MEET RUSTY BATES

If you call on Tri-State Laundry Equipment when you have an equipment issue, chances are that you’ve met this guy.  Say hello to Rusty Bates – one of our laundry and dry cleaning equipment repair gurus.  Rusty has been in the equipment repair business – of some kind – since he was 16 years old.  In 1980, before he could start working part-time for a local used appliance dealer, he had to pass a test.  He was asked to install a belt on an old Kenmore washing machine.  Forty-five minutes later (and perhaps with a little help), he had the job done, and the rest is history.  Rusty went from home appliances to laundry-mat washers and dryers to heating and cooling to commercial laundry equipment over the course of the last 35 years.

He’s seen the industry and the equipment change over the years, in many ways for the better but sometimes at a cost.  For instance, he likes the microprocessors and fuzzy control logic being implemented into the systems.  Both provide better control in the cleaning process.  Microprocessors have allowed equipment to evolve and to refine the process with fewer components and many times with a cost savings.  At the same time, there can be issues with the microprocessors in the over-complicating of the programming.  The units have become too smart, sometimes making it difficult to properly and quickly identify issues with the machine.  As luck would have it, Rusty really enjoys trying to solve electrical issues.  Nothing pleases him more than to grab a schematic or wiring diagram and try to chase down a problem.  And speaking of problems, Rusty runs across a common one and offers a piece of advice.  “As simplistic as it may sound,” he said, “keep the laundry equipment clean. I've worked on more dirty and soap-caked machines than I have on clean ones.”

In addition to his 35 years of experience, Rusty also has certifications in Speed Queen Commercial Laundry Equipment, Parker Boilers, Steam Trap Sonic Testing, and R-12 Refrigerant Certification License.  Besides his vast experience and training, Rusty follows the motto of treating customers the way he’d like to be treated.  You can rest assured that if Rusty comes to repair your machine, you’re in good hands.

If you need to get it touch with Rusty, simply e-mail him at tristaterusty@gmail.com or call him at 1-866-885-5218.

Freezing Pipes

In most dry cleaning businesses, utilities run 6 – 18% of volume.  One way you might consider reducing those costs is to cut equipment off or turn some equipment down to its minimum level; however, use caution when doing this during extremely cold weather.  If you allow your dry cleaning or laundry operation to become too cold, you run the risk of frozen pipes.  Now, not all of your pipes are at risk.  Pipes that are protected by the building’s insulation, pipes that are insulated, or pipes that are in heated areas are all typically safe.  But pipes in your boiler room, in crawl spaces, or on the outside of the building, where air can flow over them, are susceptible to freezing.

What can you do to avoid a pipe-freezing incident?  Below are a few suggestions.

• We’ve talked about the importance of insulation as it relates to reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.  But insulating pipes to protect them from the elements is another great reason to invest in insulation.  Be sure to wrap all exposed pipes with insulation or fitted sleeves, making sure there are no gaps in the coverage.   If you aren’t sure exactly what you need, then consult a local plumber or even your area box store. 
• Process water chiller piping is susceptible to freezing because the condenser is located outside.  Use Propylene Glycol antifreeze up to a 20% maximum mixture with water (anything more than 20% is ineffective), when temperatures are going to drop down in the 20’s.
• If temperatures are going to drop down into the teens or below, run the chiller circulating pump overnight.  While this will cause your energy bill to creep up, it is far less expensive than the damage that a freezing pipe will cause to the chiller’s heat exchanger.
• To prevent a boiler room from freezing up, put a small no-vent gas heater on the wall just to provide enough heat for the boiler room alone to protect its water piping.  The plant’s interior typically contains enough heat from the day’s production to prevent any process pipe freeze ups.  
• Finally, if production will be down for more than a day, run your boiler on low fire, and depending on your location, you might want to use the small wall-mounted heater in the boiler room as well.  I have seen boiler pumps freeze up even when the boiler is running.   

During particularly colder months, make it a habit to monitor the weather.  If the temperature nears or goes below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then your unprotected pipes are at risk.  My father always said to me that ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.  That’s especially true in this case; a little higher utility bill one month may save you from a costly repair.

If you have any questions about freezing pipes, please feel free to give us a call at 336-992-5218.  We are always here to help.

Commercial Dryers

While dryer technology hasn’t changed too much over the years, there have been a couple new features, one being moisture sensing, added to more recent models.  Companies like Electrolux/Wascomat and American Dryer Corp. have really embraced this dry control feature that turns the heat off once the moisture level reaches a preset number entered by the operator.  I love the idea of using this moisture control shut off feature for things like delicate items or linens, and I also love the fact that it frees up the operator from having to babysit the load.

