Common Problems with Floor Scrubber Dryers and How to Fix Them

In many workplaces and public areas, the time available to carry out effective cleaning can often be limited.

This is where floor scrubber dryers come into their own because, as the name suggests, they scrub and then dry almost instantly, making the floor immediately usable, without the need for wet floor warning signs or the potential for slipping accidents.

However, they can be complex pieces of machinery and occasionally things can go wrong with them. If that should happen while you’re operating one, here’s a quick guide to the most common floor scrubber problems and how you can fix them.

Looking to hire a new floor scrubber, or need repairs for the one you have? Call our team on 0808 169 8529 to discuss your needs.

Jump to problem:

Poor water pick up

One of the key features of a floor scrubber dryer is that it should leave the floor dry behind it. If that’s not happening, there are a number of possible causes worth investigating:

Full recovery tank

The recovery tank is where the water is deposited after being removed from the floor. If it’s full, then it simply needs emptying before you can carry on.

Vacuum pick-up not working

If the tank isn’t full, then the problem might be with the vacuum system that draws the water from the floor and into the tank. This will often need to be turned on by the operator, so the first thing to check is that this has been done. If it’s still not pulling up water, there may be a blockage in the hose.

6 Tips to Maintain Your Floor Scrubber Dryers

Next, make sure all connections have been tightened and sealed, and finally, check to see if there are any tears or cracks in the hose itself. Please note: a cracked hose will require you to call in an expert to fix the problem.

It could also be that the filter is blocked or needs replacing, as this can also effect the vacuum pick-up.

Squeegees are worn or damaged

Make sure that the squeegees, which draw the water from the floor into the vacuum system, are flush to the floor and not broken or damaged. If they are damaged or worn, they will need to be replaced.

Leaving streaks

The auto scrubber dryer should leave a perfectly clean floor, but sometimes it can leave unsightly streaks. This is likely to be an issue with the squeegee being either worn or damaged, or perhaps having debris of some kind stuck in it.

If it’s the latter, you should be able to just remove the debris before continuing, otherwise the squeegee will need replacing. Be aware that even very small pieces of debris can cause a problem – to reduce the risk of this happening at all, make sure you give the floor a good sweep before using the scrubber dryer.

The brush is not scrubbing

First, check the floor scrubbers brush head to see if it is damaged or worn – if it is, clean and replace. It’s also worth making sure that the brush is the correct type for the floor you are cleaning – for instance, a concrete floor will need a harder, more aggressive brush to clean it effectively.

Common Problems with Floor Scrubber Dryers and How to Fix Them

However, the problem may be that the motor is not working, in which case you will need to call in an engineer.

Not releasing water

To clean effectively, the scrubber dryer needs water or a cleaning solution to scrub the floor with. If nothing is being released, first check the tank to make sure there is something in there to clean with. If it is full, but still not releasing, there is probably a blockage somewhere, so check the valves and hose.

6 Tips to Maintain Your Floor Scrubber Dryers

Alternatively, remove, check and clean the solution filter. If water is still not being released, contact an engineer for further assistance.

Poor run time

If you’re not getting your usual run time, the battery may need recharging. You should fully charge the machine before every usage to get the best out of it. If it has been fully charged and is still not running for as long as it should, check all connections.

If the problem persists, you may have a faulty battery and you will then need to contact an engineer.

Replacement parts

If you have had one of the above floor scrubber issues and require replacement parts to fix it, then Alpha Power Cleaners has access to all spare parts for Karcher and Tennant machines, along with the knowledge and experience to fix them.

We can also get parts for, and fix other makes, so it’s always worth giving us a call if you have a problem you can’t resolve yourself.

Floor Scrubber Dryer Hire Contracts

Here at Alpha Power Cleaners, we offer a wide range of auto scrubber dryers for hire, with contracts available for anywhere between one day and five years. Choose from a wide range of single disc, walk behind and ride on models from all the top manufacturers, including Tennant and Karcher.

All our hire contracts include cover for damage, repairs and servicing, so when you hire through Alpha Power Cleaners, you’re safe in the knowledge that we’ve got your back should your machine develop a problem.

Whether you want to hire a scrubber dryer, need replacement parts or are after servicing, maintenance or repairs on your existing machine, Alpha Power Cleaners is the go-to centre with customers across the South of England, the West Midlands and the East Midlands, including Nottingham, Derby and Loughborough.

Call us today on 0808 169 8529 find out more and to get a competitive quote.

Our Accreditations

With more than 80 years’ combined experience, we have developed an expert team and a wide range of services, and have even become a Karcher-approved servicing dealer, so you can be sure of the best when you come to Alpha Power Cleaners!