Beverage dispensers are an important part of many restaurants and cafeterias, especially those with self-serve beverage stations for their customers. These dispensers should be regularly serviced to extend their life and keep them in good working condition. However, as with any piece of equipment, long-term wear and tear could result in it getting to the point where it’s no longer cost-effective to repair it, meaning you’ll need to look into replacement.
How can you know that it’s time to replace your beverage dispenser, rather than continue to pay for repairs? Here’s some information to consider when looking at beverage dispenser sales in Delaware.
You’re continually dealing with leaks
It’s not uncommon for beverage dispensers to develop some small leaks, usually as a result of little abrasions that occur inside the containment unit. However, it can get to the point where these leaks become more than small inconveniences that require minor repairs. Say, for example, you have water that is coming through the bin seal or chassis—this could be indicative of a crack in the bin, or a hole or crack in the corner seal. In this case, you’ll probably want to just replace the entire unit.
Another common issue that can occur with regard to leakage is insulation inside the unit breaking down. In this case, you’ll start to experience problems with excess condensation. This can pose some health risks if left unaddressed for too long, and usually it’s more worthwhile to replace than repair the machine when this becomes an issue.
The costs of repairs exceed a certain point
The standard rule for repairing versus replacing equipment in your restaurant is that if maintenance and repair costs are about 50 percent or more of the unit’s value, then it’s probably time to replace. The older the unit gets, the more its value drops, meaning it becomes more likely the costs of repairs will exceed that 50 percent mark.
You should also consider the amount of money you’ve already put into repairing the unit. If you’ve already made numerous repairs but keep having issues, you should consider replacing the unit even if you think it should still have some useful life ahead of it due to its lower age. At some point it’s sensible to cut your losses and move on with new equipment.
You’ve outgrown or outlived its usefulness
The general wear and tear experienced by your beverage dispensing unit is definitely one thing you’ll want to consider, but you should also consider the general appearance of the unit. If it has become an eyesore due to being extremely old, worn and outdated, then it may be time to make an investment in a replacement. Similarly, if your needs have evolved as a restaurant and you no longer have a beverage dispenser that’s giving you what you need, then it’s probably a good idea to make an upgrade.
For more information about beverage dispenser sales in Delaware and when to make an upgrade, contact the team at Commercial Equipment Service, Inc.