t produce enough ice, or the quality of the ice will be impacted. On the other hand, a high water level will lead to too much ice, clogging the ice maker, and/or freezing up of the ice machine.

The Pause Feature Is Activated

Ice machines have a pause feature that stops the production of ice even when the machine is turned on. You can easily pause ice production whenever you feel there is enough ice. However, the pause feature can be activated accidentally too.

The pause functionality is activated from the control arm. You can move the control arm to pause or resume the ice production. This control arm can be unintentionally moved to the pause setting when taking ice out of the machine.

So, have someone with you who knows which position of the control arm is for resuming ice production and which one is for pausing to make sure it’s not at the pause position.

Defrost The Ice Machine

Many times, the reason behind no ice is a frozen water line. So, water can’t reach the ice maker for ice production. You need to defrost your commercial ice maker to fix this.

There are two methods of defrosting an ice maker. The first one is the normal method which takes two hours. You will unplug the ice maker and let it defrost. After two hours, plug it in again, and start using it.

The second one is a quick method when you need ice immediately. This method can still take 15 minutes. Unplug the ice machine, close the shutoff valve, and put warm water in it or use a hair dryer for melting the ice formed in the water line. Once you notice water is flowing freely in the water line, plug it back in, and start using the ice machine.

Clean The Condenser Coils

Ice makers have condenser coils on the back that help remove the heat that’s formed during the operation of the machine and the refrigeration process. If the condenser coils are not cleaned for months, a thick layer of dust will be formed on the coils which will reduce the heat removal ability of the coils.

The removal of heat is critical. If it’s not occurring properly, the ice maker may show problems like no ice production, low ice production, murky ice, and others.

Use a cleaner made for cleaning condenser coils of refrigeration units because grease is difficult to remove from the coils.

Properly Clean The Ice Machine

Cleaning the condenser coils can help you fix the issue, but if your ice maker has not been cleaned thoroughly for some months, it might not work even after wiping off the coils.

Check the maintenance logs of the machine for that and if it hasn’t received a deep clean in six months, you may have to perform it now or schedule it for the next few days. This should be done by an expert. However, you can perform daily cleaning as usual in the meantime.

Conclusion

A commercial ice maker that is not producing ice is of no use. So, follow the above tips to make it useful again. For proper inspection, maintenance, and repair, hire an ice dispenser repair Fairfax expert.

13

Dec

How To Reduce The Risk Of Restaurant Equipment Failure?

Whether it’s a rush season or not, maintaining the equipment of a restaurant is super important, especially if you don’t want things to break down on you or the chefs at the last minute. So, you need commercial appliances repair experts to inspect your equipment regularly. Here is how you can manage restaurant equipment maintenance more easily and reduce the risk of failure at the worst time.

Keep It Organized

You need to keep a maintenance list. You may be thinking: what does it mean? Well, a maintenance list is a reference list for anyone who works in a restaurant and they can use this list as a guide as to which equipment needs attention immediately, what equipment is long overdue in maintenance, and which ones can go without maintenance for today.

This also gives the workers in the restaurant a bit of an idea as to how they can maintain said equipment, even if the manager or authoritative bodies are not there.

Be Quick In Action

The key to successful management of risk, when it comes to restaurant equipment, is the fact that you’re quick in action. You don’t want to sit around and wait for the equipment to break down on you. That’s not how risk management works in the food service world.

You or the concerned expert need to be on their feet and ready to start the maintenance, way in advance, so that the restaurant can work smoothly and there are no hiccups in the restaurant kitchen operation.

Regular Maintenance

If you don’t want equipment to break down on you, it’s a good idea to keep maintenance in mind. A lot of the time, and yes that happens, restaurants managers or staff put maintenance of the equipment on the back burner and forget about it altogether.

That’s not going to lead to smoothly operating restaurants. So, you should be on top of your maintenance game. Instruct the staff members and chefs that whenever they see an appliance is slightly misbehaving, they report it to you or consult a designated professional for it.

Involve More People

It’s not just the duty of the restaurant owner or manager to take care of the maintenance of equipment unless you want all of the burden to fall on your shoulders. This is where proper training comes in handy, because the more people there are to take care of an equipment issue, the better it is.

This is why you must be training the staff and chefs to be self-reliant when it comes to equipment maintenance so that they don’t sit around waiting for help to come when they can easily take care of minor problems in the equipment on the spot and only leave bigger issues for appliance repair experts to handle.

