A pot and pan washer that leaves dirty pans is usually dealing with weak chemical, water that is not hot enough, clogged spray nozzles, a tired pump or heavy scale. Because these machines handle the greasiest loads in the kitchen, small problems show up fast. Working through the checks in the order below separates what you can fix from what needs a technician.
Step 1: Look at what is left on the pans
The kind of soil that remains is a clue.
- Greasy film. Often a sign of low detergent, water that is too cool or heavy grease overloading the tank.
- Baked-on food in spots. Spray not reaching those areas, due to clogged nozzles, a blocked arm or pans stacked wrongly.
- Whitish film or spots after drying. Hard water scale or rinse issues.
- Gritty food bits. Strainers or filters clogged, or the tank water too dirty.
Step 2: Check the water
Make sure the water supply is on, the tank fills to the proper level and the wash water is hot. Most pot and pan washers need hot water in the wash tank, and greasy loads clean poorly in lukewarm water. Compare the machine thermometer with the data plate or manual. If the temperature is low, the cause may be a failed heating element, a thermostat out of calibration, steam supply issues on steam-heated models or a weak booster. If the tank level looks low, check the fill valve and the overflow.
Step 3: Check the chemicals
Detergent and rinse aid are fed automatically on most machines. Check that containers are not empty, the feed tubes are not cracked or kinked, and the pumps are drawing. Crystals in the tube or at the injection fitting are a common cause of reduced flow. Too much detergent can leave a residue, and too little leaves grease. Use the chemical recommended for the machine and your water. Do not mix chemicals, which can release dangerous gases.
Step 4: Clean the filters, strainers and nozzles
With the machine off and cool, remove the scrap screens and strainers and wash them. Pull the end caps off the wash arms and flush out food. Use a small brush to clear nozzle holes. A common cause of weak cleaning is a half-blocked arm that no one has looked at in weeks.
Step 5: Check loading
Pans stacked inside one another, large sheet pans pressed together or items placed so they block the spray will not wash. Scrape heavy food first, and soak or pre-rinse baked-on items. Follow the loading pattern shown in the manual.
| What you see | Likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Greasy pans, cool wash water | Heating element, thermostat or steam issue | Technician |
| Greasy pans, hot water | Low detergent or heavy tank soil | Check feed, drain and refill |
| Baked-on spots in the same place | Clogged nozzle or blocked arm | Clean arms and nozzles |
| Weak spray | Clogged strainer, pump wear or low water level | Clean; technician if still weak |
| White scale film | Hard water | Delime; consider water treatment |
| Machine hums or trips | Motor, pump or electrical problem | Turn off, call technician |
When a technician is needed
If cleaning arms, strainers and the tank and checking the chemicals do not help, the problem may be mechanical. Common repairs include wash pumps and seals, motors, heating elements, steam valves, fill and drain valves, thermostats and chemical feed pumps. Pump seals that leak can also put water into the motor. Do not keep running a machine that leaks near electrical parts. Turn off power at the disconnect before any inspection inside the cabinet.
Prevention
Drain and clean the tank daily, delime on a schedule and keep a log of temperatures and chemical refills. Train staff to scrape and pre-rinse pans before loading. Watch for changes: a machine that takes longer to heat or sounds different is worth a call before it fails.
We repair pot and pan washers for restaurants, hotels, schools and clinics. We explain plainly what is worn and what it costs before work begins, and we confirm a three-hour arrival window when you book.
What to tell us when you call
Give us the machine make and model, whether it is electric, gas or steam heated, the water temperature shown on the gauge and what the pans look like when they come out. Tell us whether the problem started suddenly or slowly and whether the chemical supplier changed products recently. If the machine leaks or trips a breaker, say so up front. These details help us bring the right pump, element or feed parts and keep the visit short.
FAQ
Why are my pans still greasy after washing?
Low wash temperature, low detergent, a clogged spray arm or a heavy grease load are the usual causes.
Can I use any detergent in a pot and pan washer?
No. Use the product recommended for your machine and water, and never mix chemicals.
How do I know if the pump is failing?
Weak spray, unusual noise, leaking at the pump or a tripped breaker can point to a pump or motor problem.
Do you repair these for schools and clinics too?
Yes. We repair pot and pan washers for restaurants, hotels, schools and clinics.