Preventative Maintenance for Your Ice Maker

While it may not be the direst of malfunctions, when you go to the fridge and want to collect some ice from the ice dispenser and it doesn’t work, quite frankly, that sucks. When we’re inconvenienced, it tends to borderline on the end of the world, yet we rarely do much to resolve these circumstances. Here on the ARS Blog, we’re massive promoters of appliance maintenance. When you think your appliance needs love and care, you should do everything you can to ensure it’s working at optimal health. Cleaning and treating every expensive appliance in your household appropriately, including your ice dispenser.

As things begin to malfunction, these are the moments where you can maintain control of the situation. It’s common that when you allow a fault to persist, you’ll likely forget about it. Progression with a broken appliance will only have it worsen. It will also become more expensive as the problem evolves. So when you think your ice dispenser malfunctioning isn’t a huge deal, it will be when it costs you an arm, a leg, and ultimately a brand new fridge or a part that costs hundreds of dollars.

The mindset you should have is that you always want to repair before replacing, especially when you’re dealing with an expensive appliance that shouldn’t be exhibiting any faults yet. Most brands are made to be long-lasting as long as you are putting in some TLC.

In this blog, we’re going to dive into the conversation that is rarely touched on, ice dispensers, and all the drama they can bring you when you forget to maintain them.

Common Causes of a Leaky Ice Maker

Why does this happen?

Water Inlet Valve Issues:

• Drama: The water inlet valve serves as the gateway for water to enter the ice maker. When it malfunctions, it might fail to shut off completely, leading to a continuous flow of water.
• Symptoms: You might notice water pooling beneath the ice maker or dripping from the dispenser.
• DIY Fix: Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator, then inspect and potentially replace the water inlet valve. However, since this involves handling water connections and electrical components, it’s best to call for professional help promptly.

Faulty Water Supply Line:

• Drama: A damaged or improperly installed water supply line can spell trouble. Kinks, pinches, or loose connections along the line can lead to leaks.
• Symptoms: Look out for water leaks around the back of the refrigerator or beneath the ice maker.
• DIY Fix: Check for any visible damage or loose connections in the water supply line. If you spot any issues, try repositioning or replacing the line. However, be cautious, as working with water lines can lead to flooding if not handled properly. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance promptly.

Defective Ice Maker Assembly:

• Drama: Inside the ice maker assembly, various components such as the ice maker unit, the ice mold, or the housing may develop cracks or wear out over time.
• Symptoms: Leaks might occur directly from the ice maker or beneath it.
• DIY Fix: Examine the ice maker assembly for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or worn-out seals. If you spot any issues, you might attempt to replace damaged components. However, keep in mind that this requires technical know-how and may necessitate professional assistance.

It’s important to note while you can do a quick DIY fix, these should be temporary. Unless you’re a professional appliance repair person or a technical genius in your own right, don’t allow yourself to be a hero. Set the layup for the quarterback to come in and do the touchdown. We all know how to watch YouTube videos, and we’re all capable of following instructions, but these are expensive appliances and you want it done right, once.

Your focus moving forward should be treating the appliance better so you don’t fall back into a situation where you need to call for a professional.

Why Appliance Repair over DIY

• Expertise and Experience: Professional repair technicians have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and fixing appliance issues efficiently. They understand the intricacies of various appliances and can accurately identify the root cause of problems.
• Safety: Appliance repair often involves working with electrical components, gas lines, or water connections, which can be hazardous if mishandled. Professional technicians have the necessary skills and safety protocols to ensure repairs are conducted safely.
• Quality Repairs: Professional repair services ensure high-quality repairs using genuine parts and industry-standard techniques. This helps extend the lifespan of your appliances and ensures optimal performance.
• Warranty Protection: Many appliance manufacturers require repairs to be conducted by authorized technicians to maintain warranty coverage. Opting for professional repair ensures you don’t void your appliance warranty.
• Time and Convenience: Professional technicians can often diagnose and repair appliance issues more quickly than DIY attempts. This saves you time and hassle, allowing you to resume normal use of your appliances sooner.
• Access to Tools and Equipment: Professional repair companies have access to specialized tools and diagnostic equipment, which may not be available to the average homeowner. This allows for more accurate diagnosis and efficient repairs.
• Prevention of Further Damage: Attempting DIY repairs without proper knowledge or experience can lead to further damage to your appliances. Professional technicians can prevent this by addressing the root cause of the problem and ensuring comprehensive repairs.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While DIY repairs may seem cost-effective initially, mistakes or incomplete repairs can lead to more significant issues down the line, resulting in higher repair costs or even the need for appliance replacement. Professional repair services offer cost-effective solutions in the long run.

