Ice makers have become a convenience in many homes. Unfortunately, ice maker repairs can be complicated. So, when your ice maker starts to have problems, you may wonder whether you need to call in a repair technician or whether you may be able to resolve the issue yourself.
There are a number of things that you can check before you decide whether you need to call in a repair technician. One of the first things you should check is that your appliance has a water supply. It is quite common for the water inside your freezer compartment to be accidentally shut off, or the water line connected to the appliance may not have been reconnected after maintenance. If your ice maker is receiving water, you’ll need to explore a little further.
The mechanisms that are responsible for creating and expelling the ice cubes in your ice maker can often get stuck. The ice cubes can get caught up in this mechanism, and this will prevent the unit from creating more ice. You’ll need to look in the chute or lift up the mechanism above your ice tray to check for an obstruction.
Another common issue is that the line between the input point and the location where the water empties into the unit can become frozen. This can be caused by several things such as the temperature of the freezer is set too high, or the line is insufficiently insulated to prevent freezing. If you can, lower the temperature of your appliance and check to see if the problem has been eliminated.
In some cases, the problem may not be with your ice maker, but a related fault. For example, you may find that your ice has a bad taste or odor, but this is likely due to the water filter rather than the ice maker.
If you have white specs in your ice, this is due to a build-up of calcium carbonate in your water supply. As the water begins to freeze, these previously unnoticed particles will become visible. You’ll need a water filter designed to remove calcium carbonate to correct this problem. Remember that the quality of your water will have a massive impact on the quality of your ice. So, if there are slight odors or other quality issues in the water from your faucet, these are likely to be further highlighted by your ice maker.
There are some symptoms that are a sign that you need to call in a service tech. If your ice dispenser will not eject any cubes, it is likely that this component needs to be replaced. If your ice maker continually makes cubes without stopping, you’re likely to need a new sensor, or an internal component needs to be replaced. Most ice maker repair specialists will have replacement parts available for many of the major brands.
In some cases, your ice maker may have entirely stopped working with no visible reason. You’ll need the expertise of an experienced technician to examine your appliance and diagnose the underlying issue to provide an effective repair. Remember that modern ice makers can be quite complex, and attempting a repair without the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools could cause further damage. So, if you are unsure about whether you need a repair technician, it is best to err on the side of caution and call in professional help.
If you’re still experiencing difficulties with your ice maker, a professional home appliance repair specialist can offer effective and long-lasting solutions. For help with any ice machine repair issues be sure to speak to a professional appliance repair technician.