Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Spotting Silverware, Glasses, and Dishes
Caution / Monitor Closely
Warning: The information provided here is for educational purposes only.
Working with commercial kitchen equipment involves high voltage, gas, and high temperatures.
We strongly recommend contacting a certified service technician for any repairs.
We are not responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from DIY repair attempts.
This information is provided 'as is' without any guarantees of completeness or accuracy.
TLDR
On your AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, spotting on dishware typically indicates issues with water quality, chemical balance, or proper loading and pre-scraping practices. Common culprits include hard water, incorrect detergent or rinse aid concentrations, or obstructions in the pump affecting water pressure. A thorough review of these factors is essential to achieve clean, spot-free results.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Inspect Rack Loading and Pre-Scraping: Ensure dishes, silverware, and glasses are loaded correctly, allowing maximum water exposure and drainage. Confirm all dishes are thoroughly scraped free of food debris before being placed in the racks to prevent excessive soil contamination of the wash water.
- Verify Rinse Water Temperature: Check the dishwasher’s internal thermometer or the machine’s display to ensure the rinse water reaches the optimal temperature, typically between 180-195°F (82-90°C). If the temperature is low, investigate the booster heater and its power supply.
- Check Water Pressure and Pump Obstructions: WARNING: DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY (BOTH DISHWASHER AND BOOSTER IF APPLICABLE) AND DRAIN TANK BEFORE PROCEEDING. After safely disconnecting power, inspect the wash pump intake and spray arms for any food particles, labels, or other debris that might be obstructing water flow and reducing pressure. Clean any filters or screens.
- Assess Water Hardness: Test your facility’s water hardness using a water test kit. Excessively hard water can lead to mineral deposits (spots). Consider installing a water softener or adjusting chemical dosages if hardness is high.
- Evaluate Detergent and Rinse Additive Selection: Confirm that the detergent and rinse additive being used are specifically formulated for your water type (hard, soft, medium) and dishwasher model. Incompatible chemicals are a primary cause of spotting.
- Adjust Chemical Concentrations: Verify that the detergent, rinse additive, and any sanitizer are being dispensed at the correct concentrations. Use titration kits to test wash water and rinse water for proper chemical levels. Adjust chemical pump settings as needed.
- Maintain Wash Tank Cleanliness: Ensure the wash tank is regularly drained, cleaned, and free of excessive food soil buildup. A dirty wash tank can re-deposit soil onto dishes, leading to spots.
Common Questions:
Q: Why are my glasses cloudy even after washing?
A: Cloudy glasses, often called “etching,” can result from excessively soft water combined with strong detergents, very high wash temperatures, or inadequate rinse aid. Test your water hardness and review chemical selections.
Q: How do I know if my water pressure is adequate for the dishwasher?
A: Most commercial dishwashers require a specific minimum dynamic water pressure (e.g., 15-25 PSI) during the rinse cycle. Check your unit’s specifications and use a pressure gauge at the machine’s inlet. Low pressure can be due to clogged screens, faulty PRVs, or pump issues.
Q: Can using too much rinse aid cause spotting?
A: Yes, using too much rinse aid can sometimes lead to excessive sudsing, leaving a film or streaks on dishes. It’s important to find the correct balance for your water conditions and machine, typically confirmed through titration or visual inspection.
When to call a technician
Consider calling a certified technician if:
- The error keeps coming back after you've tried the steps above.
- You're not comfortable doing the checks or repairs yourself.
- You notice unusual noise, smell, or behaviour.
- Equipment is under warranty and you want official service.
- You need the unit back in service quickly with minimal downtime.