Hobart LXn/LXGn - Chemicals Not Feeding

⚠️ 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 HOBART LXn/LXGn SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not feeding typically indicates air leaks at the feeder hose connections or kinks in the chemical feeder tubes. This issue severely impacts cleaning effectiveness and proper sanitization. Thoroughly inspect all connections, clamps, and the entire length of the chemical tubes for any obstructions or integrity issues.

Can't fix it yourself?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.

Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Inspect Feeder Hose Connections for Air Leaks: Visually check all quick connect fittings where the chemical feeder hoses attach to the machine or chemical reservoirs. Ensure they are fully inserted and securely seated to prevent air from being drawn into the system.
  2. Examine Tube-to-Tube Clamps: Verify that all clamps securing chemical tubes to other tubes or components are tight and properly positioned. Loose clamps can allow air ingress, disrupting chemical draw.
  3. Trace Chemical Feeder Tubes: Carefully follow the entire length of all chemical feeder tubes from the detergent, rinse aid, and sanitizer reservoirs (if applicable) to their injection points within the dishwasher.
  4. Check for Kinks or Obstructions: Inspect the tubes for any kinks, sharp bends, crushing, or blockages that could restrict the flow of chemicals. Gently straighten any kinks and ensure smooth bends throughout the tubing run.
  5. Confirm Chemical Levels: Ensure that the detergent, rinse aid, and any other necessary chemical reservoirs have sufficient product. Empty reservoirs will naturally prevent chemical feeding.
  6. Inspect Chemical Injection Nozzles: Check the chemical injection nozzles inside the wash chamber for any blockages, mineral buildup, or debris that might impede the proper delivery of chemicals into the wash cycle. Clean if necessary.
  7. Verify Chemical Feed Pump Operation: If your LXn/LXGn model uses external chemical feed pumps, confirm they are operating correctly. Listen for audible clicking or observe any visible movement of the pump mechanism during a cycle to ensure they are attempting to draw and inject chemicals.

Common Questions:

Q: Why are my chemicals not feeding in my Hobart LXn/LXGn dishwasher?

A: Chemicals typically fail to feed due to air leaks at hose connections, improperly inserted quick connect fittings, loose clamps on tubes, or physical kinks and obstructions within the chemical feeder tubes.

Q: How can I prevent chemical feeding issues in my Hobart LXn/LXGn unit?

A: Regularly inspect all chemical feeder hoses and connections for wear, kinks, or signs of leaks. Ensure quick connect fittings are fully seated, and clamps are tight. Also, make sure chemical reservoirs are consistently replenished to prevent running dry.

Q: Is it safe to operate my Hobart LXn/LXGn dishwasher without chemicals?

A: While the machine may physically operate, running it without proper chemicals will result in ineffective washing and sanitization. This can lead to unhygienic dishes, potential health code violations, and decreased operational efficiency. It is not recommended.

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.

Need Professional Help?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.