Though I am a fan of the moisture sensing feature, I mentioned that dryer technology hasn’t changed much so that makes purchasing used commercial dryers a great option.  Of course, we always suggest doing your due diligence when purchasing any piece of new or used equipment.  When considering used commercial dryers, take a look at the dryer’s age, condition, and parts availability.  Here are a few key items to check:

• Condition of the basket shaft bearing – to do this simply lift up on the drum from the door opening.  There should be little play, 1” or less.
• Clearance between the basket and the front door opening lip – if there is very little clearance or some rubbing, then the bearings and basket rollers need to be replaced.
• Noise level when the basket turns – if there is a bumping noise, more than likely the front basket support rollers need to be replaced.

Keep in mind that the actual piece of equipment is not the only thing to consider before making a purchase.  Here are a couple more things to investigate:

• Make note of the dryer’s dimensions.  Obviously it needs to fit in the space you have in mind, but it also needs to travel through doors and hallways to get there.
• Be sure you have the proper air make up for the dryer.  This is important from both an efficiency and code standpoint.  Fresh air needs to enter the room from outside at the same rate that it is blown out of the room.  To avoid a draft in the room, place the inlet air behind the dryer, making certain that the opening is 5 times the size of the exhaust pipe area.  Grates and slats many times block a portion of the air vent area, so be mindful of that as well.  Most manufacturer’s installation manuals offer more specifics to help, but we are glad to answer any questions you might have.

Once your commercial dryer is up and running, don’t neglect it.  Be sure to check out Tri-State's resources section on how to provide proper ongoing care for your commercial dryer in North Carolina and elsewhere.  As always, feel free to contact us at 866-885-5218 if you have questions or need assistance.

Used Coin Laundry Equipment

Recently I stumbled onto a message board where someone was looking for a good source for discounted coin operated washers and dryers.  They wanted a deal but didn’t want to buy used.  Their reasoning was that they believed brand new equipment provided the fewest service calls and ultimately generated more income.  I’d like to dispute that philosophy a bit.

Here are my top three reasons why I think you should consider purchasing used coin laundry equipment:

1. Buying new coin laundry equipment is a significant upfront investment, and ultimately it will take longer to recoup that investment and start generating profit.
2. Not only does purchasing good quality used coin laundry equipment mean a lower upfront investment leading to faster profits, it also means that any repairs most likely will be made using good quality used parts which come at a much lower cost than new parts. 
3. Buying new doesn’t automatically mean that nothing will go wrong for a specified time period.  New equipment can break down too, and sometimes with the latest and greatest comes working out the kinks.  Just think about all the electronics and behind the scenes gizmos in those state-of-the-art pieces that can fail.  Now think about how expensive those replacement parts are.

Of course, before you purchase any piece of equipment – new or used – we recommend that you do your due diligence.  But since I’m advocating for used coin laundry equipment here, I recommend that you make sure that parts are still available, that the operator shares first-hand experiences and pictures, and that there is no sign of excessive wear.

If you are in the market for used coin laundry equipment, Tri-State Laundry Equipment Company has access to a wide-variety of makes, models, and manufacturers.  Simply give us a call at 1-866-885-5218.  We are happy to help.

Tips for Finding a Qualified Dry Cleaning and Laundry Mechanic

These days, most dry cleaners, commercial launderers, and laundromat owners have at least some mechanical abilities, but there are times when there is a breakdown that’s simply beyond your capabilities.  We suggest that you have a plan in place before that situation arises – and trust me, it will.  Establish a relationship with a reputable mechanic or company now so that when an emergency does happen, you are prepared.  But don’t trust your business to any Joe down the road, do your homework.

Before hiring an outside mechanic or contractor, check the following:

•    Ask for references from potential mechanics – In this business, it’s a small world and word of mouth is everything.  While you should ask for contact information for several of their customers, odds are that you know someone nearby that’s used them as well.  Talk to those folks; they will definitely give you honest information. 
•    Training & Experience – Training and certification really depends on the kind of repairs they will be doing.  There are lots of qualified guys out there that have no formal training but years of experience and are really, really good at what they do.  But when it comes to working on dry cleaning machines, boilers, hot water systems, and water chillers, training and experience with refrigeration along with a license is important.  Bottom line on normal mechanical issues is that it usually takes 3-5 years to become a proficient dry cleaning/laundry mechanic.
•    Warranty – Make sure to hire a mechanic or company that stands behind their work. 
•    Insurance – Perhaps the most important but often not asked about item is -- are they insured?  They should have liability and workers comp insurance at a minimum.

