The most common problems with a refrigerator ice maker would be the following:
1.) Producing hollow or thin ice
2.) Failure to produce ice at all
As we welcome in warmer weather and cooler drinks that need ice, here are three possible quick fixes to keep in mind, should you have a troublesome maker:
Make sure the freezer's temperatures are zero degrees F (-18 C) or lower.
A freezer's temperature should be zero (-18 C) to 10 degrees F (-12 C). If you discover the temperature is above this range, your refrigerator may be having difficulty properly removing heat in the unit. The most common culprit for this is dirty condenser coils. Coils attract dust, dirt and pet fur. Accumulated layers allow it to be harder for the coils to produce heat. Making the coils continue to work harder means greater energy consumption and higher bills for you – and eventually, rising temperatures and failures. Tweet these pointers.
Simple fix: Clean those coils! Condenser coils are mostly commonly found beneath the refrigerator unit. These should be cleaned every 12 to 1 . 5 years. If you have pets, you may need to increase cleaning frequency to every six months. If your dog is much like our dogs, the front from the refrigerator is favorite hangout spot.
On most models, you have access to these radiator-like coils by removing the bottom grill or kick-panel located at the front or an access panel at the back. A flashlight will be useful in this dark area to prevent any damage to the fan. Using your vacuum's crevice attachment or perhaps a convenient long hose attachment, carefully remove dust and fur on and round the coil. We like this one since it is also great for cleaning beneath other large appliances. Make sure to remove stubborn dirt by gently managing a long-handled bristle brush over the coil. Vacuum again, if required, and restore power to the unit.
If your refrigerator's coils are located behind, you can gently brush away dirt and dust with a long-handled bristled brush like this one.
Remember to disconnect power to your refrigerator before cleaning or performing any kind of maintenance.
Check the frost buildup in your freezer's evaporator coils
Next, check the evaporator coils for frost buildup or lack of frost buildup. RepairClinic.com has disassembly videos that will help you quickly and easily access the evaporator coils. There must be a consistent amount of frost on each coil. If perhaps a few coils have frost, it's likely the system has developed a leak or there is a restriction. You will need to check the defrost components for any failure. With your refrigerator's model number handy, visit our repair help for here is how to do this. Tweet these tips.
Make sure you've sufficient water pressure.
The most common problem with ice makers doing a poor job or neglecting to do their job at all is water pressure. There must be a minimum of 20 PSI of water pressure in order for the ice maker to work well.
Testing is simple. Turn off the water, disconnect the availability line from the water inlet valve usually located behind the refrigerator, contain the line over a bucket and then turn the water back on. When the water flow is weak (indicating low water pressure), there's likely something wrong with your home's water supply. If the water stream is steady (indicating proper water pressure), the water inlet valve may have a restriction and will be need to be replaced. Tweet these pointers.
RepairClinic has replacement parts for ice makers, water dispensers, refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, dishwashers and lots of other major home appliances in addition to outdoor power equipment and HVAC equipment.
For helpful troubleshooting and how-to repair help information, have your refrigerator's model ready and visit our free online repair help.
Additional helpful information
Refrigerator Maintenance tips
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Since its founding in 1999, RepairClinic.com helps three million do-it-yourselfers save 225 million dollars in repair costs by successfully repairing appliances and outdoor power equipment by themselves.
RepairClinic's free online repair help system empowers do-it-yourselfers to repair common problems associated with major home appliances, outdoor power equipment, HVAC equipment, water heaters, floor care, and more. DIYers can enter a model number to choose from a list of common symptoms for that particular model to then troubleshoot watching expertly-produced videos to learn the most likely causes and types of conditions and purchase the correct, recommended part.
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Since 1999, the company has served more than three million customers including homeowners, first-time and beginner DIYers, advanced DIYers, appliance repair professionals, small engine repair shops and landscaping and lawn care business owners. RepairClinic orders are backed by a 365 Days. Period.TM return policy that allows customers to return any part. Of the more than one million parts available on the website, 95 percent of parts ordered have been in stock and guaranteed to ship exactly the same business day. RepairClinic ships within the Usa and Canada.
