Many commercial laundry owners find themselves running into roadblocks when their machinery breaks down. In worst-case scenarios, work can come to a complete halt after a fire. We know how to properly maintain commercial laundry equipment so that you can mitigate downtime and keep costs low.
The best way to keep all of your equipment in great shape is to always know what condition it’s in. A weekly spot check is an excellent way to keep an eye out for minor issues, which you can catch before they turn into something that could cause significant downtime.
“But what do I inspect?” you may ask. Here are the basics.
Lint and debris can clog up any machine. Contrary to common belief, the lint filter in the dryer is not the only filter in laundry equipment. The best commercial washers have filters where fans blow air into the inverter or input/output board. Check and clean these regularly to make sure clean and cool air continues to regulate the machine’s temperature and prevent early wear and tear.
The belts used to rotate the drum of a dryer or a washer at +300G extract are subject to extreme RPMs and resistance. Typically, they are classified as a “wear part” and not covered under long warranties, so as soon as you see fraying or splitting, you should contact your local dealer. Failure to do so in time could result in a belt snapping or being thrown within the cabinet of the machine. The force of a snapped or thrown belt could cause all sorts of interior damage.
Not all drain valves are built the same, but they all eventually get debris stuck in them. With a Yamamoto drain valve, you simply remove the four wing nuts (no tools necessary) and dislodge the obstruction. The majority of service calls from a commercial laundry are caused by a clogged drain valve.
Many would be surprised by the amount of debris flowing through their water and steam lines. After constant use of a machine for extended periods of time, that debris can build up and cause valves to stick open or closed. Even the smallest leaking valve could waste several gallons of water per day. If not corrected or noticed over time, that extra water use can make a significant impact on an operations’ utilities.
Whenever you acquire a new machine, take time to read the manual. It sounds tedious, but having an intricate understanding of how your equipment works is essential to understanding what it needs to stay operational and at full capacity. The manual also helps you troubleshoot when something goes wrong, so you can avoid unnecessary service calls for simple repairs. Hold onto it.
In some cases, especially with old equipment that manufacturers no longer make parts for, there won’t be anything you can do except replace your machines. Thankfully, Yamamoto North America has industrial-grade laundry equipment that’s perfect for your needs. We also manufacture nearly every part of the machine in-house, so no matter how old your machine is, we can always provide service. Take a look at our products and get your laundry business back up and running.
Keep your laundry running, and never forget how to properly maintain commercial laundry equipment. Your business will be more effective if you perform preventative maintenance on your machines.
