4 Common Ice Maker Repair Problems

Ice makers may not be necessary home appliances, but these tools bring convenience to any living space by providing a consistent supply of clean ice to keep drinks crisp and cold. In the modern home, an ice maker is a common amenity, and should work whenever needed. Whether you have an ice maker built into your freezer or a standalone unit, your ice maker will likely require repairs or maintenance during its lifetime. There are a host of common issues to look out for, and to help you diagnose such situations, we’ve gathered information on some of the most common ice maker repair problems.

Image of a person with an ice cup

1. Ice Maker Doesn’t Produce Ice

An ice maker that doesn’t produce ice is utterly worthless, and there are plenty of problems that can result in this issue.

In traditional freezers, the ice maker features a bail wire that controls when it’s on or off. You should first, make sure your ice maker is on by checking to see that its bail wire is in the down position. If your unit is on and still doesn’t produce ice, there may be an issue with the water inlet valve. This valve supplies water to the ice maker, and issues with its power supply or pressure settings will prevent ice from being made. Faulty water valves are a common cause of this problem, but any number of malfunctioning components can result in an ice maker that doesn’t make ice. A malfunctioning tap valve, solenoid, or water fill tube can all cause this issue.

The internal components of an ice maker can be difficult to identify or repair, especially for the average homeowner. Be sure to enlist help from a professional ice maker repair technician to solve this issue. 

2. Ice Maker Does Not Eject Ice

Ice makers work by pulling water from a water supply line and putting it in an ice mold, ejecting ice once the water is frozen. But this process can be interrupted if your unit will not eject ice.

This problem is typically caused by a defect in your ice maker’s motor assembly. The motor ensures that the mechanical components of the machine push fresh ice out of the mold, and can be replaced with a new ice maker motor module if it is not working properly.

For assistance with repairing your appliance’s motor, contact a professional appliance repair technician.

3. Ice Maker Is Frozen

It’s possible for an ice maker to freeze up, preventing the unit from producing new ice. This problem is pretty common, and relatively easy to resolve.

Should you suspect your ice maker is frozen, you should inspect its fill tube to see if it is clogged with ice. If the tube is clogged, you can melt the ice build-up by using a hair dryer or by gently pouring warm water through the tube. This is an easy solution, but you’ll need to be careful that dripping water does not flow into other parts of your appliance, as this can create a risk of electrical shock. To ensure the job is completed efficiently and effectively, consider hiring a factory-certified appliance repair expert.

4. Ice Maker Doesn’t Turn Off

An ice maker that doesn’t turn off can be a particularly difficult issue to resolve, as it can be caused by a number of factors.

Just like an ice maker that won’t make ice, an ice maker that does not turn off may be the result of a malfunctioning bail wire system. If there is an issue with the bail wire, your machine may not recognize when the wire is in its “up” position, signaling that it should turn off. There may also be issues with its smaller internal components, causing the machine to continuously create new ice. Unfortunately, many brands do not manufacture replacement components for their ice makers, and unless you can repair the parts you already have, you may need to replace the unit entirely.

Seek guidance from an ice machine repair technician before replacing your unit. If you need a new appliance, you can always consult this online collection of ice makers.

Superior Ice Maker Repair Services for the Modern Home

An ice maker is a valuable asset to the modern home, supplying family, friends, and guests with the ice they need for a variety of uses. With knowledge of the most common ice maker repair problems, you’ll be armed with the information needed to troubleshoot a number of issues your unit may face during its lifetime.

To ensure your ice maker is repaired properly, be sure to contact a professional appliance repair service.