Ice Maker Not Making Ice: Reasons and Solutions
It’s summer, and your ice maker is not making ice. What now?
Highlights
The three most common reasons your ice maker is not making ice are a clogged water filter, blocked or frozen water fill tubes, and a defective water inlet valve.
Repairing an ice maker costs $100 to $600 on average.
On average, ice makers can last 4 to 6 years.
You should replace your ice maker filter twice a year if you live in areas with hard water.
A malfunctioning icemaker can be frustrating, especially in the middle of summer. If your ice maker is not making ice, you can do a few things to troubleshoot the problem and potentially get the ice maker back up and running yourself. Troubleshooting an ice maker that’s not working can save you time and money because sometimes the issue is rather simple and quick to fix.
1. Clogged Water Filter
Your water filter may become clogged as contaminants accumulate over time. A clogged filter reduces your icemaker’s water flow, hindering and eventually preventing ice-making. Refer to the owner’s manual to find out how to access the water filter and the specifications for a replacement filter.
If you live in an area with high water hardness and don’t have a whole-house water softening system, you should replace the filter at least twice a year to prevent significant limescale buildup from clogging or damaging the water filter.
2. Defective Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve allows water to enter your ice maker. Any blockage and damage to the valve or the supply line can stop your ice maker from making ice. If your inlet valve is frozen, cut the power and water supply, thaw the supply line, and then slightly increase the thermostat setting when you power the icemaker back on.
If the water supply and the valve look undamaged, there might be an electric issue preventing the inlet valve from letting water in. Call a repair person if you suspect any circuit failure, as electric work on your fridge or ice maker is very complicated and should be addressed by a professional.
3. Blocked Water Fill Tubes
If your ice maker is making far less ice, you may have a blocked water fill tube. Look to see if your fill tube appears frozen on the outside. If that’s the case, there is definitely something blocking the water from entering the ice maker.
Turn off the water supply and unplug your fridge. Some models have a small catch filter at the end of the tube to catch debris from the water supply. Over time, the catch filter may become clogged. Larger debris in the water supply and limescale buildup can also block the water fill tubes.
Clean the water fill tubes and reconnect the power and water supply. If that’s still not working, consider replacing the fill tubes altogether. The owner’s manual will tell you the specific make and model of your fridge and what type of tube you’d need.
4. Failed Heating Element
While it may be counterintuitive to think your ice maker needs more heat to produce ice, it is true. However, the heating element slightly melts the ice produced so it can drop into the tray. Without a functioning heating unit, the ice created will get stuck.
Don’t attempt to inspect or repair the heating element yourself. Call a licensed ice maker repairer or fridge contractor to take care of the job.
5. Freezer or Fridge Temperature Too High
Warm freezer or fridge compartments will prevent the icemaker from properly functioning. Warm temperatures reduce your ice maker’s production efficiency, preventing ice from forming or staying frozen, and may even stop the ice maker from making ice completely.
Turn your thermostat lower to fix the problem. You should also check your refrigerator’s seal to ensure the fridge door isn’t leaking cold air.
6. Control Arm Out of Position
Most ice makers rely on a control arm to prevent the storage bin from overflowing. If the arm is out of position, it may prevent normal ice production before the bin is full. If the arm is out of position, simply move it back to the “ON” position. Check the connecting joints and tighten them as needed. If the arm is completely broken, you’ll need a professional to repair or replace the part.
7. Pause Command on
Some ice makers have a pause command and may have been accidentally turned on. Look for the pause signal on the display or if the pause button is lit up. If so, turn the pause command off and see if your ice maker starts making ice soon after. If the pause function is stuck, call a contractor to troubleshoot the wirings, as it could signify an electrical malfunction within the unit.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If your ice maker is not working, start by doing a quick troubleshooting for the problems mentioned above. Many of these can be fixed by yourself, such as adjusting the thermostat, cleaning the water filter, and even replacing some easily accessible parts as long as you feel comfortable doing so.
However, it’s recommended that you hire a local refrigerator repair company if you think something is wrong with the wiring or if you need to completely disassemble the ice maker to replace a core compartment. Most contractors list out the brands they are familiar with, so all you need to do is find someone who is good at repairing fridges with a similar make and model.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your water dispenser is working but your ice maker is not, check your refrigerator’s water pressure. Inspect your ice maker’s filter and water fill tube for damage or blockage. Then, check the pressure on the water inlet valve. Generally, the ice maker needs at least 20 psi on the valve for it to work properly.
Turn the ice maker off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If your ice maker has a reset button, hold it down for a few seconds. If that doesn’t work, try to cut the power completely. Turn off the ice maker, then unplug your fridge, and wait about five minutes before plugging the fridge back in. Flip the switch back on. An indicator light should turn on if the ice maker is properly reset.
Unplug the fridge and turn off the water supply using the shut-off valve. If your water fill tube is frozen shut, use a hair dryer and use the lowest setting to slowly thaw it. If your tube is plastic, gently squeeze it to help the ice on the inside to break. Leave the fridge unplugged for at least a few hours. Plug it back in, check the thermostat, and make sure it’s on the correct temperature. Keep in mind that it takes about 24 hours for any temperature adjustment to fully take place.