Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my commercial dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly?

Poor cleaning performance is commonly caused by blocked wash arms, worn wash pumps, incorrect detergent dosing, low wash temperatures, clogged filters or overloading the dishwasher. Hard water scale can also reduce washing performance over time. Regular servicing helps keep your dishwasher operating efficiently.

Why is my commercial dishwasher leaving dishes dirty or with food residue?

Food residue after a wash cycle may indicate blocked spray arms, insufficient water pressure, worn wash pumps, incorrect loading practices or low wash temperatures. A technician can diagnose the underlying cause and restore proper cleaning performance.

Why won't my commercial dishwasher drain?

Commercial dishwashers commonly fail to drain due to blocked filters, food debris, damaged drain pumps, blocked drain hoses or electrical faults. Continuing to operate the dishwasher without proper drainage may cause further damage.

Why isn't my commercial dishwasher heating the water?

Heating problems are often caused by faulty heating elements, thermostats, temperature sensors or electrical control components. Commercial dishwashers rely on correct wash and rinse temperatures to achieve effective cleaning and sanitation.

What temperature should a commercial dishwasher operate at?

Most commercial dishwashers wash between 55°C and 65°C and rinse between 80°C and 85°C, depending on the manufacturer and model. Maintaining the correct rinse temperature is important for effective sanitising and drying.

Why is my commercial dishwasher taking longer than normal?

Longer wash cycles may be caused by heating faults, scale build-up, water supply issues, blocked filters or worn mechanical components. A service inspection can identify the cause and restore normal operating times.

Why does my commercial dishwasher keep tripping the power?

Frequent power trips may indicate damaged heating elements, electrical wiring faults, water ingress, failed motors or control board issues. Electrical faults should always be inspected by a qualified technician.

Why is my commercial dishwasher leaking water?

Leaks are commonly caused by damaged door seals, split hoses, worn pumps, loose fittings or blocked drainage systems. Even small leaks should be repaired promptly to prevent further equipment damage and workplace safety hazards.

Why is my commercial dishwasher making unusual noises?

Grinding, rattling or humming noises may indicate worn wash pumps, failing motors, damaged bearings or foreign objects caught inside the wash system. Unusual noises should be investigated before they lead to larger repairs.

Why does my commercial dishwasher smell bad?

Persistent odours are often caused by grease build-up, food debris, blocked filters or poor cleaning practices. Regular cleaning and preventative maintenance help eliminate odours while improving washing performance.

Can hard water damage a commercial dishwasher?

Yes. Hard water causes mineral scale to build up on heating elements, rinse arms and internal components. Over time this reduces efficiency, increases energy consumption and may lead to costly repairs. Water softeners and routine descaling help protect your equipment.

How often should a commercial dishwasher be serviced?

Most manufacturers recommend servicing commercial dishwashers every 6 to 12 months, depending on how heavily the machine is used. High-volume restaurants, clubs and hotels may benefit from more frequent preventative maintenance.

What can I check before calling for a repair?

Before requesting a service call, you can safely check:

• Is the power switched on?

• Is the water supply turned on?

• Are the filters clean?

• Are the spray arms blocked?

• Is the drain obstructed?

• Is the detergent and rinse aid full?

If these items appear normal and the problem continues, professional diagnosis is recommended.

Is it better to repair or replace my commercial dishwasher?

In many cases, repairing a commercial dishwasher is significantly more cost-effective than replacing it, particularly if spare parts remain available and the machine is otherwise in good condition. Our technicians provide honest recommendations based on the age, condition and repair costs of your equipment.

How long should a commercial dishwasher last?

A well-maintained commercial dishwasher can often provide 10 to 15 years of reliable service, depending on the manufacturer, daily usage, water quality and maintenance schedule. Regular servicing helps maximise equipment lifespan.

Do commercial dishwashers require preventative maintenance?

Yes. Preventative maintenance reduces unexpected breakdowns, improves cleaning performance, extends equipment life and helps identify worn components before they fail. Routine servicing is generally more cost-effective than emergency repairs.

Which commercial dishwasher brands do you repair?

Worldwide CDM repairs a wide range of commercial dishwasher brands, including:

• Aristarco

• Adler

• Baron

• Eswood

• Jemi

• Lamber

• Maddison

• Norris

• Sammic

• Smartwash

• Washtech

If your brand isn't listed, contact our team to discuss your equipment.

Do you use genuine spare parts?

Worldwide CDM uses genuine manufacturer spare parts to maintain reliability, performance and the longevity of your commercial dishwasher.

How quickly can you attend a commercial dishwasher breakdown?

We understand that equipment downtime affects your business. We aim to respond promptly across Sydney and will arrange a technician as quickly as possible based on your location and the urgency of the repair.

Can regular servicing reduce operating costs?

Yes. A well-maintained commercial dishwasher generally operates more efficiently, heats water more effectively and places less strain on major components. Routine servicing can reduce energy consumption, improve cleaning performance and help avoid costly emergency breakdowns.

Common Signs Your Commercial Dishwasher Needs Servicing

Signs to watch out for:

• Wash cycles are taking longer than normal.

• Dishes are coming out dirty or streaky.

• Water isn't heating properly.

• The dishwasher won't drain completely.

• Water is leaking onto the floor.

• The machine is making unusual noises.

• Error codes are appearing.

• The rinse cycle isn't sanitising effectively.

• Higher water or electricity usage than normal.

• The machine frequently stops mid-cycle.