Crathco Bubbler Troubleshooting
Crathco bubbler drink dispensers allow you to offer freshly mixed beverages to your customers or patrons. Perfect for restaurants, schools and other institutions, Crathco bubblers definitely earn their keep in any foodservice setting.
So, when there are issues with your Crathco unit, it’s important to solve the problem and get it back up and running quickly. If you’re experiencing issues with your unit, this Crathco bubbler troubleshooting guide for Simplicity and Classic series models will help you identify and resolve issues quickly, easily and efficiently.
Troubleshooting for the Crathco Bubbler Simplicity Series
Bubbler Isn’t Cooling or Turning On
- No power to unit - Make sure that the plug is connected to an outlet and that the power switch is in the ON position.
- Condenser filter is dirty or worn - Clean or replace the condenser filter.
- Impeller agitator isn’t moving/pump motor is faulty - Adjust the impeller. If the issue persists, call an authorized service technician to diagnose the issue.
- Improper setting on thermostat/thermostat is faulty - Set the thermostat properly or schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician to address the issue.
- Product isn’t agitating properly - See the section “Machine isn’t Agitating”.
- Compressor isn’t operating while the fan does - Call an authorized service technician to address the issue.
- Compressor isn’t operating and the fan doesn’t run, either - Contact a licensed technician to service the unit.
Unit is Leaking
- Dispenser valve in the bowl is loose - Adjust the valve to secure it in place.
- Bowl gasket is out of adjustment or worn - Adjust or replace the bowl gasket.
- Bowl itself isn't positioned properly or is cracked - Reposition or replace the bowl.
- Valve o-ring is nicked, twisted or deformed - Adjust or replace the o-ring.
- Foreign particles are on bowl valve seat - Clean the valve.
- Drain tray is overflowing - Empty the drain tray.
Machine Isn’t Agitating
- Impeller and/or axle is/are worn - Contact an authorized technician to solve the issue.
- Flange thickness is less than .75MM (0.03”) thick - Schedule an appointment with an authorized technician to correct the issue.
- Pump motor magnet isn’t aligned properly - Call an authorized service technician to remedy the issue.
- Impeller isn’t installed correctly - Ensure that the impeller is installed correctly.
Unit is Noisy
- Impeller isn’t installed correctly - Make sure the impeller is properly installed.
- Bowl or pump has been installed while the unit is turned on - Turn off the unit and reinstall the bowl or pump. Call a licensed service technician for additional assistance.
- Faulty pump motor bearings - Call an authorized service technician to resolve the issue.
- Chattering impeller - Call a licensed technician to address the situation.
- Impeller or axle is worn - Replace the worn parts.
- Impeller is broken - Install a new impeller.
- Fan blade is bent - Inspect the fan blade. If it's bent or damaged, call an authorized service technician to correct the issue.
Troubleshooting for the Crathco Bubbler Classic Series
Not Enough/No Cooling - Compressor Still Runs
- Condenser is clogged with dust or lint - Clean the condenser by following proper cleaning procedures. For more information, either refer to your unit’s manual or see our Crathco bubbler cleaning guide.
- Unit isn’t properly spraying or agitating - See the “Unit Not Spraying or Agitating Product” section.
- Fan motor is faulty - Contact a licensed technician to correct the issue.
- Machine is losing refrigerant - Call an authorized service technician to address the issue.
No Cooling - Compressor Isn’t Working
- Compressor isn’t running - Call an authorized service technician to remedy the issue.
Unit isn’t Spraying or Agitating Product - Spray Motor Runs
- Impeller doesn’t spin - Clean or replace the bearing sleeve and/or impeller. .
Unit isn’t Spraying or Agitating Product - Chattering Impeller
- Impeller is chattering and/or doesn’t spin correctly - Schedule an appointment with a licensed service technician for assistance.
- Improper impeller for product is being used - Check to see if the correct impeller is installed based on the product in the unit. If not, install the correct impeller.
Machine Unit isn’t Spraying
- Spray motor isn’t running - Call an authorized service technician to address the issue.
Bowl is Leaking
- Gasket is installed improperly - Reinstall the gasket.
- Bowl gasket is worn or nicked - Replace the gasket.
Valve is Leaking
- Foreign particles on valve, valve stem or o-ring - Clean the valve and o-ring.
- O-ring is nicked or cut - Install a new o-ring.
- O-ring is twisted and can’t sit uniformly - Adjust the o-ring. If there are further issues, contact an authorized service technician.
Unit is Noisy
- Fan motor or spray motor bearings are worn - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician to address the issue.
- Fan blade is bent - Call an authorized technician to service the unit.
For more troubleshooting tips, basic cleaning and maintenance tasks, refer to our library of Crathco manuals.