Make A Cost Plan

Let’s be real, maintenance costs a lot and you need to spend some money if you want every single piece of equipment in your restaurant to be good and ready to go. This is why it’s so crucial to be organized when making a budget for maintenance. If you make a budget or cost plan for maintenance, it will give you a solid idea as to how much you should spend.

As you’re running a restaurant, you can also have dedicated maintenance staff or independent technicians who you can call up and have them come over and check your equipment from time to time. This is also going to be less expensive than scouring for a maintenance expert every single time because you can strike a deal with them at the first meeting.

Think Of The Future

If you’re not maintaining your equipment, just because it “costs a lot”, then you’re not fulfilling the key duty of a restaurant owner/manager. Fixing commercial equipment isn’t just about the money. It’s so much more than that. You need to think about the smooth running of the restaurant. There’s nothing more frustrating than restaurant workers who can’t work efficiently just because the equipment is not in working condition.

Temperature Checking

This is probably one of the biggest risks of an equipment failure and that’s temperature overload. If you don’t know the basics, like on what temperatures the refrigerators, freezers, etc., operate, then you’re ruining the equipment by yourself. Similarly, your staff should know important things about operating deep fryers, ovens, steamers, freezers, ice dispensers, and other appliances and how they can detect and fix some minor problems. Plus, educate the staff on temperature tracking of appliances and keeping a maintenance checklist.

If they see the slightest change in the temperature or the performance of an equipment, then it’s a good thing to be alert because something could be wrong and if it’s not fixed by an expert, things will take a turn for the worst.

Narrow Down The Equipment

Some restaurant equipment is more important than others. Here are some equipment that need to be maintained well, otherwise you’re failing at the task of managing risks.

Deep Fryers

Deep fryers are used in a majority of restaurants, if not all, and they have a lot of components that can need some attention, from time to time. This is why you need to look out for signs that show that the deep fryer isn’t working properly and that you need to maintain it. The signs can include the burners not working properly, the oil basket leaking from somewhere, the wastage of oil, and other similar things.

Ovens & Stove Tops

If you thought deep fryers hold great importance in the kitchen, then you might not know how much impact cooktops and ovens have in a kitchen. They are the working limbs of a kitchen and if they are not in an excellent shape, then that’s a huge blunder on your side.

If the burners are clogged, the knobs aren’t working properly, or the gas or electricity connections are faulty and hanging on by a thread, then you need to get to maintaining these things right away because your restaurant probably can function without a deep fryer, but it certainly can’t, if the ovens and cooktops aren’t working.

Hoods

The last thing you want is smoke filling up the entire kitchen and restaurant and the one thing that avoids all of this fuss is a stovetop hood. The hood is responsible for keeping the smoke out of the restaurant and ejecting it through a proper passageway.

However, sometimes, these hoods might also need some attention. You need to regularly check whether the pipes are clogged or not and whether the smoke is being ejected out or going through another passage.

Extinguishing Devices

A restaurant kitchen is a place where fires are always blazing, so it can be a walking hazard anywhere and anytime. So, having automatic extinguishing devices are extremely important because they can save your kitchen from being up in flames.

These devices, however, can only work properly if you maintain them timely. This is why you should make it a habit to check the detectors, sensors, and the devices themselves regularly and if there’s a slightest hint that it’s not working correctly, then off to maintenance it goes.

Conclusion

Kitchen appliances and equipment are the heart and soul of a restaurant and you don’t want to be ignoring their problems, so create an equipment care plan and share it a commercial kitchen appliance repair Alexandria expert. Moreover, experts can also suggest when to repair or inspect various equipment.

30

Nov

Getting Your Restaurant Ready For The Holiday Season

The end-of-the-year holidays are right around the corner and you know what that means. Hustle and bustle, new winter menus, and Christmas and New Years celebrations in restaurants are in full swing. So, you need to keep your restaurant, more specifically your kitchen, in the best shape for customers who are looking for delicious food and a great time. You need the right staff and must have the phone number of commercial kitchen appliance repair services on your phone’s speed dial in case any your equipment breaks down. Here’s how to prepare your kitchen for the festive season.

