How to Drain Tennant Floor Scrubber Machines

From warehouse floor cleaning to cleaning commercial kitchen floors, the use cases for a floor scrubber are seemingly endless. Businesses can improve appearances, enhance safety, and extend the life of flooring with these machines, all while saving time and increasing productivity!

Part of using a commercial floor scrubber involves regular draining of the recovery tank, though. This is something that must be done after every single use. We’ll show you how to drain Tennant floor scrubber machines specifically here in this guide.

You’ll also get tips on why your floor scrubber may not be draining. But first, let’s start with some of the signs your floor scrubber should be drained - beyond the obvious of checking to see whether or not it’s full. 

Knowing When Your Tennant Floor Scrubber Should Be Drained

First, know that your recovery tank is more important than most realize. This is where the dirty water, cleaning solution, and debris collected by your scrubber are stored after use.

Ignoring this aspect of floor cleaning can lead to overflow, reduce suction power, or cause unpleasant odors from stagnant water. 

Consistently failing to empty your recovery tank can lead to costly repairs down the road. This is because a full or neglected tank can strain internal components, such as the vacuum motor. Knowing when your recovery tank is full is as simple as watching out for:

• Overflowing Water: If water starts leaking or spilling from the machine, it’s a clear indicator the tank is full.
• Decreased Suction Power: When the scrubber isn’t picking up water as effectively, a full tank might be the culprit. It could also indicate a squeegee problem, though.
• Odors: Stagnant water sitting too long in the tank can produce unpleasant smells that are hard to ignore.
• Indicator Lights or Alerts: More sophisticated Tennant models have built-in indicators to signal when the tank is full and needs emptying.

How often you’ll need to drain the tank depends on how much and how frequently the scrubber is used. It may just be once a day, or, you might find that it needs to be emptied multiple times per cleaning session.

We never recommend letting your machine sit with dirty water in the recovery tank after it has been used, though. You don’t want to let that stagnant water and debris sit in there and fester. That being said, let’s get into how to drain Tennant floor scrubber machines.

How to Drain Tennant Floor Scrubber Machines

Before we get into the steps to emptying your Tennant floor scrubber, be clear that you should always follow the guidelines for your specific model. The exact steps for emptying a Tennant T1 floor scrubber will differ from those of the Tennant T500 floor scrubber, for example.

In general, though, the process of dumping your Tennant’s recovery tank is fairly straightforward. Here’s how to drain Tennant floor scrubber machines.

Preparation Before Draining

Emptying your Tennant starts with a bit of preparation. We suggest turning off and disconnecting the machine for safety reasons. You might even want to disconnect the power supply for batterty operated models. 

Then, move the machine to a location with proper drainage, be it a janitorial sink or an area with a floor drain. Note that you might need to get your machine to this location before disconnecting it depending on the exact model and how easy it is to maneuver the machine.

This is a good time to put on your gloves and safety goggles since you may come into direct contact with dirty water and cleaning solutions. These may contain harsh chemicals or contaminants, after all. 

Locating the Drainage Hose

The drainage hose is typically found near the recovery tank at the rear or side of the scrubber. Again, consult your user manual to find the hose for your specific Tennant model. Most machines have an easy-to-access hose secured with a cap or clamp.

Step-by-Step Draining Process

Now comes the fun part of learning how to drain Tennant floor scrubber machines - actually emptying the contents of your recovery tank: 

1. Position the Hose: Place the drainage hose over a suitable drain or bucket. Make sure it’s securely positioned to prevent splashing or spills.
2. Remove the Cap or Clamp: Carefully loosen and remove the cap or clamp from the hose. Be prepared for water to flow immediately, especially if the tank is full.
3. Control the Flow: Let the water flow steadily until the tank is completely emptied. If you’re using a bucket, monitor its capacity to avoid overfilling.
4. Inspect for Blockages: While the tank drains, check the hose for any clogs or debris that may restrict water flow.

Cleaning the Recovery Tank

Once the tank is emptied you’ll need to rinse it thoroughly with clean water to prevent odors and bacterial growth. This is an essential step in how to clean a floor scrubber. 

You might even need to use a mild detergent and a scrub brush for stubborn residue. Finish up by running clean water through the drain hose to eradicate any lingering debris.

Reattaching the Drain Hose

After cleaning you can reattach the drainage hose to its original position, tightening the cap or clamp to prevent leaks. Fill the tank slightly and check for leaks around the connection before you get back to cleaning. 

Why is My Floor Scrubber Not Draining?

There you have it, how to drain Tennant floor scrubber machines! But wait - why is my floor scrubber not draining?This is actually a more common issue than you may assume. We’ll help you troubleshoot the problem below.

Clogged Drainage Hose or Filter

Think about how much dirt, debris, and cleaning solution residue goes through your drainage hose and filter. These things can lead to clogs over time that restrict water flow. 

Fortunately, it’s an easy fix. Disconnect the drainage hose and inspect it for blockages. If you see anything, clear it using a long, flexible brush or a powerful jet of water. Otherwise, it’s likely the filter that’s clogged. Simply replace it and you should be good to go! 

Faulty Valve or Hose Connections

A damaged valve or loose hose connection can prevent water from draining effectively or cause leaks. Take a look at the hose connections and make sure it’s securely fasted and watch out for any cracks. 

If you do discover leaks, use a hose clamp to secure loose connections or replace damaged parts. You can also check the valve for wear or damage and replace it if necessary.

Excessive Dirt Buildup in the Recovery Tank

Part of our advice on how to drain Tennant floor scrubber machines is cleaning the recovery tank. We know, this is the lastthing you want to do after spending time cleaning the floor. But neglecting this step can cause obstruction of drainage pathways. 

When to Call for Professional Repairs

If the problem continues despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Situations that call for the help of an expert include:

• Persistent clogs that cannot be cleared manually.
• Broken or malfunctioning components, such as valves or the vacuum motor.
• Frequent drainage issues despite routine maintenance.

SweepScrub isn’t just your go-to destination for an industrial floor scrubber for sale - we also have all the spare parts you could need to handle any repair. 

Whether you have a commercial walk behind floor scrubber or industrial ride on floor scrubber, we stock all the common components for most Tennant models. 

Simply get in touch with our customer service team and let us know what you’re looking for - we’ll steer you in the right direction. Or, consider upgrading your Tennant to one of the latest and greatest models we carry, such as:

• Tennant T300 floor scrubber
• Tennant T7 floor scrubber 
• Tennant T16 floor scrubber 
• Tennant T12 floor scrubber
• And many more!

The best floor scrubber is just a few clicks away. Trust SweepScrub to help you elevate your company’s cleaning process!

Parting Thoughts on How to Drain Tennant Floor Scrubber

Knowing how to drain Tennant floor scrubber machines is just as important as understanding how to operate the unit in the first place. It supports optimal performance and also prevents damage to the machine itself. 

This is something you need to do after each use, and don’t forget to clean the recovery tank after emptying it either. If you end up encountering issues with drainage, follow our troubleshooting steps of simply get in touch with our customer service team.

After all, this is your one-stop shop for all things floor scrubbers! We not only have the insights you need to make the most of this investment in your cleaning arsenal but also any spare parts to get your machine back up and running as it’s supposed to.

So, maximize your machine’s performance with SweepScrub today. Keep your floors spotless and your equipment reliable!