Error Code
low
Meiko M-iClean – Error 972: Language Memory Fault
On your MEIKO UM, UM+, US unit, error code 972 indicates a…
Meiko M-iClean - Significant Foaming in Wash Tank
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 MEIKO UM, UM+, US unit, significant foaming in the wash tank usually points to an incorrect or overly sudsy detergent. Foaming detergents hinder proper washing and can cause operational issues. Replace the current detergent with a low-foaming, commercial warewashing chemical designed for high-temperature dish machines.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Detergent Type: Inspect the detergent container. Ensure it’s clearly labeled as a low-foaming, commercial warewashing detergent suitable for high-temperature dishmachines. Avoid general-purpose dish soaps or manual detergents, as these are designed to foam.
- Check Detergent Concentration: Even with the correct detergent, excessive concentration can sometimes cause minor foaming. Consult your chemical supplier or machine manual for recommended dosing rates. Verify the chemical dosing pump’s calibration if applicable.
- Inspect Rinse Aid: While less common, an incompatible or improperly dosed rinse aid can contribute to foaming. Ensure your rinse aid is also commercial-grade and correctly dosed for warewashing.
- Confirm Water Hardness: In some cases, very soft water combined with certain detergents can increase foaming. If you suspect water hardness issues, consult a water treatment specialist for analysis.
- Clean the Machine Thoroughly: Residual food soils or previously used high-foaming detergents can contribute to the problem. Run a thorough self-cleaning cycle if available, or manually clean the wash tank, spray arms, and filters to remove any buildup.
- Contact Your Chemical Supplier: If the problem persists after verifying detergent type and concentration, consult your chemical supplier. They can recommend alternative products or provide on-site support to optimize your chemical program for your MEIKO unit.
- Consult a Qualified Technician: If the issue continues after ruling out detergent and water chemistry, there might be a rare mechanical issue such as air ingress into the pump system. Contact a RestoFixer specialist for a thorough diagnosis.
Common Questions:
Q: Why is foaming bad for my MEIKO dishmachine?
A: Foaming reduces the washing effectiveness by diminishing the mechanical action of water spray, hindering proper chemical contact, and can lead to pump cavitation, inefficient rinsing, and streaky dishes. It compromises overall sanitation and can damage pump components over time.
Q: Can I just add anti-foaming agents to solve the issue?
A: While anti-foaming agents can temporarily reduce foam, they are generally a band-aid solution. It’s much better to address the root cause by using the correct, low-foaming detergent specifically designed for commercial dishmachines, which ensures optimal cleaning performance and machine longevity.
Q: What type of detergent is recommended for MEIKO UM, UM+, US dishmachines?
A: Always use a commercial-grade, low-foaming, alkaline detergent specifically formulated for high-temperature automatic warewashing systems like your MEIKO unit. Consult your chemical supplier for the best product tailored to your local water conditions and machine type.
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.