Hobart Dishwasher Troubleshooting Tips

Cleaning a Hobart Undercounter Dishwasher

1. Drain the machine.

2. Remove and check the wash and rinse arms. Some models have squeeze buttons while others have hand screws for easy removal.

3. Remove all the strainers and clean them out to remove any food residues.

4. Clean the exterior and interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth.

5. Reposition all components so that your machine is ready to use the next day.

6. Leave the door slightly open to allow it to air out during off hours.

Cleaning a Hobart Door Type Dishwasher

1. Spray down the inside of the dishwasher and scrub any hard-to-reach spots with a damp cloth.

2. Remove the interior components, including the rack track, strainer, and scrap baskets so you can clean them out thoroughly.

3. Check the wash and rinse arms for blockages and make sure they rotate freely.

4. Replace the interior components.

5. Drain the unit completely.

6. Clean the inside of the unit with a damp cloth.

7. Clean the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth.

Cleaning a Hobart Conveyor Dishwasher

Before beginning the process of cleaning your conveyor dishwasher, be sure to disconnect the power and follow lockout procedures for safety.

1. Turn the machine off.

2. Drain the unit completely.

3. Remove the curtains and clean them with a mild solution.

4. Remove the wash / rinse arms and ensure that they are free of any obstructions.

5. Remove the strainers and scrap baskets and clean them out.

6. Clean the standpipe and the screen around the pump intake.

7. Spray down the machine's interior.

8. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

9. Reassemble.

10. Leave the doors open to allow air flow through the machine.

How to Delime a Hobart Dishwasher

You will need to delime your Hobart dishwasher frequently, as soon as you see signs of lime scale buildup. Deliming helps prolong the life of the machine, prevents malfunctions, and ensures proper performance.

Dishwasher Deliming Procedures

There are three different types of deliming procedures. Be sure to check your unit's manual and operating instructions to determine which type you need to follow. Make sure to use the proper commercial deliming chemicals too!

Manual Deliming

The operator visually determines the need for deliming, then fills the tank to the appropriate level, adds chemicals, circulates the solution, drains the tank, and fills it with fresh water again for a rinse. After the rinse water drains, the unit is ready for normal use.

Semi-Automatic Deliming

The machine notifies the operator when deliming is required, then the operator adds chemicals and starts the cycle. The unit will run the cycle, drain, rinse, and be ready for service.

Automatic Deliming

The machine notifies the operator that deliming is required. All the operator needs to do is accept the delime cycle and the machine will automatically pump in chemicals. The machine will run the cycle, rinse, and put itself back in service when complete.

Machine Not Operating

• Machine is turned off - turn it on.

• Blown fuse or circuit breaker at the power supply - reset or replace it.

• Power cord is unplugged or disconnected - reconnect it.

• Door is jammed or not closed - inspect door seals and remove obstructions.

• Conveyor has jammed - remove obstructions.

• Timer has timed out - press START or insert a rack.

• Energy Saver Mode is engaged - press STOP to resume operation.

Dishes Not Coming Clean

• Strainers are clogged - clean your machine.

• Water is dirty - drain and refill the tanks.

• Wash or rinse arms are clogged - remove arms and clear obstructions.

• Wash or rinse arms will not turn - check that they rotate freely and remove obstructions.

• Chemical pump or dispensers are clogged - check lines to remove obstructions.

• Dishes are too soiled before washing - remember to thoroughly pre-scrap ware.

• Racks were loaded improperly - follow proper procedures for loading racks.

• Low/no water - check water supply.

• Water temperature too low - confirm that wash temperatures are reaching 120°F for low temperature machines or 150°F for high temperature machines.

Silverware, Glasses, and Dishes are Spotted

• Improperly loaded racks - follow proper loading procedures.

• Incorrect final rinse temperatures - ensure rinse water reaches 120°F for low temperature machines or 180°F for high temperature machines.

• Low water pressure - check pump for obstructions.

• Clogged wash / rinse arm nozzles - remove obstructions.

• Improper water hardness - test water hardness and take corrective measures.

• Incorrect chemical types for water hardness - contact chemical supplier.

• Problem with rinse aid dispenser - check for obstructions or contact supplier.

• Low water level - check water supply.

Unexpected Results on Dishes

• Etching - may be caused by combination of high temperatures, soft water, soft glass, or high alkaline washing solutions.

• Tarnishing - avoid washing silver or pewter in chemical sanitizing machines

• Pitting - Stainless steel may pit with prolonged exposure to salt, fruit juice, or vinegar. Wash immediately.

• Black or gray marks - avoid contact with aluminum.

• Brown stains - potentially high iron content in water supply.

• Chipping - improper loading of ware or ware is too delicate for machine washing. Load racks properly or hand wash.

• Fading of china patterns - high temperatures and strong detergent, confirm ware is dishwasher safe.

• Wooden ware is damaged - avoid washing wood in a dish machine.

• Rust on cast iron - seasoning has been lost, avoid washing in a dish machine.

• Plastic ware is misshapen - high temperatures, check ware's care instructions.

Final Rinse Temperature Too Low with Built-In Booster

• Tank float not rising - prevents heat from turning on.

• Temperature protector has been tripped - contact authorized service agency.

• Circuit breaker has tripped - reset.

• Incoming water temperature is too low - test and correct.

• Temperature control adjustment required / booster heater failure - contact authorized service agency.

Inadequate Rinsing

• Dirty strainer - remove and clean.

• Clogged rinse nozzles - remove obstructions.

Continuous Rinsing

• Rinse actuator not moving freely - check for free movement.

• Foreign objects in rinse mechanisms - remove obstructions.

• Rinse valve has failed or jammed open - clear obstructions or call for service.

• Standpipe(s) not properly seated - check seals.

Wash Tank Not Heating

• Low water supply - check water level.

• Circuit breaker has tripped - reset.

• Heat float is blocked - check for debris and freedom of movement.

• Overtemp protector has tripped - call for service.

• Standpipe(s) are not properly seated - check seals.

Not Filling / Filling Slowly

• Door is open - close door.

• Water supply valve is closed - open valve.

• Fill floats are not moving freely - remove obstructions and check for free movement.

• Dirty strainer - remove and clean.

• Problem with solenoid - call for service.

• Low incoming water pressure - test and correct.

• Drain is open - close drain.

• Standpipe(s) not properly seated - check seals.

Overfilling, Leaking from Door

• Machine is not level - follow leveling instructions.

• Solenoid valve is leaking - power unit off; if water continues to flow, call for service.

Vacuum Breaker Leaking

• Foreign material or corrosion is preventing proper operation - clean valve and reassemble.

Chemicals Not Feeding

• Low chemicals - check levels.

• Air leaks in feeder hoses - check connections and fittings.

• Tubes are kinked - check for smooth bends.

Food Soils Remain in Dishwasher

• Machine not properly cleaned - clean dishwasher.

Solenoid Valve is Leaking

• Foreign material preventing proper operation - call for service.

Rinse Arms Occasionally Dripping

• This is normal for high temperature models. Water expands due to being heated in the booster tank, which causes some occasional dripping from the rinse arms.

Excessive Steaming

• Vent stack damper not properly adjusted - check the adjustment.

Machine Not Draining

• Drain is restricted - check for kinks, clogs, or improper drain rate.

• Unknown issue - power off the machine, then wait several seconds and turn back on. Repeat if needed. If problem persists, call for service.

Machine Appears to Have Rust Inside

• Aggressive cleaning - do not use steel wool to clean machine.

• High iron content in water supply - test and correct water supply.