DIY, Call A Pro: Should BSCs Service Their Own Machines?

No matter how durable, carpet-care equipment occasionally needs service. But should building service contractors perform the service themselves, or send their vacuums, extractors and other machines out to professional repair shops?

That depends. Most modern carpet machines are designed so the operators can perform most necessary maintenance tasks themselves. This can include some basic repairs, such as replacing a broken belt. However, if the equipment breaks down, and the fix is not immediately clear or simple, it’s best to turn it over to a pro.

Do-it-yourself maintenance
Routine and periodic maintenance and cleaning of carpet-care equipment can help reduce the chance the machines will require complex repair, so paying attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations is key. In most cases a piece of equipment will need maintenance checks at least once a month, if not more often, depending on how much the tool is used. In some cases, maintenance of some sort should be done daily.

“Day-to-day maintenance needs to be done, especially on extractors and vacuums. Draining the extractor tank properly and cleaning all brushes and bags are important, as is a general inspection of the plugs, cords and other external hardware,” says Thomas Chase, owner of Maintenance Experts Inc., based in Roseville, Minn. “Hoses not cleaned out properly can lead to clogs and motor damage. Most commonly, vacuums are filled above the full line on their bags.”

Manufacturers all have full lines on their bags because above that line, the performance of the vacuum can be compromised, Chase points out.

“Belts and brushes need to be checked and cleaned,” adds Barbara Wilson, manager of technical information for the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), a trade association located in Dalton, Ga. “Also, check to make sure that brushes are hitting the floor evenly; if they are not, they could leave burn marks. If the brushes are not cleaned, they may not spin well, leaving dirt in the carpet.”

In addition to daily maintenance and cleaning, preventative maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts and checking electrical connections, should also be performed as needed.

Another common cause of equipment failure is improper use.

The easiest way to explain the uses and non-uses of a cleaning machine would be an orientation for each of your equipment operators with a checklist of dos and don’ts attributed to each piece of equipment.

“Each manufacturer has a list of specifications that must be addressed in your orientation, or inevitably there will be misuse of equipment,” Chase points out.

Lack of knowledge about routine maintenance can also be addressed in such an orientation. When the cleaning staff and the supervisors haven’t been taught what to do, it’s hard to expect that they’ll know everything they need to know.

“We teach our supervisors common sense fix-its and daily maintenance, taking the heat off our staff,” says Al Black, vice president and business manager of Commercial Cleaning, Inc., located in Lafayette, Ind.

“People have different attitudes toward work equipment versus the equipment they have at home. If your employees will treat your vacuum the same way they do their own vacuum, it’s going to last a lot longer,” says Black.

When to call a pro
Sometimes, problems are more complex than those that can be solved by changing a belt or emptying a filter.

“No matter how good you train your people with respect to maintenance, you’re going to encounter major problems at some point,” says Chase.

Many of the problems involve burned-out motors, especially in vacuum cleaners and extractors; equipment with rotating parts can encounter major bearing and motor problems as well. These repairs are best left to a pro.

“If it comes to a motor or bearing or even a complicated electrical problem, you need to contact a professional,” says Dave Thompson, vice president of T&M Cleaning, located in Laramie, Wyo. A professional will be much more familiar with the systems and will know what to look for.

Complexity is not the only issue in dealing with major problems. Safety also is a concern.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could really get hurt. For example, electrocution is a possibility when dealing with electric motors,” says Thompson.

The most important things to remember when dealing with a maintenance or repair issue is follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, be alert and be safe. All three can help BSCs avoid most of these problems.