If your water heater isn't working, running dishes through an industrial dishwasher can lead to several issues:

• Poor Cleaning: Hot water is essential for dissolving grease and food particles. Without it, your dishes may come out grimy and unhygienic2. Many detergents need high temperatures to work well
• Longer Wash Times and Error Messages: Dishwashers are designed to heat water, but if the incoming water is too cold, it might take too long to reach the target temperature or give an error.
• Increased Energy Consumption: The dishwasher will have to work harder to heat the water, using more electricity.
• Potential Damage: Running a dishwasher without water can damage it. Also, hard water can cause scale to build up on internal parts, leading to premature wear and tear, corrosion, and rust.

For more information, see Industrial Water Heater.