Troubleshooting Tips for Commercial Laundry Equipment

 

Any laundromat owner, employee, or manager must be prepared to problem-solve when issues arise with vended or coin-operated machines. Troubleshooting commercial laundry equipment by checkng for user mistakes, error codes, wear and tear, loose parts, and blockages can save you time and money.

While you can always call a technician, diagnosing and repairing basic problems can minimize your downtime and expenses. Here are some tips for inspecting vended laundry equipment, plus some essential tools to help you get your machines up and running quickly. 

Common Laundry Equipment Issues (and Fixes)

Checking for an error code on the machine's display and consulting your equipment manual are excellent places to start troubleshooting. We're also providing some quick tips to find out what's preventing your commercial washer or dryer from running as it should.

Why Is My Commercial Washer So Loud?

Unexpected noise or excessive vibrations from your commercial washer or dryer can indicate an unbalanced load or worn parts, but are usually not cause for major concern. To diagnose the cause of thumping, grinding, or shaking, start by following these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check the washer or dryer to drum to ensure it is not overloaded, causing it to become unbalanced.
  2. If you've adjusted the weight of the load and you're still hearing abnormal noices, a worn-out belt or loose part could be the culprit.
  3. Contact a technician or order the worn parts from an OEM commercial laundry parts supplier.

Why Are Clothes Not Drying?

If a customer's dryer cycle completes but their clothes are still damp, an overfull lint filter or a faulty heating element are two possible culprits. Troubleshooting the commercial dryer can tell you if it is a user error or a malfunction. Follow these steps:

  1. Remove any lint built up on the screen.
  2. Unplug the equipment and use a wet/dry vacuum to carefully remove any blockages from the chamber, burner assembly, recirculation duct, and venting system.
  3. Run the machine on high heat and check that it activates; if the drum doesn't feel warm, a heating element failure could be to blame.
  4. Consult a professional who can check the temperature probe functionality and wire connections.

How Do I Fix a Laundromat Washer Leak or Slow Drain?

A few simple commercial washing machine repairs, such as cleaning filters or replacing worn hoses and gaskets, can often fix leaks and slow drains. While some water-related issues can be tough to track down to the source, these steps are a good plact to start:

  1. Check water supply valves, inlet hoses, door gaskets, and connections for signs of wear or damage. Tighten or reseal as necessary.
  2. Check the drain vent and pump filters for obstructions and debris.
  3. Tighten all water connections.

Why Are My Coin-Operated Washers Overfilling?

While human error, such as overfilling the machine, can often cause a laundromat washer to overflow, it could also be caused by issues with the pressure switch or the hoses. Start troubleshooting your commercial washer with these tips:

  1. Verify that user error, such as using too much detergent or overloading, did not cause the issue.
  2. Confirm that a presure switch error hasn't caused the washer to overfill.
  3. Check that the pressure hose isn't blocked or obstructed.
  4. Examine the water inlet valve to make sure it isn't stuck oopen; if it is, clean or replace it.
  5. Verify the solenoid, which controls the flow of water to the machine, isn't malfunctioning. You may want to ask a technician to inspect it.

Why Are Coin Payments on a Washer or Dryer Not Working?

A washing machine may stop accepting coins due to dirt or debris in the drop mechanism or a faulty sensor. Thankfully, troubleshooting commercial laundry equipment payment issues is fairly easy:

  1. Confirm the coin box isn't jammed because it is full. If it is, empty it and resume oepration.
  2. Check that objects or coins aren't physically blocking the coin slot or drop.
  3. Remove the coin drop mechanism and clean it in soapy water to remove dirt or stuck-on substances that may be preventing payments from passing through.
  4. If a machine accepts coins but doesn't count them correctly, the sensor may be faulty; call a technician to verify.

What Do I Do When There's a Burning Smell From the Machines?

The smell of smoke or burning rubber is an immediate cause for concern, and you should try to identify the machine and turn it off right away. Troubleshooting a commercial dryer's burning smell involves checking for lint blockages, poor ventilation, or worn components—all of which can cause overheating. Investigating this issue should not be put off, as it is often a critical warning sign. Here's what to do:

  1. Turn off any machines that could be causing the odor.
  2. If the smell dissipates once the machines have been turned off, call a technician to evaluate the machines.
  3. If the odor persists, contact the fire department immediately.

Essential Troubleshooting Tools

While creating a preventative maintenance program can keep equipment running efficiently, we also recommend that every laundromat be equipped to troubleshoot common commercial laundry equipment errors and issues. Identifying the source of the problem early allows laundromat employees to complete simple repairs faster. Then, when a problem persists, owners can order parts or schedule service promptly.

Maintenance Log

Track maintenance and repairs for each machine to identify patterns and potential problems before they escalate. Record all tasks, from filter cleanings to belt checks to hose inspections, plus any replacements or repairs in your maintenance log.

Here's what to log:

  • Machine identifier
  • Technician name/initials
  • Error codes/issue
  • Task performed
  • Parts used
  • Dates of service (current and next)

Equipment Manuals

The manual that comes with each piece of equipment should be your go-to resource for identifying any minor or major issues. Make sure you save manuals for every washer, dryer, and payment system or add-on technology. Familiarize yourself with these documents and keep them easily accessible so you can quickly reference:

  • Error code meanings
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Manufacturer repair tips
  • Instructions for complex maintenance
  • OEM parts lists

Basic Toolbox

Before you begin any troubleshooting or repair, objectively assess your mechanical and technical aptitude. Prioritize safety and follow lockout/tagout procedures before opening any panel or disassembling any part.

Keep a toolbox handy for in-house repairs you can complete safely. It should include:

  • Recommended or required personal protective equipment, such as gloves or eye protection
  • Lockout/tagout tags, as necessary
  • Screwdrivers
  • Pliers
  • Wrenches
  • A multimeter
  • Wet/dry vacuum
  • Lint brush kit
  • Spare hoses and fuses (per the manuals)

When to Call a Repair Technician

Commercial dryer troubleshooting often involves checking the lint filter, vent system, heating element, thermostat, and electrical components. For commercial washers, troubleshooting means checking for power supply problems, door lock malfunctions, or drainage issues. If you're not confident in your ability to address these common issues as directed in the service manual, it's time to call in the experts.

A partnership with Western State Design's skilled technicians can improve your response time, and contracted maintenance can help reduce unexpected downtime. Contact Western State Design to discuss how our team can keep your machines running efficiently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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