Decorate Accordingly

Well, you can’t expect to work during the holiday season and not decorate your restaurant to fit the spirit and theme. Decorating for the holidays is the perfect excuse to let your inner child out and deck out on the décor. Not to mention, it looks very warm and welcoming too if your restaurant is decorated appropriately for the holidays.

This is also going to bring a lot of customers in and they will appreciate the fact that you’re welcoming the holidays and the festive season with an energetic spirit. So, setting up a Christmas tree, and having ornaments, lights, and wreaths dangling from the ceiling is a foolproof way of dressing up your restaurant for the busy and fun holiday season.

Hire More Staff

This tip goes without saying, but you want to hire a few extra pairs of hands to help you out with the holiday rush. More waiters, cooks, and receptionists will make things easier around the customers.

Because of the extra staff, you will have a lot of backup, even if a few of the people decide to take the day off at the last minute and you would know how frustrating it can be to arrange help on a short notice. So, print out those “vacant positions” posters because you will need them a lot.

A Special Holiday Menu

With the holiday season comes a lot of competition and you need to be able to flair your culinary creativity, if you want to stand out from the rest of the crowd. This is where your menu can play a critical role.

Custom create new menus for each season and wow your customers. Come up with the most extravagant and hearty dishes that will attract a lot of hungry tummies to your restaurant. Now that the weather has a nice chill, it’s only appropriate to come up with dishes and sides that are going to give you a warm hug from the inside.

Keep Check Of Your Pantry

Believe it or not, you won’t have time to lift your head once the holiday rush starts, so it’s better to be prepared beforehand. You want to keep an eye on the pantry and take inventory of the things that you need and don’t need. The last thing you want is to run out of essential ingredients and get stumped in the cooking process. That’s not professional at all.

So, keep a lookout for things that are running low and order them in bulk before the holidays start because you’re going to have a hard time getting your hands on some pantry and cooking essentials as soon as the bustling season commences.

Keep The Kitchen Maintained

The restaurant kitchen is the place where all of the magic happens, so it’s only fair that you keep it in pristine condition. If there is any part of the kitchen that needs attention, then you better get to the bottom of the problem and fix it right away. The sinks, drains, countertops, and appliances should be checked as well in case they need some repairs and tweaks.

This is going to increase the productivity in the kitchen and everything will be prepared in no time to feed your customers.

Clean, Clean, And Clean

You don’t want your restaurant to be known as the place where there’s hair in the food or the dishes or tables are dirty. This leaves a bad taste in the customer’s mouth and it could ruin your reputation. While working during the holidays can be super tiring, you still want to take care of the overall hygiene of the restaurant. make sure your refrigerators, ice dispensers, walk-in coolers, etc., are clean and you’re following food safety standards.

Therefore, make it a habit to have the workspace and the dining space cleaned before opening and after closing the restaurant. Scraping the grills, cleaning the grease and grime, etc., will be a lifesaver.

Have All Of The Equipment/Utensils

This is probably the most important prep that you need to do. Your kitchen’s life and soul are the utensils and equipment that you’re using to whip up tantalizing foods and drinks. So, you have to ensure that everything in your culinary arsenal is in top shape. Some of the most important equipment and utensils you’ll need for the holiday season are:

  • Large soup pots
  • Roasting pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixers
  • Egg beaters
  • Blenders
  • Sharp chef’s knives (a lot of them)
  • Paring knives
  • Ladles and serving spoons
  • Plates
  • Soup bowls
  • Ovens and grillers
  • Broilers
  • Pizza pans
  • Rolling cutters
  • Loaf pans
  • Cake pans
  • Beverage shakers, etc.
  • Ice dispensers

These things and many others are really important for your kitchen and they’re going to be used for almost all kinds of concoctions you whip up in the kitchen. Always remember! Less is more. You don’t need special pans or equipment to make wonderful and tasty creations. It’s time to get creative in the kitchen and make do with what you’ve already got.

A key tip to keep in mind is that you need to have plenty of these things so that each chef can use an item without having to wait for the next chef to be done. This keeps the rhythm flowing.

Get Everything Checked

Speaking of the kitchen, you also need to have all of the equipment inspected before you open your doors to the holiday rush and bustle. You don’t want any equipment breaking down on you at the last minute.

So, take some time out to repair or replace worn parts like gaskets, clogged burners, broken trays and trivets, any attachments of the mixing equipment and the list goes on. You need an expert who can inspect your equipment and tell you what needs to be repaired or replaced.

