Ice makers are usually an easy item to repair as there are limited types available as well as few working parts to repair or replace.

There are three main types of ice makers available inside our refrigerators. The component and modular are most common, using a metal ice mold with an electric heater to loosen the cubes as they form. The third type is called a flex-tray. This is usually found in older refrigerators and uses a twisting force to free the cubes from a flexible tray.

Ice makers work by using water that travels through a copper or plastic tube from the tap up to the water inlet valve. This valve regulates the water flow, and when open it allows the water to flow to the freezer and into the tray used to mold the ice cubes. This process is a continual cycle and is regulated by a thermostat that monitors the temperature of the ice tray. If the temperature on the tray drops below a certain temperature the refrigerator is signaled to begin the water flow and the ice cycle begins. The ice is then ejected from the molds and until the bin sensor tells the appliance to shut off the ice maker the cycle will continue.

Common Ice Maker Problems

• If your ice has a funny or poor taste there could be a few causes. If your refrigerator has a water filter then the filter might need to be changed. The refrigerator and/or freezer might need to be cleaned as the ice can sometimes pick up and absorb odors, or the valve and water line may need to be flushed.
• If your ice cubes are not forming properly and coming out in funny shapes this could be from a problem with the water valve or the inlet switch. Sometimes too much water or not enough water is allowed in and the cubes can be too large in size or smaller in size and funny shaped.
• If ice is not ejecting properly from the mold there could be a few reasons behind this problem. There could be issues with the ejector motor or the gear, the thermostat might be faulty, or lastly the ice mold heater may have failed.
• If the ice maker is making too much ice or not shutting off there could be issues with the shut off arm. If this part has failed the ice maker will not have any indication when the bin is full and it will continue to make ice.
• If your ice maker has stopped making ice there could be issues with the water supply to the freezer. Other things that cause a failure in ice production could be incorrect freezer temperature, ejector motor or gear issues, mold heaters or thermostat problems, or faulty valves.
• If you find a water leak this could be from the water supply line, the inlet switch or the inlet valve. If the refrigerator is not leveled this can cause leaking, and in addition the water fill cup alignment should be looked at to make sure it is level as well.

Friendly technicians will be happy to help you get to the bottom of any problem you are having with your appliance, and you might be surprised how easy and quickly the problem can be resolved. Call the office today to schedule for your appointment.