How does an ice machine make ice?
Water flows over a cold plate called the evaporator. Ice builds up in layers until it is thick enough, then the machine warms the plate slightly so the ice drops into the bin. A sensor stops production when the bin is full. If any step fails, ice production slows or stops.
Common causes
These are the usual causes, starting with the ones you can check yourself.
At a glance
| Cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|
| No water is reaching the machine | You can check this |
| The water filter is blocked | You can check this |
| The condenser is dirty or the room is too hot | You can check this |
| Scale has built up on the evaporator | Technician |
| The bin sensor or a water valve has failed | Technician |
| There is a refrigeration fault | Technician |
- 1
No water is reaching the machine
You can check thisA closed supply tap, a kinked line or low water pressure stops the machine filling. Listen for water running at the start of a cycle.
- 2
The water filter is blocked
You can check thisA clogged filter slows the water to a trickle and the machine makes thin cubes or none at all. Filters need replacing on the schedule in the manual.
- 3
The condenser is dirty or the room is too hot
You can check thisAir-cooled machines need clean condenser fins and space around them. Dust, grease and a hot room make the machine struggle to freeze water.
- 4
Scale has built up on the evaporator
TechnicianHard water leaves scale on the evaporator and water parts. Ice sticks, freezes unevenly or does not release. The machine needs a proper descale and sanitise.
- 5
The bin sensor or a water valve has failed
TechnicianIf the bin sensor is dirty or faulty the machine thinks the bin is full and stops. A failed inlet valve stops water entering. Both are tested and replaced by a technician.
- 6
There is a refrigeration fault
TechnicianA gas leak, a failing compressor or a faulty fan means the evaporator never gets cold enough. This needs a technician with refrigeration equipment.
What you can safely check yourself
- Check the water supplyMake sure the supply tap is fully open and the line is not kinked or squashed behind the machine.
- Check the filter dateIf the filter is older than the manual recommends, replace it.
- Clean the condenserSwitch off at the wall and gently brush dust off the condenser fins. Do not bend them.
- Give it spaceMake sure the vents are not blocked and the machine is not next to an oven or in direct sun.
- Check the binEmpty the bin and make sure nothing is blocking the bin sensor or the ice drop area.
When to stop and call a technician
The machine runs but the evaporator plate never gets cold, you see oil spots or hear hissing near the pipes, it trips the power, water leaks from inside the cabinet, or it still makes no ice after these checks.
Still having trouble with your ice machine?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses it
- Water and flow checkThe technician checks water pressure, the inlet valve and the water pump.
- Temperature checkThe evaporator and condenser temperatures are measured during a freeze cycle.
- Sensor and board checkThe bin sensor, thickness sensor and control board are tested.
- Clean and fixed priceIf scale is the cause, the machine is descaled and sanitised. You get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
Is it worth repairing?
Usually worth repairing when
- It is a commercial machine in good condition
- The fault is scale, a sensor or a valve
- The refrigeration system holds its gas
Consider replacing when
- The compressor has failed on a small home unit
- The evaporator is corroded
- It keeps losing gas after repairs