Commercial Equipment Fault Finder

Commercial dishwasher guide

Common faults reported

• Will not startNo power, door or hood not fully closed, or a safety switch not engaging.
• Will not fillWater supply closed, inlet hose kinked, low pressure or an inlet fault.
• Will not drainBlocked strainer, filter or drain; drain hose restricted or kinked.
• Poor wash resultsDirty filters, blocked spray arms, incorrect loading, low water or detergent problems.
• Not heatingWash or rinse temperature remains low, or the machine reports a heating warning.
• Leaking or overfillingDoor seal, incorrectly fitted filter or drain parts, or a fill fault.
• Spots or residueRinse-aid, detergent, water-softener, temperature or loading issue.
• Error code or unusual noiseRecord the exact message and stop if the sound is severe.

Glasswasher guide

Common faults reported

• Will not startNo power, door not fully closed or the cycle control is not responding.
• Will not fillWater supply closed, hose kinked, low pressure or inlet fault.
• Will not drainFilter, waste or drain hose blocked, or drain components not seated correctly.
• Cloudy or streaky glassesRinse-aid, detergent, water-softener, limescale or loading issue.
• Glasses still dirtyBlocked wash arms, dirty filters, low temperature or excessive soil.
• Not heating or dryingWash or rinse temperature is low, or the heating cycle is not completing.
• Leaking or overfillingDoor seal, drain blockage, incorrect setup or fill fault.
• Error codePhotograph the display and note when the warning appears.

Commercial refrigeration guide

Common faults reported

• Too warm or not coolingPower or setting issue, door left open, damaged seal or restricted airflow.
• Running continuouslyDirty accessible condenser, high room temperature, poor ventilation or door-seal fault.
• Heavy ice or frostDoor not sealing, airflow blocked or a defrost fault. Never chip ice away.
• Water leakingBlocked drain, ice melt or damaged collection tray.
• Unusual noiseFan obstruction, loose part or compressor-related noise.
• Alarm or error codeTemperature alarm, door alarm, probe warning or controller fault.
• Door will not closeObstruction, worn hinges or damaged magnetic gasket.
• No powerLocal switch, plug, isolator or supply fault.

Food safety: move food to safe refrigerated storage and follow your temperature-control procedure if the cabinet is too warm.

Oven and cooking equipment guide

Common faults reported

• No power or no heatLocal supply, timer or operating mode not set, or a heating fault.
• Slow or uneven cookingIncorrect setting, overloading, blocked airflow, fan or temperature-control fault.
• Fan not runningDoor not fully closed, obstruction or fan/motor fault.
• Door will not closeObstruction, damaged hinge, latch or door seal.
• Burner or pilot will not lightGas supply or ignition fault. Stop immediately if you smell gas.
• Overheating or trippingBlocked ventilation, high-limit activation or electrical fault.
• Display or controls unresponsiveOperating-mode, control-panel or power fault.
• Error codeRecord the exact code, make and model before switching off.

For a Rational combi oven, use the separate Rational Oven Support guide.

Commercial fryer guide

Common faults reported

• Will not power on or heatLocal supply, controls, drain safety switch or heating fault.
• Pilot or burner will not stay litGas supply, ignition or flame-sensing fault. Stop if you smell gas.
• High-limit has operatedOvertemperature condition or control fault; do not repeatedly reset it.
• Slow temperature recoveryExcessive load, incorrect setting, dirty oil or heating-system fault.
• Incorrect oil temperatureControl, thermostat or temperature-probe issue.
• Will not filterFilter pan not seated, blockage, cold oil or pump fault.
• Oil leaking or foamingDrain valve, seal, water contamination or oil-condition problem.
• Smoke or unusual smellSwitch off safely and do not continue using the fryer.

Other catering equipment

Common faults reported

• No powerLocal switch, plug, isolator or supply fault.
• Will not start a cycleDoor, lid or safety interlock not engaging.
• Not heating or coolingIncorrect setting, airflow issue or component fault.
• Water or gas problemNormal supply is unavailable or the appliance is not detecting it.
• Blocked filter or drainUser-removable filter is dirty or visible waste path is restricted.
• Leak or overflowSeal, pipe, drain or fill fault.
• Unusual noise or vibrationObstruction, loose component, fan, pump or motor issue.
• Error codeRecord the code, manufacturer, model and serial number if visible.