Refrigerator Ice Maker Repair – Troubleshooting Common Issues
An automatic ice maker is still optional on some refrigerator models. However, for those households that have grown accustomed to having one, it can seem like more of a necessity. This can be especially true in the summertime. With the kids home from school and all the warm-weather entertaining, your ice maker can get a workout during the summer months. The last thing you want is for it to stop working. There are some common issues that can cause it to malfunction. A few of them may be easily rectified, while others might require you to schedule a professional refrigerator ice maker repair.
Your Ice Tastes Bad
There are a few reasons your ice could be making your drinks taste bad. One of the most common is the ice has absorbed odors from food stored in your freezer. This often occurs when the warm weather first arrives. Ice usage is much lower during the colder months. This results in the ice sitting in the freezer longer and giving it a greater opportunity to develop an unpleasant taste from absorbing food odors.
This is an easy fix. First, throw all that old ice away and clean your ice bin. You can use warm water and dish detergent, a water and bleach mixture, or water and white vinegar mixture. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly. Then check to make sure all your food in the freezer is properly sealed. If not, odors could escape and be absorbed by the ice. You should also check the food in your refrigerator. If something has spilled or gone bad in the refrigerator, those odors can find their way to the freezer and contaminate your ice.
Your Ice Maker Freezes Up
There are a few reasons why your ice maker freezes up. Either the ice maker fill tube is frozen, the water inlet valve is faulty, or the freezer temperature setting is too low. If you are going to try to tackle any of these issues on your own, be sure to unplug your refrigerator first. The water supply to the ice maker will also need to be turned off using the shut off valve.
The location of the fill tube may vary by make and model. It can be a separate part that connects to the water supply line and enters the freezer from the back of the refrigerator. However, the ice maker may have to be removed to get to it. If this is the case, it is best to schedule refrigerator ice maker repair. To thaw it out, hot water can be applied to the fill tube with a turkey baster or disconnect it and run hot water over it in the sink. The fill line will freeze up if the temperature setting on the freezer is too low. Adjusting this can prevent the fill line from refreezing.
Too Much or Not Enough Ice
Both of these can be an issue caused by a problem with the water inlet valve. This valve has a screen filter that can become clogged over time. This will restrict or prevent water from getting to the ice maker, resulting in low production or none at all. The ice could also be thin or hollow if the water inlet valve is faulty. It can also deliver too much water to the ice maker, causing the tray to overfill. If you are handy you may want to remove try cleaning the valve before calling a service technician. If that doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to schedule professional refrigerator ice maker repair.
Free Up The Paddle Arm
Make sure excess ice or other items in the freezer aren’t restricting the paddle or feeler arm from operating properly. If it is unable to move freely, it can cause your ice maker to malfunction or even cause damage to the arm.
Check the Water Filter
If your specific model has a water filter, the solution might be as simple as changing the filter. Refrigerator water filters should be changed at least once every six months. Once the water supply has been turned off, the filter can be removed and replaced. If water still runs to the dispenser after the filter has been removed and the bypass plug installed, water still runs to the water dispenser, it’s time to replace the filter.
Professional Refrigerator Ice Maker Repair
If you’ve checked for the obvious culprits and it’s still not working, its time to schedule refrigerator ice maker repair. Jersey Coast Appliance has expertly trained and certified technicians to perform ice maker and other types of refrigerator maintenance and repairs. We offer a variety of service options to fit your needs including 24/7 emergency service and Night Owl service. We also understand that your time is valuable and provide a two-hour window of arrival.
