Ice Machine Is Not Dispensing Ice Properly 

Appliance Repair > Ice Machine Repair > Ice Machine Is Not Dispensing Ice Properly

Ice Machine Is Not Dispensing Ice Properly

Description and Troubleshooting of Problems

The Compressor Does Not Provide Enough Cold

The compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the system, cooling the coil where the ice forms. Here’s how it works: the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, which exits in a hot state, then passes through the coil where a fan motor cools it down. Here are some common reasons why the compressor might not be producing enough ice:

  • Fan motor malfunction: When the fan motor isn’t working, it doesn’t cool the refrigerant properly, causing the compressor to cool but not enough to make ice in the correct size and quantity. In this case, you might notice the ice is very small, thin, and melts quickly.
  • Restriction in the system: This issue occurs when the refrigerant flow is partially blocked, causing only part of the coil to cool. Without the full coil being cold, there isn’t enough cooling power for the ice maker to function properly. For appliances like fridges and ice machines using refrigerant, this is a common problem. The solution is to drain the refrigerant, clean the system under high pressure, and then refill it. After this, the system should perform like new.
  • Start relay overheating the compressor: The start relay kicks off the compressor and prevents overload or overheating. If the start relay overheats the compressor, the compressor’s safety feature will shut it off until it cools down, while other components continue working normally. These shut-offs result in less cooling power during half of the ice-making cycle, which can lead to insufficient ice production.

Solution

Each of these issues needs to be inspected on-site, and only after a thorough check can we determine whether a repair or part replacement is needed. Our technicians carry a range of parts for brands like Sub-Zero, Hoshizaki, Scotsman, Blaze, Manitowoc, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, GE, Ice-O-Matic, and Vevor. In most cases, we complete the repair on the spot, often the same day.

The compressor does not provide enough cold
The compressor does not provide enough cold

The Circulation Pump Does Not Provide Sufficient Pressure

The circulation pump moves water over the coil, but if the ice machine hasn’t been cleaned for over a year, the pump is likely clogged and can’t pump water at the right pressure, which disrupts the machine’s performance. The spray is probably clogged too, so it also needs cleaning to avoid issues with ice production.

Solution

The solution to this problem could be cleaning the ice machine, or if that doesn’t restore normal function, replacing the circulation pump may be necessary.

The circulation pump does not provide sufficient pressure
The circulation pump does not provide sufficient pressure

The Water Valve Is Partially Clogged

The water valve fills your ice machine with water, and it’s also an area that can be impacted by buildup over time. Even filtered water can leave residue, scale, and sediment that clogs the valve and its connected tubing. Most ice machines have a timer that opens the water valve for a set time, usually around a minute, to fill the water reservoir. But if the tube or valve is 30% clogged, it won’t fill completely—it might only get a third of the necessary water. This can result in undersized, cracked, or over-frozen ice. Incomplete water flow impacts not only ice production but also other parts like the circulation pump, which may end up running dry part of the time, putting extra strain on it.

Solution

We recommend servicing your ice machine every 6 months. This regular maintenance gives you peace of mind, knowing that whenever you need ice, you’ll have a full bin ready to go.

Clogged water valve
Clogged water valve

Repair Cost

Compressor repairing$350 — $480
Circulation pump replacing or ice machine cleaning$250 — $380
Water valve repairing, cleaning or replacing$280 — $430

The cost of ice machine repairs depends on various factors, including the brand, model, and the difficulty of the issue.

Contact Us For Any Ice Machine Repair Service

We’re ready to help with any issues your ice machine may have, from cycle malfunctions to full breakdowns. If calling isn’t convenient, you can easily reach us by completing the quick form below. Book your ice machine repair with one of our professionals today!

Call us today: (863) 594-1784
or fill out the form and we will contact you ourselves.

    Name
    Phone

    Teodor Appliance Repair delivers exceptional appliance repair services across Florida. Renowned for our dependability and dedication to excellence, we handle a broad spectrum of appliance maintenance. Our technicians are adept at diagnosing and fixing problems with refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. For convenient location access, check us out on Google Maps using these links:

    Appliance Repair in Tampa
    Appliance Repair in St.Peterburg