Ice makers are an added refrigerator feature many homeowners have come to love. However, if your ice maker stops functioning, it can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially when you don’t know what’s wrong.
If you’re trying to figure out why your ice maker is not making ice, we have provided a list of common ice maker problems to help you get your ice maker back up and running.
Contents
11 Common Ice Maker Problems
1. Ice Maker Turned Off or Paused
Firstly, before searching for reasons for your ice maker not working, ensure it’s turned on, as you may have accidentally paused or turned off the ice maker.
2. Malfunctioning or Frozen Ejector Assembly
The ejector assembly is a vital part of your ice maker. The ejector pulls from the ice bin through the chute in the door. This device can occasionally malfunction or freeze up during the life of your ice maker.
First, ensure that there isn’t an accumulation of ice around the ejector assembly. If you see ice, use warm water to thaw it out.
3. Not Dropping Ice
There are several possibilities for your ice maker not to drop ice. Most commonly, it’s a result of a frozen ejector assembly or a misaligned water connection.
4. Control Arm Out of Position
The control arm tells the ice maker when to make ice and when to stop. When the control arm is not correctly positioned, your ice maker will no longer give you ice.
Check your fridge’s control arm to see if it is out of position. Consult your owner’s manual to learn how to reposition your control arm if you’re unsure how.
5. Clogged Water Filter
Clogged water filters are one of the most common ice maker problems. Homeowners often forget to clean or change their fridge’s water filter routinely. This blockage can prevent the ice maker from functioning correctly.
Check the filter and clear any debris. If you have never changed your filter, consider replacing it.
6. Clogged or Broken Water Inlet Valve
A water supply is essential to your ice maker since it delivers the water needed to make ice. A clogged or broken inlet valve could be why your ice maker is not working, as water is not getting through to make ice.
Examine your valve for clogs or broken parts. Then, clear out any debris or fix the malfunctioning aspects.
7. Ice Maker Leaking
A leaking ice maker may seem trivial, but it can lead to big problems. If you notice water in your fridge or puddles on the floor, your ice maker may be leaking.
First, search to find the source of the leak. Once you find it, either attempt to patch it yourself or call a professional for help
8. Ice Maker Not Making Enough Ice
Ice in the water line can prevent water flow, reducing your ice maker’s ice output. If you suspect ice in your icemaker’s water line, locate the frozen line, turn off the water supply, and unplug the fridge. Then you can thaw the ice in the water line.
9. Ice Has a Bad Taste
If your ice has a bad smell or taste, it may be time to change your fridge’s water filter. Water filters accumulate dirt over time, which can build up and mix with the water as it enters the filter, which could give your ice a foul taste or odour.
Replacing the filter should solve this problem. Ensure you have the correct filter, and consult your owner’s manual for instructions on replacing it.
10. Ice Maker Not Level
If your fridge’s ice maker or refrigerator is not level, the ejector might not function correctly.
If your fridge is not level, you can move it to an even surface or use shims to make it more level. If your fridge is level, check and see if your ice maker is on even mounts. If it is not, unscrew the mounts and reposition the ice maker.
11. Ice Maker Won’t Stop Making Ice
In addition to your ice maker not dropping ice, a common problem is when it wont stop making ice. There are a number of reasons why this might be the case, although the most common are usually down to the control arm stuck in the up position.
Conclusion
A non-functional ice maker can be a cause for concern, but often, there are simple fixes. If your ice maker is not working, try one of these tricks to get your fridge up and running again.