If your equipment is in good condition and maintained, then you won’t run into any unwanted problems.

You Must Have Plan B, C & D

With holidays, a huge dose of stress is always inevitable. The way you handle things during this busy time of the year makes or breaks the entire flow. Accidents and “oops” moments are going to happen, so don’t let it ruin your good spirit.

One thing that always helps is the fact that you have backup plans and options. For instance, if a stove stops working, then you should have backup handy. If someone calls in sick, then you should have extra people to cover those shifts. It doesn’t take a lot to think ahead and have a bit of cushion because it’s only going to save you from major impacts and you can go about serving the customers in your brightest mood.

Conclusion

An organized and updated kitchen equals a lot of guests leaving with their tummies filled. You’re going to thank yourself for knowing these prep tips beforehand. Well, what are you waiting for? Hire more people and get a commercial appliance repair Springfield service inspect your equipment because you won’t find time to rest once the guests come flooding in.

20

Nov

How To Fix A Commercial Dishwasher That Won’t Clean Dishes?

You need clean dishes to serve your customers food, but your commercial dishwasher is showing problems and the dishes are not coming out clean. Your staff member will have to clean dishes manually when the kitchen runs out of clean dishes, which will increase the workload and slow down your service. Therefore, you must have it fixed by a commercial kitchen appliance repair expert quickly.

In case you want to do something yourself, here are some things to check if your commercial dishwasher won’t clean dishes.

Change The Detergent

A detergent makes it easier for water and the dishwasher to clean the dishware. However, some detergents may not go well with the dishes, types of stains, or the type of dishwasher you have while some detergents are outright bad.

So, your commercial dishwasher not cleaning dishes may be because of the detergent. Therefore, try changing the detergent and determine the right amount you need to add for each cycle.

A simpler way to choose a dishwashing detergent is to check out which detergents similar restaurants or canteens are using and use the same one if your dishwasher is also similar.

If you want to know which detergent is the best, it depends on various things. However, a good detergent should produce less foam, could break down dirt on the dishware, could remove scale, and must not be corrosive or have volatile substances.

You should make the decision factoring in your dishwasher whether it’s a high-temperature dishwasher or a low-temperature one. You will need a sanitizing chemical for low-temperature dishwashers while for high-temperature models, you don’t need any.

If you don’t want the slightest change in your food or drinks’ flavor, don’t use low-temperature sanitizers and use a high-temperature dishwasher.

Use Rinsing Aid

If the dishes come out comparatively clean, but you notice spots on them later, they may be due to hard water or mineral deposits on the dishware. You can add a rinsing aid in the final cycle to avoid these marks on the dishes, glasses, and other items.

A rinsing aid is 90% water and 10% other things like alcohol, citric acid, etc. It reduces the surface tension of water so it’s removed from the dishes more easily. As water is removed from the dishes before drying, the minerals that cause spots are also removed with water.

You should correctly determine how much rinsing aid to use depending on the dishwasher and the hardness of the water.

Install A Water Softening System

The last point was about removing mineral buildup on dishes that is caused by hard water. However, hard water also causes other problems even if you use a rinsing aid for resolving one problem.

Hard water reduces foam formation and thus reduces the cleaning ability of water even when detergent is used. This may be why your commercial dishwasher is not cleaning dishes well enough. You will need to use more detergent than usual and may have to increase the wash cycles to get clean dishes which will reduce the efficiency of the dishwasher and increase dishwashing costs.

A better method of fixing this problem is the installation of a water softener. It’s a type of water filter that gets rid of minerals from water which are responsible for scale buildup on dishes.

As you will use a water softener, your detergent will work better, your dishwasher will be more efficient, and you won’t need to use large amounts of rinsing aid.

Clean The Dishwasher

Hard water doesn’t only cause spots on dishes but also leaves white scales or limescale inside dishwashers and other appliances as well. This can clog critical parts of the dishwasher that help in cleaning the dishes.

So, whether you install a water softener or not, make sure you or your staff clean the dishwasher at the end of every business day. During the cleaning process, remove food particles, gunk, and debris from the dishwasher first before thoroughly rinsing and washing the interior of the dishwasher with warm water. Then, allow it to drain.

After this, clean the spray nozzles with white vinegar to reduce limescale buildup on them. Empty and clean the filter of your commercial dishwasher. Afterward, move to the wash and rinse arms of the dishwasher and clean them.

