If you’re with us here in Columbia, Lexington, or anywhere in the Midlands of SC, you probably look forward to ice-cold drinks on hot summer days. Ice makers are a great way to ensure that you and your guests always have plenty of refreshments available. However, sometimes things don’t go according to plan.
If your ice maker isn’t working (no ice production, frost buildup, small cubes, etc.), there could be a number of reasons why. In this article, we’ll take you through some common issues with ice makers, both stand-alone icemakers and those within a refrigerator/freezer, and how to resolve them.
But first – if you own an Electrolux or Frigidaire refrigerator/freezer with a built-in icemaker, read this article to see if your ice maker is part of a recall and can be replaced at no cost to you.
HOW TO FIX MY ICE MAKER?
Try the following common solutions before calling a professional.
If your ice maker isn’t making ice
Sometimes, you’ll go to get ice and realize the bucket is empty or low. Depending on your model, the first thing to check is the arm, switch, or level settings. The arm is most common in ice makers built into freezers. When operating properly, the arm moves up as the bucket fills with ice and turn off ice production when the bucket is full. However, they can occasionally get stuck or moved accidentally by a user. The On/Off switches or level settings can also get adjusted accidentally, so these are always the first things to check.
If your ice maker has frost buildup on it
Another common issue is a buildup of frost on an icemaker inside a freezer. The frost buildup can prevent the components of the ice maker from moving, and can cause other problems like leaks or clogs. A frost buildup typically indicates warm air is entering the freezer and the humidity in the air forms ice crystals as it cools. Warm air can get into your freezer when a door is left ajar or when a gasket (the rubber seal around the edge of the door) becomes torn or deformed. After removing the frost buildup, check for gasket issues and ensure the door closes all the way to see if the problem is taken care of.
If your ice maker is melting ice or producing small cubes
The easiest potential solution for ice melting instead of freezing is a temperature setting that’s too high or an ice production setting that is too low. If you have put your machine on a higher temperature setting (warmer), this could be the cause. The settings on ice machines and freezers can vary between models, so it’s best to check the manual to see what the recommended temperature settings are for your model. The Manuals Library is a great place to start your search online if you can’t find the original manual.
Another potential reason is an old water filter restricting the flow of water to your ice maker. If it’s been more than 6 months since you’ve changed the filter, try a new one – just be sure to follow instructions when installing it!
TRIED THE DIY SOLUTIONS AND IT’S STILL NOT WORKING?
If your ice maker still isn’t working after the solutions above, it may be a sign that the machine needs to be repaired or replaced. If this is the case, you’ll want to call a professional to come for a personal assessment of your unit.
