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The Most Common Commercial Kitchen Repairs in Chattanooga—And How to Avoid Them
- repairpros99
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Running a commercial kitchen in Chattanooga is no small feat. Between the rush of service and the demands of health and safety standards, your equipment has to work—no exceptions. At Repair Pros Services, Inc., we’ve seen it all. Here’s a look at the most common commercial kitchen repairs in the area—and more importantly, how you can avoid them.
1. Refrigeration Unit Failures
What Happens: Walk-in coolers and undercounter fridges stop cooling efficiently, threatening food safety and inventory loss.
Common Causes: Dirty condenser coils, failed thermostats, or compressor issues.
How to Prevent It:
Schedule quarterly cleanings of coils and fans.
Keep door seals in good condition.
Monitor internal temps daily and don’t ignore small fluctuations.
2. Grease Trap & Ventilation Problems
What Happens: Hoods and ducts get clogged with grease, and exhaust fans work overtime (or fail completely).
Common Causes: Infrequent cleaning, improper grease trap use, or outdated systems.
How to Prevent It:
Stick to a regular vent hood cleaning schedule, typically every 3 months.
Train staff to dispose of grease correctly.
Invest in upgraded filters and airflow systems if your current setup is aging.
3. Fryer & Griddle Malfunctions
What Happens: Fryers won’t heat evenly, or griddles show cold spots, affecting food quality and cooking times.
Common Causes: Thermostat failure, sediment buildup, poor maintenance.
How to Prevent It:
Filter fryer oil daily and clean fryers weekly.
Calibrate thermostats annually.
Don’t overlook small issues like flickering pilot lights—they can lead to bigger problems.
4. Dishwasher Breakdown
What Happens: Dishes aren’t getting clean—or worse, the unit leaks or shuts down mid-cycle.
Common Causes: Hard water buildup, clogged spray arms, or faulty sensors.
How to Prevent It:
Use commercial-grade water softeners if you’re in a hard water zone.
Clean filters and spray arms weekly.
Schedule a full inspection every 6 months.
5. Ice Machine Issues
What Happens: Ice production slows or stops, and cloudy or foul-smelling ice appears.
Common Causes: Mold/mildew buildup, dirty filters, or low water flow.
How to Prevent It:
Sanitize machines monthly.
Replace filters regularly.
Ensure proper ventilation and water line pressure.
Chattanooga Tip:
Due to the area’s humidity and temperature swings, equipment here faces extra wear and tear—especially refrigeration units. Investing in routine service can save thousands in lost food and emergency repairs.
Final Word:
Avoiding these common repairs isn’t just about saving money—it’s about keeping your kitchen running smoothly, your staff safe, and your customers happy. At Repair Pros Services, Inc., we specialize in proactive maintenance for Chattanooga’s restaurant community.
🛠️ Ready to prevent the next breakdown? Schedule a service call today
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