Regular cleaning and descaling a dishwasher are two different techniques. You must be cleaning your dishwasher every day as mentioned above while descaling should be done depending on the hardness of water in your facility and how quickly the limescale layer forms on the interior parts of the dishwasher.

For descaling a commercial dishwasher, follow these instructions:

  1. Fill your dishwasher with water.
  2. Mix the descaling product in the water.
  3. Let it be for one hour.
  4. After an hour, run a complete wash cycle.
  5. Check the dishwasher for limescale. If there is still limescale, repeat this process.
  6. Once you have checked that there is no limescale left, drain the dishwasher.
  7. Fill the dishwasher again for a final rinse cycle.
  8. Let it air dry.

Rinse The Dishes Before Putting Them In The Dishwasher

This is a common practice in most professional kitchens, but in case your staff is not doing it, instruct them to do so. Rinsing the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher makes cleaning easier for the dishwasher, the dishes come out squeaky clean, and the dishwasher doesn’t get too dirty too quickly.

When rinsing or handwashing the dishes before their wash cycle inside a dishwasher, don’t use a household detergent because it can lead to foam formation inside the dishwasher. This foam formation can affect the efficiency and washing capability of the dishwasher.

Clean The Spray Arm

You will be cleaning your dishwasher at the end of each day, but if your commercial dishwasher is not cleaning dishes and you want to try something yourself, clean the spray arm. It’s the component that spins and sprays water on the dishes. If it’s clogged, it will spray less or no water, so the dishes won’t be cleaned.

You can simply remove the spray arm from the dishwasher and manually clean it. If the dishwasher still doesn’t clean dishes and you notice it’s due to the spray arm, you will have to replace this component.

Check The Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser is responsible for releasing detergent. A blocked or defective detergent dispenser will only lead to dirty dishes at the end of the wash cycle. So, turn off the dishwasher and check the detergent dispenser. Clean it and if it’s defective, have it replaced by getting help from an expert. Similarly, if your dishwasher has a rinse aid dispenser, check and clean it as well.

Moreover, you should also check other related components like the detergent dispenser’s door spring, the wax motor, and the bi-metal switch (older dishwashers).

Make Sure Your Dishwasher Is Filling Up With Water

During the wash cycle, the dishwasher must fill up with water. If it doesn’t, the dishes will be left dirty. This can be caused due to a faulty float, malfunctioning float switch, clogged or damaged inlet valve, or a bad door switch. Have an expert check these components.

Conclusion

The issue of a dishwasher not cleaning dishes can happen due to many factors. You should begin with smaller things like cleaning the dishwasher and then move to checking the components of the appliance. It’s better to leave this to a commercial dishwasher repairs Northern VA technician who will completely inspect the machine and perform repairs as required.

30

Oct

What Are The Causes Of Ice Buildup In A Walk-In Cooler?

Frost buildup inside a walk-in cooler can directly affect its performance and, if not fixed soon, it can result in damage to the vital components. So, you need a commercial appliances repair expert to inspect your walk-in cooler and determine why it’s freezing up. Here are some causes of ice buildup in walk-in coolers that will help you fix yours.

Causes Of Your Walk-In Cooler Freezing Up

Human Error

A common reason for walk-in coolers freezing up is the door is left open for too long. Why is this a problem? One of the things that triggers ice buildup inside a walk-in cooler is warm, humid air. When humid air enters the walk-in cooler, the refrigerator works harder to cool down the interior. In this attempt, the humid air turns to ice.

So, if the door of the walk-in cooler is open even for only 10 minutes, it will cause ice buildup. However, this does depend on the region where your facility is. If the air in your region is humid, icing will occur with only a few minutes of the door left open.

Usually, staff members follow the rules and keep the door closed and when they open it, they do it for a very short interval. However, during stocking the refrigerator, staff members might forget to keep the door closed or have to keep it open to bring many batches of food items inside the refrigerator.

So, instruct your staff to keep the door closed when stocking the food and bring all the food inside the walk-in cooler at once and then place it on shelves after that.

Moreover, to prevent the staff from leaving the refrigerator door open accidentally, install self-closing hinges or a door closer. Additionally, to keep the door from being open for too long in normal operations other than food stocking, instruct the employees to be sure of the items they need to take from the refrigerator or put inside it so they take less time when opening the refrigerator and performing the task.

