Hobart Undercounter Glasswasher Troubleshooting
Hobart undercounter glasswashers are known for their dependability. Although issues with these units are rare, this Hobart undercounter glasswasher troubleshooting guide will help you recognize and resolve issues with your unit quickly and easily.
These troubleshooting tips are for both high-temp sanitizing units (such as the LXGeR-2) and chemical-sanitizing models (like the LXGePR-ADA). For more information on caring for your unit, see our Hobart undercounter glasswasher cleaning guide,.
Glasswasher Not Working (No Display)
- Machine is turned off - Use the power switch to turn the unit on.
- Machine isn’t plugged in - Plug the power cord into the electrical outlet.
- Blown fuse or circuit breaker is off - Check the circuit breaker.
Glasswasher Not Working (With Display)
- Door is open (display reads DOOR OPEN) - Open and then close the door. If the display continues to show the DOOR OPEN message, schedule an appointment with an authorized technician.
- Machine won’t fill / won’t fill high enough - See “Machine Won’t Fill / Won’t Fill High Enough” section of this article.
Glasses Not Clean
- Strainers are clogged, causing low water supply to pump - Clean the strainers. If needed, refer to the user’s manuals for instructions.
- Wash arm(s) are obstructed or won’t turn - Clean the wash arm(s). For more specific instructions, see the owner’s manual.
- Wash and/or rinse arms won’t turn - Contact a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
- Detergent dispenser is clogged - Unclog the detergent dispenser.
- Glasses are excessively dirty - Remove excess food or drink residues before placing glassware into the unit.
- Rack isn’t loaded properly - Load the unit properly. Check the user’s manual for more detailed information.
- Low water - Check water supply. If the water supply is insufficient, contact an authorized technician to resolve the issue.
- Water temperature is too low - When the display reads WASH, the temperature should be above 120°F (48.9°C) for chemical-sanitizing machines and above 150°F (65.6°C) for high temperature machines. If it isn’t, call an authorized technician to service the unit.
- Water supply to unit is turned off - Turn the water supply on.
Glasses Have Spots
- Racks aren’t loaded properly - Load glasses into the unit properly. Refer to the user’s manual for more information.
- Water temperature is too low - Call an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
- Improper type or concentration of detergent - Contact your chemical representative.
- Hard water - Install a water softener or use a rinse agent.
- Insufficient fill - Check the water supply.
Chemicals Not Feeding
- Chemicals are low - Check the chemicals; if they’re low, add chemicals.
- Air leak at feeder hose connections - Contact an authorized technician for service.
- Tubes are kinked - Check the tubes. If the bends aren’t smooth, straighten out the tubes.
Food Soils In Glasswasher
- Clean the unit - Follow the daily cleaning procedures. For more information, either refer to the user’s manual or our Hobart undercounter glasswasher cleaning article.
Rust In The Unit
- Unit is cleaned with steel wool or other abrasive scouring pad - Don’t use abrasive scrubbing pads to clean the unit since these may scratch the surface, leading to rust.
- High iron content in water - Use a water softener or use a rinse agent.
Undesirable Results On Glasses
Etching
- High temperatures, soft water, soft glass, or high alkaline washing solutions - Adjust the temperature, water hardness, glassware or washing solutions as needed.
Tarnishing
- Silver or pewter glassware washed in chemical-sanitizing machines - Don’t wash silver or pewter glasses in a chemical-sanitizing unit.
Pitting
- Harsh residues on stainless steel glasses - Salt, fruit juices, vinegar and other harsh residues can pit stainless steel, so be sure to wash stainless steel glassware immediately after use.
Black or Gray Marks
- Glasses were rubbed with aluminum - Don’t rub glassware with aluminum.
Brown Stains
- High iron content in water - Use a water softener.
Chipping
- Improper loading of glasswasher - Load the unit properly. Refer to the manual for more specific instructions.
- Glasses are too delicate - Use more durable glassware.
Damage to Woodenware
- Woodenware is less durable - Avoid washing woodenware in the glasswasher.
Rust On Cast Iron
- Glasswasher washing cycle removed the seasoning - Avoid washing cast iron in the glasswasher.
Plasticware Is Distorted
- Temperature is too high for plastic - Don’t wash plasticware in the glasswasher.
Low Temperature Readings
- Low water supply temperature - Check that the water supply temperature meets the recommended minimum temperature for the unit. If it doesn’t, increase the temperature.
- Repeated cycles use all the warm water - Either run fewer cycles or increase the water supply temperature.
- Overloaded unit cools water - Don’t overload the unit with glassware.
- Booster heater or sump heater is set low - Call a licensed technician to resolve the issue.
Machine Won’t Fill / Won’t Fill High Enough
- Low water pressure - First, check the hose strainer for clogs. If it’s clogged, remove the obstruction. If the issue persists, check to see if the building’s water pressure meets the minimum requirements. If not, schedule an appointment with a plumber.
- No water flow - Check the main supply valves to see if they’re working. If not, call a licensed technician to resolve the issue.
Glasswasher Fills Too High / Leaks From The Door
- Unit isn’t level - Level the machine. Refer to the user’s manual for detailed instructions.
- Fill solenoid valve is leaking - Turn the unit off. If water continues to enter the glasswasher, schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician.
Glasswasher Won’t Drain
- Drain pipes are restricted - Inspect the drain line for kinks. If the line is kinked, straighten it out so the unit can drain. If the issue persists, see if the drain rate of the building’s plumbing system is adequate. If it isn’t, call a plumber to address the issue.
- Unit needs to be reset - Reset the machine by turning it off, waiting several seconds and then turning it back on again. Repeat twice if necessary. If the problem persists, call a licensed technician to service the unit.
Water Occasionally Drips Out of Rinse Arms (High-Temperature Glasswashers Only)
- Some dripping is normal - Water dripping from rinse arms is due to the expansion of heated water in the booster tank.
For more information about maintaining your Hobart unit, be sure to take a look at the large collection of Hobart manuals on our site.