Welcome to my blog. When it comes to taking care of appliances, it can be an art. You have to use them correctly, know how to look for signs of trouble and understand how to do simple repairs. Hi, my name is Kelsey, and in this blog, I am going to write everything I know about appliances and related topics. This is my first blog, but I have written in many other types of venues before -- I'm even old enough to have had a 'zine (if you can believe that). I live with my husband, my three daughters, and our dog. Cleaning pet hair of of the dryer and repairing blades on the blender has become my specialty over the years. Enjoy reading!
The Art of Appliance Service: An Appliance Blog
Troubleshooting 4 Common Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems
Leevi Saari
Buying a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker can be very convenient, saving you the time and hassle of having to fill up and freeze individual ice cube trays. Meanwhile, you'll enjoy having ice on-demand for all your favorite cold beverages. Unfortunately, refrigerator ice makers have many moving parts--and problems can arise. Before you contact a local appliance repair expert to schedule a service call, there are a few troubleshooting steps to try out.
The Ice Maker Isn't Working at All
Start by checking inside your freezer to see if there is any ice inside the ice maker bin itself. If your refrigerator seems to be making enough ice but simply isn't dispensing it properly, there are a few possibilities to consider. The most common is a control arm that has been forced out of position. In many refrigerator models, the control arm is what helps to shovel ice from the bin to the dispenser itself. Over time, this moving part can become jammed. Sometimes, all that's needed is a reset or replacement of the control arm. In other cases, a bad motor could be to blame.
The Ice Maker Has Stopped Making Ice
If your refrigerator has stopped making ice altogether, there are a few simple things you can try to troubleshoot the problem. Begin by checking your refrigerator filters to see if they need to be replaced. A clogged filter can prevent water from running through the supply line to create the ice. In some cases, the supply line could even freeze. If this is the case, you'll need to defrost the line using a hairdryer. Just be sure to unplug the refrigerator before you get started.
The Ice Maker Isn't Keeping Up With Demand
If your refrigerator is creating ice but in very small quantities, this is another sign of a frozen supply line. However, some refrigerators are limited in their ice-making capacities. Check to see if your fridge has an "ice plus" or a similar setting that will produce larger quantities of ice. This can be a convenient feature to have, especially if you do a lot of entertaining in your home.
As you can see, there are a few things you can try to address ice maker issues before you call a professional. If none of these seem to do the trick, or if you're experiencing a leaking ice maker, it's time to call a refrigerator repair expert for service.
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