Damaged Gasket

A walk-in cooler has gaskets in different places to keep two separate parts sealed. For example, the door has a gasket installed all over its ends so that when the door is closed, the gasket ensures that warm air doesn’t go inside or cold air doesn’t escape from the refrigerator.

Over time, these gaskets become loose, worn, or damaged. Due to this, even when the door is closed, the worn gasket doesn’t create a perfect seal. Warm, humid air keeps entering the walk-in cooler. This air turns into ice in any part of the interior and causes problems.

Faulty Door Mechanism

Gaskets wear with time, but sometimes, the door mechanism may be the culprit of ice buildup inside your commercial walk-in cooler. In some cases, the hinges become misaligned with time and allow some space that proves to be an entering point for warm air.

To check if the hinges are the cause of the problem, look for spaces near the top and bottom of the door.

Aging Or Damaged Insulation Panels

The inside walls of a walk-in cooler are covered with insulation panels. They keep the refrigerator cold by acting as a shield between the warm air outside and the cold air inside. These are sturdy panels, but they are not immune to damage and general wear and tear.

As these panels age more than 10 years, they start losing their insulation properties. This means they can’t keep the warm air outside as effectively as they did before. So, warm air keeps entering the walk-in cooler and turning into ice.

Moreover, due to improper maintenance or carelessness, these panels can be damaged during cleaning, stocking food items, or removing items. This also makes them considerably ineffective.

So, whenever, there is an ice buildup issue, have the insulation panels checked as well. Take note that when the insulation panels of your walk-in cooler are worn, your appliance is probably really old and you should consider replacing the appliance.

Issues With The Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is the component that makes your walk-in cooler or any refrigerator cold. The most common issue with evaporator coils is the icing up of the coils due to the issues mentioned above. When warm air enters the walk-in cooler, it can also reach the evaporator coils and its fans. And with time, it can freeze the evaporator coil or the fans.

In some cases, dust and debris buildup can lead to ice buildup in the evaporator coils because these coils make warm air cold. When they can’t due to dirty coils, condensation occurs more than usual leading to frozen coils.

Furthermore, the same will happen if the evaporator coils or their fans are faulty. Sometimes, the fans become faulty due to ice buildup that is because of the inflow of warm air inside the walk-in cooler. This warm air becomes ice. If this is formed on the fans, they won’t rotate, causing the evaporator coils to freeze which will lead to ineffective cooling of the walk-in cooler. This can spoil the inventory stored in the refrigerator.

Keep in mind that the evaporator coil fans can malfunction on their own as well and they will cause the same problem.

Thermostat Issues

In some other cases, evaporator coils become frozen due to thermostat issues. It could be that the thermostat is set to a temperature lower than the recommended settings which will lead to icing up of the evaporator coils.

Apart from that, if the thermostat is faulty, it might not sense the temperature correctly and may not signal the compressor to stop functioning at the right time. The walk-in cooler might start freezing everything or in the opposite case, the walk-in cooler might become too warm.

Malfunctioning Auto-Defrost Cycle

The defrost cycle removes ice from evaporator coils. These cycles are timed and occur periodically. When a defrost cycle is triggered, the compressor is turned off. Evaporator coils are installed with a small heater or heating element that begins functioning and removes ice formed on the coils. Keep in mind that a normal amount of ice formation on evaporator coils is fine and for removing it, the auto-defrost feature is installed.

However, if the defrost cycle doesn’t work or the heating element becomes faulty, the evaporator coils will remain iced up and lead to various problems like cooling issues.

Clogged Drain Line

It was mentioned in the last point that evaporator coils are defrosted. This means the ice on the coils becomes water. This water flows outside the refrigerator through the condensate or drain line. It can become clogged due to a lack of maintenance or something else obstructing the line.

Due to this, melted water from the evaporator coils and other parts of the walk-in cooler won’t be drained out. So, it will pool near the drain line. This water can freeze up.

If you see ice near the drain line only, then the drain line is either clogged or obstructed. So, clean the drain line.

Conclusion

Icing up of the interior of a walk-in cooler is not normal. It’s dangerous and can damage the evaporator coils, evaporator fans, and even the compressor. So, if you notice ice buildup in your commercial walk-in cooler, get assistance from a walk in cooler repair Fairfax technician.