Tri-State Laundry Equipment Company has a distinctively skilled staff with over 25 years of experience in the business.  Our trained staff includes those with refrigeration certifications and experience in machine & tooling, electronic evaluation, sonic hydronic testing, and pipe fitting – just to name a few.  Whether it’s a small repair or a large job, Tri-State Laundry Equipment can help.  Simply contact us through our website or give us a call at 866-885-5218.

The Importance of Insulation

If you follow our blog, then you know that we’ve discussed managing utility costs a number of times.  I focus on this subject because utilities can run 6 – 18% of volume, and I tend to see a lot of mismanagement in this area.  One easy way to help reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower your utility costs is to properly insulate.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, uninsulated steam distribution and condensate return lines are a constant source of wasted energy.  They further go on to say that insulation can typically reduce energy losses by 90% and help ensure proper steam pressure in plant equipment.  But let me tell you how I read those statistics – reduced utility expenditures equals a larger number on your bottom line.  So let’s get started.  Walk through your plant and take some notes.

• Are all pipes up to 7’ high insulated?  Not only will this help with waste, it is also mandatory for safety purposes.  Get this taken care of first so that the risk of employee injury is eliminated.
• Is everything that reaches or exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit insulated?  Check your boiler, supply and return steam lines, steam traps, and fittings.
• Consider insulating cold pipes, ducts, chillers, and roof drains - this will help control condensation and reduce the chances of deterioration.
• Before purchasing insulation, do your due diligence.  Take a look at using removable insulation covers or jackets on things like valves, steam traps, and boilers.  They are economical and provide easy access should the need for repairs arise.

Once everything is insulated, be sure to properly maintain both your equipment and its insulation.  Leaks and condensation can cause insulation to become wet, which will impact its effectiveness.  Be sure to replace wet insulation promptly.  If you have questions about insulating your dry cleaning and laundry equipment, simply contact us through our website. 

Heated Hydrocarbon Cleaning

Not only was the new Unipress Hurricane Double Buck Shirt Unit a hot topic at the 2015 Clean Show, heated hydrocarbon dry cleaning machines also generated a lot of buzz.  That’s because for years now, dry cleaners have been trying to find a more eco-friendly cleaning product that produces the same results as perc.  Unfortunately, few have performed at an adequate level, leaving many dry cleaners both holding off on upgrading equipment and wondering if there will ever be a magic bullet solution to the problem.

An organization in Texas conducted some testing using a hydrocarbon based cleaning solution, somewhere around 1970-1980.  Unfortunately, the testing didn’t progress too far.  We’re not sure why, but perhaps it had something to do with the machinery’s technology.  Fast forward to 2010, a long-time dry cleaning guru, recognizing that there needed to be an alternative to perc, analyzed the data from the previously mentioned testing and believed he’d found that magic bullet solution.  He also found data related to heat successfully cleaning industrial work gloves loaded with grease.  He believed that heat in conjunction with a high class petroleum based solvent was the ticket.

After hooking up with a dry cleaning friend that had a Georgia-based cleaner and specially ordering a machine, they started testing the theory.  Somewhere along the way, in addition to the heat, he determined that the proper detergent played an important role, and Wes Brunson with Fabritec International supplied that missing piece.  The results were simply amazing.  Pre-spotting, with the exception of things like ink, blood, and paint, all but disappeared.  Grease stains were removed easily.  Food spots were coming out 99% of the time without pre-spotting.  Dark loads were getting a 98% pass rate.  Many beaded and embellished garments could be cleaned with this method.  Whites were coming out brighter than if they’d been wet cleaned.  The fibers relaxed resulting in a nicer feel to the hand and fewer wrinkles on the garments, which translated into reduced finishing times.  And as an added bonus, there was no odor.  There is one catch -- these results came as long as everything is done properly -- the right programming in the right machine with the right detergent, but “the magic is in the heat”.

“The dry cleaning industry has long been looking for a viable alternative to perc,” said Kevin Lawson, Vice President of Tri-State.  “With its success in stain removal and reduction in waste, I see heated hydrocarbon as the future of the industry, possibly replacing perc permanently.”  If you are one of those operators that’s been holding off dry cleaning equipment upgrades or purchases for the arrival of the magic bullet solution, now could very well be that day.  Need help getting started?  Simply call us at 866-885-5218; we are here to help.