Hobart Dishwasher Troubleshooting From undercounter to conveyor machines, Hobart manufactures a wide variety of high-quality dishwashers. That’s why it’s no surprise restaurants, hotels and other commercial kitchens rely on them to clean plates, glasses and silverware.
Hobart Dishwasher Troubleshooting Solutions
Like any equipment that gets used on a daily basis, commercial dishwashers can experience a few hiccups from time to time. But don’t worry! We have a list of Hobart dishwasher troubleshooting tips, so those dirty dishes and tableware don’t stack up. Depending on the model, some of the problems below also have specific Hobart dishwasher error codes assigned to them, which are included as well.
Machine Not Operating
If your Hobart dishwasher doesn’t have a display, check if the machine was turned off or the power cord is unplugged or damaged. There also could be a blown fuse or circuit breaker that needs to be reset or replaced. For machines with a display, a “door open” code will pop up (see below). Try opening and closing the door to solve the problem. If the code still displays, contact an authorized technician for assistance.
Associated Display or Error Code: “DOOR OPEN” or “dr” “op”
Machine Not Filling or Filling Incorrectly
There are a few factors that could prevent your Hobart dishwasher from filling properly. Below are common issues:
- Low or no water pressure – If the water pressure is low, see if the hose strainer is clogged or the pressure in your facility meet the proper requirements for your machine. When there is no pressure, check if the main water supply valves are working. If not, have them replaced by an authorized technician.
- Machine needs to be cleaned – Scale and lime buildup can cause several issues with your machine. Also, look specifically at probes to see if they’re dirty and clean them. Follow the cleaning and deliming instructions in your owner’s manual.
- Opened drain valve – If you unit won’t fill enough, Hobart recommends the turning the machine off and turning it back on. Repeat this step twice to help clear any drain valve obstructions. When the machine enter “ready” mode, press wash. Open the door slowly, and wait at least five seconds later and check the water level. Close the door, and wait about 30 seconds before checking it again. If the water level is not the same as it was, repeat the on-off procedure. Contact an authorized technician if the problem continues.
- Leaking fill solenoid valve – When your machine fills too high, check if the fill solenoid valve is leaking. Power the dishwasher off, and see if the water continues to flow into the machine. If so, contact an authorized technician to fix the issue.
- Unleveled machine – If your dishwasher isn’t level, this could cause the unit to overfill. Have the unit leveled by an authorized technician.
Associated Display or Error Code: “E0,” “E2,” “E3” or “E4” on LX18 and LX30 models and “DR1 PRBLM,” “FILL1 PRBLM,” FILL2 PRBLM” or FILL3 PRBLM” on LX40 models
Machine Not Draining
When your commercial dishwasher won’t drain properly, check if the drain pipes are restricted. See if your unit’s drain line has kink and blockages, and remedy the issue as soon as possible. If that is not the case, power your machine off. Wait several seconds before powering back on, and repeat the process again if no draining occurs. If the problem isn’t resolved, contact an authorized technician to assist you.
Dishes Aren’t Clean/Spotting on Silverware & Glasses
Whenever your dishes, silverware and glasses are dirty or have spotting, look for the following issues:
- Obstructed or dirty wash arms – If your unit has dirty or obstructed wash, remove the obstruction and clean thoroughly using your manual’s instructions. On select LX series models, check for similar issue with the unit’s rinse arms.
- Strainers clogged – Blocked strainers cause insufficient water supply to your unit’s pump. Unclog and follow the cleaning instruction in your owner’s manual.
- Low water temperature – When “WASH” displays, your machine should have a temperature above 120°F on chemical sanitizing models and 150°F on other models.
- Racks loaded incorrectly – Improperly loaded racks could leave dishes, glasses and silverware dirty. Check your owner’s manual for proper loading instructions.
- Low water pressure or insufficient filling – Check if the hose strainer is clogged or the pressure in your facility meet the correct requirements for your unit. Bad pressure not only impedes the cleaning of items, but it also won’t fill your machine to what is required. On some models, you may need to adjust the cycle timer.
- Hard water – If the water in your facility is hard, have a softener installed and/or use a rinse agent.
- Detergent dispenser clogged – See if your machine has a clogged detergent dispenser. Clean it out using the instruction in your unit’s manual.
Damage to Dishes & Other Items
Whenever you notice etching, scrapes or other damage to anything you’re cleaning, consider the following:
- Etching – If there is etching, this could be caused by a combination of high water temperatures, soft water, high alkaline cleaning solution or soft glass.
- Chipping – Incorrectly loading the machine can cause items to come in contact with each other, causing chips and cracks.
- Tarnishing – Do not wash silver and pewter plates and more in machine that uses chemical sanitizers.
- Pitting – Stainless steel can pit when in contact with certain foods like vinegar, salt and fruit juice.
- Marks and staining – Black and gray mark could come from items being rubbed with aluminum. Brown and dark stains could come from high iron in the water.
- Ware and rusting – Certain plastic and wooden items can ware from high temperatures. Check if either is dishwasher safe. If cast-iron items experience rust, they also might not be dishwasher safe.
- Fading patterns – When you patterns fading on china, it could be from high water temperatures and/or strong detergents. Check if the china is dishwasher safe.
Low Temperature Readings
If the water isn’t at the correct temperature, look for the following issues:
- Rapid cycle use – Whenever the incoming water temperature is low and the cycle use rate is high on your unit, this will cause an inadequate demand to clean your dishes and tableware.
- Low temperature from supply – When washing, your machine should have a temperature above 120°F on chemical sanitizing machines and 150°F on other models. Make sure to change the setting if necessary.
- Heavy ware loads – Overloaded racks can actually cause the wash water to cool down. Check your owner’s manual for proper loading instructions.
- Low booster or sump heater – Contact an authorized technician to resolve this issue. On LX40H models, you can set the value higher.
Chemicals Not Feeding Properly
When chemicals aren’t feeding into your machine, the following could be the problem:
- Kinked tubes – Check for smooth bends, and unkink any tangled tubing that feeds chemicals into your unit.
- Air leaks – Look for air leaks at your machine’s feeder hose connection. Snugness typically is a sign of this issue.
Low chemicals – A low amount of chemicals could be the reason for improper feeding. Check your machine’s levels.