If you want to have a consistent supply of ice cubes, you should learn how to fix an ice maker that is not working. Because, you’d think, the days of physically filling and replenishing ice trays were over. The annoyance of an ice maker that struggles to keep up, or fails entirely, can disrupt your family’s daily routine.
How long do ice makers last?
As with most appliances, your ice maker’s lifespan will depend on various factors. Factors that determine the lifespan of an ice maker include how frequently it is used, whether or not regular maintenance is performed, and the quality of the materials from which it is constructed. In general, if your ice maker is used daily and the machine is not properly maintained, it should last between four and six years.
Explore this blog for some ice maker troubleshooting guides and some of the most common causes of an ice maker that isn’t working properly, and to help you find remedies that are often simple enough to do yourself.
Easy Troubleshooting Guide
An Ice maker broke that doesn’t manufacture ice can feel like a waste of valuable refrigerator or freezer space. Refrigerator ice maker issues are frequently traced back to a few key components, such as water valves and lines, the water filter, the ice maker control arm, compartment temperatures, the ice bin, freon for ice machine, and others.
The following are some of the following on what causes an ice maker to stop working, as well as simple steps on how to fix an ice maker that is now working:
Faulty water inlet valve
If your water filter is current, the water inlet valve for your ice machine could be the source of the problem. The valve opens and closes in response to water pressure to provide water to the ice maker. A valve with a pressure of less than 20 psi (pounds per square inch) will not be powerful enough to feed enough water into the ice maker.
To resolve this issue, use your own equipment or the assistance of a professional to check the water pressure supplying the valve. If the pressure is sufficient at 20 psi or more, the water inlet valve may need to be replaced.
Overheating compartment
When the refrigerator or freezer temperatures are set too high, your ice maker may not be able to keep up with its planned rate of ice production, resulting in delayed ice production, cubes that are too small, or no ice production at all.
Check the refrigerator and freezer temperatures, making sure that the freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) and the refrigerator temperature is between 33 and 40°F (0-4°C).
Water filter clog
Your filter works hard to eliminate impurities in your water, but it can become clogged over time due to the particles it traps. A clogged filter might provide less water to the ice maker, causing ice production to diminish or stop.
To resolve this issue, replace your refrigerator’s water filter every six months and keep an eye out for indicators of an outdated filter. Odd-tasting ice or water, slowly dispensed water, black flecks in water or ice, and, of course, limited to no ice production are all signs.
Misaligned control arm
On some versions, the ice maker’s control arm is a big plastic or metal handle that rests on the side or top of the ice bin and is in charge of measuring ice levels and stopping ice production when the bin is full. If the control arm becomes loose, breaks, or is accidentally placed into the off position, ice production may be terminated. To resolve this issue, make sure the control arm is in the “on” position. Tighten the arm if it appears to be loose, or get professional help if the arm is entirely fractured.
Inlet tube for frozen water
When the temperature in the freezer or refrigerator compartment is set too low, or the insulation surrounding the water line isn’t helping to avoid freezing, you may be stuck with a frozen water line.
How Does Ice Maker in Refrigerator Work?
The Ice Making process shows how ice maker in refrigerator works and it is as follows:
- The ice machine in your refrigerator now has an automated solenoid water valve. With the use of electrical wires, this water valve is linked to a central circuit. The current is sent by the circuit, which moves the solenoid, which opens the valve. The ice maker powers the water value, which is located behind the refrigerator.
- Water filtration systems are now available in sophisticated refrigerators, which aid in the removal of pollutants from water. If the mold coating breaks down, the ice can jam and you will need to use plastic ice cubes in your party. For a few seconds, the valve is left open, allowing water to fill the ice maker mold. The Ice mold is made up of multiple connected cavities with a curved shape.
- After filling the mold, the machine waits for the water to freeze. The cooling unit in the refrigerator does the actual process of freezing. The thermostat, which comes with the ice maker, monitors the temperature of the water in the mold.
- When the temperature falls below a certain threshold, the thermostat closes the switch. When this switch is closed, current flows to the heating coil, which is located beneath the ice maker. Heating the coil warms the ice mold, causing the ice cubes to loosen.
- An electrical circuit is then used to turn on the icemaker’s motor. The motor spins a gear, which in turn spins a plastic shaft. The shaft features ejector blades that, when rotated, transport all of the ice cubes to the ice maker.
- The ice maker’s plastic notches then push these cubes to the collection bin, which is located beneath the ice maker. A plastic cam is available for the revolving shaft. This cam catches the shut-off arm before the cubes are hurled out of the ice maker.
- Arms fall down once the ice cubes have been ejected. When the arm reaches its lowest resting position, it initiates the circuit, which initiates the next cycle.
- The cycle is stopped if this arm does not reach its lowest point, possibly because of the stacked-up cubes.
If your ice maker is not working, here’s how to test an ice maker:
- Make sure the ice maker is in the on position.
- A newly installed refrigerator may need up to 24 hrs to cool, and for ice production to begin.
- The reset button is on the side of the ice maker.
- Press and hold the test button for eight seconds. The ice maker should start to produce ice within 24 hrs.
- Do not remove the ice maker.
- Once the reset button is pressed, it will take 5 minutes to complete the test cycle.
Also, if you want to know how to clean ice maker water lines, to avoid ice maker water line repair, here’s what you need to do:
- Drain and reattach the ice maker line with clean water.
- Grab a bucket, place the water line in it, and flush it with pure vinegar. This will eliminate any germs lurking in the water line.
- To clean, flush each line several times with plain water.
- Allow the ice maker to finish one cycle of cubes after reconnecting the ice machine line to the appliance.
- The initial batch of ice should be discarded since it may contain leftover scents from the washing procedure.
If your ice maker in your refrigerator is not working properly, you can hire a professional Samsung refrigerator repair expert to ensure that it works properly in no time. Look no further than Samsung Repairs if you seek one! We have been in the business for years, so have peace of mind knowing that you and your valuable Samsung appliances are in good hands. Book our services now.
If you aren’t well versed with the task, repairing ice makers can be quite daunting. But know that you don’t have to do it alone. You can always reach out to qualified technicians to get the job done safely and efficiently. Just contact Samsung Repairs for more information.