Keeping your floor scrubber dryer running smoothly is essential for efficient, reliable cleaning. But when something isn’t quite right, it can be hard to know what’s going wrong. This guide covers five of the most frequently asked questions we hear from customers. It’s designed to help you spot what might need replacing, adjusting, or fixing and just as importantly, when it’s time to bring your scrubber dryer in for a service. Regular maintenance keeps your machine working at its best, reduces downtime, and saves you money in the long run.
Common Causes:
Worn or damaged squeegee blades
Blocked vacuum hose
Full recovery tank
Faulty vacuum motor
Poor squeegee pressure/contact
How to Troubleshoot:
Inspect squeegee blades: Cracks, splits, or hardening mean they need replacing.
Make sure the recovery tank is emptied and clean.
Check vacuum hose for blockages or splits.
Listen: If the vacuum motor isn’t making its usual sound, it could have failed.
When to Call an Expert:
If the issue continues after basic checks, or if any parts need replacing, give us a call. Using the machine while it’s not working properly can lead to further damage. We’ll inspect it, fit any necessary parts, and get your machine picking up water properly again.
Common Causes:
Battery is reaching the end of its life
Charger is faulty or not suitable for the battery type
Loose or corroded battery connections
Machine has been stored for long periods without charging
Incorrect battery type selected in the machine’s control panel (on modern units)
How to Troubleshoot:
Check for signs of corrosion or damage on the battery terminals
Ensure the charger is connected properly and shows charging activity
If your machine has an integrated display or head unit, check that the battery type is correctly set (AGM, GEL, lithium, etc.). The wrong setting can affect charging performance and battery life
Avoid interrupting charge cycles — let the machine fully charge when possible
If available, try another charger to rule out a charger fault
When to Call Us: If your scrubber dryer still doesn’t charge to 100%, or the battery drains unusually fast, give us a call. We can test the battery, inspect the charger, and confirm the correct settings. And if it turns out the battery needs replacing, we recommend letting us supply and fit it for you. That way you know it’s the correct type, safely installed, and protected for long-term use.
Common Causes:
Worn or uneven brushes or pads
Incorrect brush or pad pressure
Scrub deck not lowering properly or sitting unevenly
Uneven floor surface
Blocked solution jets or uneven water flow
How to Troubleshoot:
Inspect the brush or pad for wear — if it’s flattened on one side or worn down, it won’t apply pressure evenly
Check that the correct brush or pad type is being used for the floor surface
Look underneath: is the scrub deck sitting flush to the floor on both sides? If it looks tilted or doesn’t lower evenly, that could be your issue
Check solution flow — blocked jets can cause patchy cleaning or streaking
Try increasing brush pressure slightly and test on a small area
When to Call Us: If your machine is still leaving patches, or you think the deck might be misaligned or not operating properly, give us a call. We’ll take a proper look and carry out any work that needs doing, whether that’s replacing the pads or brushes, or re-aligning the deck to make sure everything is working as it should.
The first image shows a pair of roller brushes still attached to the scrubber dryer, viewed from the side. One brush is noticeably more worn than the other, which is a clear sign that the deck isn’t level. When the scrub deck sits unevenly, one brush does more of the work, wearing faster and causing uneven cleaning results.
The second image, taken from underneath the machine, highlights a more serious issue. One of the roller brushes is either completely out of the shaft or was never fitted properly to begin with, meaning it hasn’t been making contact with the floor at all. In this condition, the machine is only cleaning with one side — leading to poor results and increased strain on the working brush and motor.
The third image shows a brand new red roller brush next to a completely worn-out one. The contrast is clear: new brushes have full-length, uniform bristles that apply consistent pressure across the floor. Worn brushes lose their cleaning ability and increase wear on other parts of the machine.
If your brushes look anything like those in the first or second image, it’s time to get them checked. We can supply and fit the correct roller brushes for your machine, realign the deck if needed, and make sure everything is working as it should.
Common Causes:
Blocked solution jets or filters
Airlock or blockage in the solution hose
Faulty or stuck solenoid valve (responsible for releasing water)
Water tank is empty or the cap/filter is blocked
Pump failure (in machines with powered pumps)
Incorrect settings on the control panel
How to Troubleshoot:
Double check the solution tank is full and the cap is properly fitted — some machines rely on pressure to feed water
Remove and clean the inline filter, usually located at the tank outlet — this often gets clogged with debris or limescale
Start the machine and listen closely — a clicking sound usually means the solenoid is opening properly. If it’s silent, it may be stuck or faulty
Try switching water flow modes — if there’s no change, water control could be electronically blocked
Check hoses for kinks or blockages, and make sure your jets are clear
A prompt response to requests for demonstrations, hire and after-sales support, P C Jones ICE utilises experienced professionals across a wide range of cleaning equipment needs.
Some areas we visit most often:
This type of machine is stocked and sold by a company we work with based in Westbury, Wiltshire. Simpsons Industrial Cleaning equipment.
This type of machine is stocked and sold by a company we work with based in Westbury, Wiltshire. Simpsons Industrial Cleaning equipment.
In the meantime, please contact us for any accessories or spare parts you require.