Ice machines are indispensable appliances in both commercial and residential settings. However, when they malfunction, it can lead to inconvenience and increased maintenance costs. This article outlines common causes of ice machines shutdowns and provides troubleshooting solutions to help solve the problem. Learn more about our ice machine repair services:
Main Issues When Ice Machine Is Not Working
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Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Clogged Water Filter
A clogged water filter is one of the most common causes of poor ice machine performance. Over time, the filter collects minerals, sediment and impurities from the water supply. As the filter becomes dirty, it restricts water flow, which can lead to slow ice production, smaller or irregularly shaped cubes, or even a complete system shutdown if the machine can’t get enough water to operate.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat in an ice machine maintains the proper temperature for ice production. If it malfunctions, problems can arise, such as over-cooling resulting in excessive ice formation and potential equipment damage, or under-cooling resulting in reduced quality and quantity of ice produced. In some cases, thermostat failure can cause the ice maker to stop operating completely.
Broken Control Board
The control board is the brain of your ice machine. It controls all functions, from powering the water valve and sensors to running the drain and circulation pumps. When the board fails, the machine can stop working completely. Power surges are one of the most common causes of control board damage. They can occur during storms, hurricanes, or after a sudden power outage. Other faulty components can also damage the control board, if connected to it. For example, if a circulation or sump pump jams, it can send too much current back to the board, causing a short circuit.
Full Ice Bin Sensor Is Stuck
The ice bin fill sensor detects when the bin is full and signals the machine to stop making ice. If this sensor stucks or fails, the machine may stop making ice even though the hopper is not full, or worse, it may continue to run and overflow. Common causes of sensor jamming include frost or ice buildup around the sensor, dirt or mineral deposits blocking the signal, or mechanical failure in the sensor mechanism. In some cases, excessive humidity or poor ventilation around the ice machine can lead to condensation that interferes with the sensor’s operation.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils in an ice machine are responsible for removing heat from the cooling system. Over time, dust, dirt and grease build up on them, reducing their efficiency. This leads to overheating of the compressor, reduced productivity and ice quality, and in some cases, complete machine failure. In neglected situations, expensive repairs or compressor replacement may be required.
Repair Cost
| Water filter replacing | $150 – $280 |
| Thermostat replacing | $340 – $450 |
| Control board replacing | $380 – $480 |
| Full bin sensor cleaning or replacing | $250 – $460 |
| Condenser coil cleaning | $150 – $200 |
The price of ice machine repairs varies based on the brand, specific model, and the complexity of the issue.
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4 Comments
Can it be determined if the water filter is clogged without opening the machine?
Hi Carry! In general, without opening the ice machine, it is almost impossible to determine. However, it is still possible to draw some conclusions from indirect signs. Slow ice production or uneven cubes may indicate this problem. But, it is important to remember that proper inspection usually requires removing and inspecting the filter itself.
Are there any signs that indicate the control board might be malfunctioning before it completely stops working?
Hi Brendon! Thank you for your question, it is indeed an interesting one. Yes, there are several signs. If you notice unusual behavior of the ice machine, such as it turning on and off involuntarily, not responding to settings, or certain functions such as the water valve or circulation pumps not working properly, this could be a sign of a faulty control board. In some cases, you may see visible signs such as burned out areas of the board.