What Are the Most Common Problems with Commercial Washers and Dryers?

Business owners and managers with experience maintaining commercial washers and dryers know that they can break down due to a wide variety of reasons. The most common issues with commercial laundry machines include drainage failure, water leakage, motor crash, and control board malfunction. Appliance professionals who specialize in shared laundry space issues can help determine whether a problem can be repaired to expand the lifespan of washer and dryer units or if a commercial washer or dryer needs to be replaced altogether.

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Table of contents

Why Do Commercial Washers and Dryers Break Down?
How Do Coin and Card Payment Systems for Laundry Machines Malfunction?
What Signs Indicate It’s Time for Preventive Commercial Laundry Maintenance?
What our customers are saying
When Should Property Managers Replace vs. Repair Laundry Machines?
Key Takeaways on Common Issues with Commercial Laundry Machines

Why Do Commercial Washers and Dryers Break Down?

While preventative maintenance can make a significant impact on the lifespan of commercial washers and dryers, machines may still break down. The technology behind these industrial products is not designed to function for more than a few decades, at most. Factors such as frequent use, hard water, and construction quality can cause commercial washers and dryers to stop working as well as they did when initially purchased. 

Improper use can also cause common issues with commercial laundry machines. In a shared laundry space, it’s not always possible to stop users from abusing machines in real time. Foreign objects entering the machines, overloading of clothes, and applying too much detergent or softener are all ways that users can cause commercial washers and dryers to break down over time.

How Do Coin and Card Payment Systems for Laundry Machines Malfunction?

Coin and card payment systems for laundry machines are highly susceptible to serious issues when they are used at a high frequency. While some problems are caused by wear over time, others are highly technical and require professional repair. A few reasons laundry machines may malfunction include:

• Coin Jam: One of the simplest ways the coin payment system can malfunction is as a result of a stuck coin within the machine. Once dislodged, the coin payment system should work as intended.
• Dirty or Worn Slots: If there is a collection of lint or other debris in the coin system, users may not be able to insert proper payment. By regularly cleaning the machine slots, this possible malfunction can generally be avoided.
• Overfilled Machines: Commercial laundry space managers need to check all machines and empty them of coins frequently. If a washer or dryer’s coin payment system becomes overfilled, an extensive repair may be required. 
• Network Connectivity Issues: A card payment system requires an internet connection to accept payment and communicate with the commercial machine properly. By checking for network connectivity issues, productivity can return to normal within a few minutes or hours.
• Faulty Card Readers: When a commercial washer or dryer experiences a defective card reader, a professional service may need to be scheduled. In a card payment system, the technology can break down over time due to poor construction or the use of inexpensive materials.
• Software Bugs: Just like other modern technology, commercial washers and dryers with card payment systems can experience software bugs. Sometimes rebooting the program can fix the issue, but a maintenance specialist may need to be called in the event of a more aggressive bug.

What Signs Indicate It’s Time for Preventive Commercial Laundry Maintenance?

It’s generally recommended to schedule regular cleaning and preventative care for large machines to increase their longevity. However, there are typically a few signs that indicate a commercial laundry appliance, such as a washer or dryer, may be due for professional maintenance. An increase in a utility bill, unusual noises, leaks, and error codes are the most commonly reported indicators that a commercial laundry machine needs maintenance.

Another sign that it’s time for preventative commercial washer and dryer care is an increased number of service calls. When machines break down at an increased frequency, changing the way they are maintained can decrease the cost of repair and maintenance over time. Property managers should consider the short-term versus long-term investment of their time and money before scheduling this type of service to determine if it is worth it to repair a dryer or washer.

What our customers are saying

When Should Property Managers Replace vs. Repair Laundry Machines?

There are several general rules of thumb when it comes to replacing and repairing common issues with commercial laundry machines. While an experienced maintenance specialist is the best source for this information, property managers can research their laundry machine problems online. When trying to determine if a repair is possible, a few points can be considered:

• Long-Term Cost: The upfront cost for a commercial laundry machine is a serious investment. When the price to maintain a washer or dryer approaches 50% of a newer unit’s cost, it may be time to replace instead of repair.
• Machine Age: As laundry units age, the parts used to build them may become harder to find or more expensive as supply decreases. With newer washers and dryers, the product is typically highly effective and easily replaced.
• Extent of Damage: A professional maintenance specialist may be the best person to analyze the extent of a commercial laundry machine’s damage. If it’s cheaper to buy new than it is to repair, it’s likely a good idea to consider what other options are available.
• Utility Bills: Newer machines typically offer energy efficiency features that can decrease your monthly costs. An older, commercial washer or dryer can drain electricity or use too much water regularly, and increase your costs.

Key Takeaways on Common Issues with Commercial Laundry Machines

• Washers and Dryers Are Prone to Issues: Leaks and mechanical failures are some of the most commonly experienced problems that property managers must handle. No machine is perfect, and all will require maintenance services or repairs at some point.
• Overuse or Abuse of Machines May Lead to Breakdown: User error can be one of the main reasons that commercial laundry units break down and need frequent repair. Proper training on the use of machines can mitigate some of the most common issues with commercial laundry machines.
• Coin and Card Payment Systems Can Malfunction: Both card and coin payment systems are prone to issues that inhibit the use of laundry machines. While some problems are easily fixed, others may need professional repair services.
• Preventative Laundry Maintenance May Be Cheaper Than Repair: Once a laundry unit has been diagnosed, the cost of repair may be significantly higher than the price to maintain the unit regularly. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid costly machine repairs.
• Replacing Older Units Can Be a Better Investment: Prioritizing long-term budget goals may mean replacing an older unit, such as a washing machine or dryer, rather than purchasing a new one. A professional maintenance specialist can help determine if the unit should be repaired or replaced.

Nearly all commercial washers and dryers will require significant maintenance or timely repair over the course of their product lifespan. Commercial Laundries is proud to sell, lease, install, and service many shared laundry space machines. A dedicated team of experienced appliance technicians works to provide multi-family housing properties with specialized washer and dryer assistance. For more information about maintenance or repair of commercial washers and dryers, call the office at 305-889-7966.