Diagnosing the Problem

If you want to diagnose what is wrong with your appliance, in this case, if you know what’s wrong with your ice dispenser, that is fine. But now It’s up to you to articulate that to the appliance repair professional, let them know what you believe to be true, but allow them to properly diagnose and lead you down the road to a proper solution. Only use DIY as a temporary solution, and have an immediate follow-up by a professional.

Between yourself and the appliance repair technician, your combined efforts will have you well on your way to a solution, especially when they fix your fault immediately or return for a second visit with the required parts to improve your fridge.

At ARS Appliances Repair Services we offer you a service call with a certified appliance repair technician for 120+ tax. If they have to return for a second visit, they’ll deduct that service call fee from the second visit, crediting it to your account. While technicians can often visit your home and fix your appliance on the spot, sometimes they’ll need to order a part for proper resolution, in this case, we will treat both visits as the same job. However, if we ever come for a service call, fix your appliance, then are called back and the problem isn’t the same error, you will be charged for another service call, as it’s a different circumstance.

Diagnosing the problem with your appliance is affordable, and we make it even more so. Take advantage of your local ARS, and ensure your appliances are running optimally. If you believe an appliance fault is occurring, that’s the sign, call us and we will swoop in and save the day. You can contact us, or ring us at 866-415-3937.

If attempting a DIY diagnosis, follow the steps and guidelines below.

• Visual Inspection:
  • Start by unplugging the refrigerator or turning off its power source to ensure safety during inspection.
  • Carefully examine the area around the ice maker for any visible signs of water leakage, such as puddles or water stains on the floor or inside the freezer compartment.
  • Inspect the water inlet valve, water supply line, and connections for any signs of corrosion, wear, or damage.
  • Check the ice maker itself for cracks, leaks, or damaged components, including the ice mold and water fill tube.
  • Look for any ice accumulation around the ice maker or inside the ice bin, as this could indicate issues with ice formation or water supply.
• Testing Water Flow:
  • Locate the water supply line that connects to the ice maker, typically located at the back of the refrigerator.
  • Carefully disconnect the water supply line from the ice maker inlet valve.
  • Place a container or towel beneath the disconnected end of the water supply line to catch any water.
  • Turn on the water supply briefly and observe the flow of water from the disconnected line. It should be steady and free of irregularities.
  • If there are any signs of low water pressure, inconsistent flow, or no water flow at all, it indicates a potential issue with the water supply line, water inlet valve, or water filter.
• Checking for Ice Build-Up:
  • Open the freezer compartment and carefully inspect the ice maker and surrounding areas for any ice accumulation.
  • Pay close attention to the ice maker’s components, including the ice mold, water fill tube, and ice chute, for any signs of ice build-up or blockages.
  • Use a flashlight to illuminate hard-to-reach areas and ensure thorough inspection.
  • If you find any ice build-up, carefully remove it using a plastic utensil or ice pick to avoid damaging the ice maker or surrounding components.
  • Clear any obstructions that may be blocking the water flow or causing leaks, such as ice jams or debris in the water-fill tube.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for your Leaky Ice Dispenser / Maker

If you know that something can break, you should always be taking measures for preventive care. Your ice dispenser is a touchy component of any fridge, if broken, you need to take apart your fridge to get an idea of what is happening, and how to fix it. To avoid expensive repair, yes, you should always call an appliance repair professional at the first signs of a problem. But, you can also take care of your appliance preventively. Below are some concise and helpful tips that should set you straight, and keep you on the road for optimal appliance repair health.

• Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent build-up and potential leaks in your ice maker. Over time, dirt, debris, and mineral deposits can accumulate, leading to clogs and inefficiencies. By cleaning the ice maker and its components regularly, you can ensure optimal performance and prolong its lifespan.
• Scheduled Inspections: It’s highly recommended to schedule periodic inspections of your ice maker to catch potential issues early on. During these inspections, carefully examine all components for signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Pay close attention to the water inlet valve, water supply line, and ice maker assembly. By identifying problems early, you can address them promptly before they escalate into more significant issues.
• Using Filtered Water: Using filtered water in your ice maker can offer several benefits, including reducing mineral build-up and prolonging the life of the appliance. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate in the ice maker over time, leading to clogs and damage. By using a water filtration system or installing a filter directly on the water supply line, you can remove impurities and ensure clean, fresh-tasting ice. This not only improves the quality of your ice but also helps maintain the efficiency of your ice maker in the long run.

Don’t allow you to be the reason why your appliances are malfunctioning. If you can prevent it, you should. Stop spending money on expensive mistakes!

Conclusion

The moral of the story here is extremely simple. If your appliance isn’t doing what it’s supposed to do and is showing any signs of fault, you need to call an appliance repair company like ARS, immediately. Unless you’re in dire straights and cannot afford appliance repair, you should opt for it instinctually. A repair now will be much less expensive, than a repair later. It is a proven fact that a worsening fault will likely be much more expensive in the long run. Fix your appliances and give them the love that they require.