If your ice maker is broken, here’s who you can call to fix it
Nothing is worse than realizing that your ice machine is broken just when you are craving an ice-cold drink. Fortunately, ice makers can usually be repaired. This guide to who to call to fix the ice maker will ensure that you don't have to put your plans for refreshing drinks and libations on ice.
Refrigerator repairs can be complicated and hazardous to one's health. If you don't have prior experience with this project, contact a local pro to ensure the job is completed safely.
A local ice machine repair pro can arrive with the expertise and tools needed to get your machine churning out ice again. Due to ice machines' small size, techs are often able to carry the replacement parts needed for common fixes in their trucks. That means that you could get the issue taken care of the same day if your machine needs a replacement part to get up and running again.
Ice machines have intricate designs that can be confusing to the average person. If you've never successfully fixed an ice machine before, you may actually do more harm than good once you start tinkering around with your broken ice machine. The fact that ice makers use both water and electricity to make ice means that these machines pose some pretty serious dangers if they aren't handled properly during repairs.
This one requires a hard pass. Ice makers are specialty appliances that require a dedicated level of expertise for repairs. What's more, hiring a general handyperson to try to fix your ice maker can actually void your warranty because most manufacturers will only cover work done by a licensed ice machine repair pro.
When an ice machine repair expert shows up, they'll start by troubleshooting the problem. While it's true that ice makers have fewer parts than many larger appliances, the diagnostic phase can still take time because your pro will need to be 100% certain about the root cause of the issue. Once they've diagnosed why your ice maker stopped working, they will be able to clean, tighten, or replace any parts that are responsible for the problem. Your broken ice maker might come down to one of the following parts or systems:
Condenser
Evaporator plate
Valves or lines
Water filter
Ice maker control arm
Ice bin
The good news is that your ice maker repair tech can explain exactly what caused the problem. In some cases, the malfunction may be due to a maintenance issue. Learning how to keep an ice maker clean works a lot like learning how to defrost a freezer. The repair visit could be a good opportunity to learn how to prevent clogs or buildup that could stop your ice maker from making ice.
Ultimately, this depends on the cause of the ice maker's malfunction, the appliance's age, and repair costs, which vary by location. Market rates for appliance repair and replacement part availability will also affect whether it's worth it to repair or replace the ice maker. Repairing an ice maker can cost as little as $75, and replacing the entire unit costs $260 to $450. If multiple parts are needed or the labor costs are high, replacing the ice maker might make more sense.
Minor repairs for ice makers, including replacement parts, can cost $75 to $150. If the appliance repair professional needs more time to fix the ice maker, or it needs multiple replacement parts to become operational again, it can cost as much as a new ice maker, which costs $260 to $450.
The most common reasons why an ice maker suddenly stops working are mechanical problems, electrical problems, or issues with the water supply. Broken parts cause mechanical issues, and replacing the part could fix the ice maker. Electrical problems require more complex repairs, as it could be faulty wiring. Water supply problems also cause ice makers to stop dispensing because a pipe is blocked or water hasn't resumed flowing through the pipe after it was shut off then turned back on.
