How Does an Ice Maker Work.
Having an ice maker, when it is working properly, can be very convenient. It saves you time by not having to tend to making the ice yourself, if you ever have had to do this yourself, you know how time consuming and easily you can forget about it. You may be finding yourself without ice when you need it most. If you are finding yourself with a broken ice maker and you are wondering how you can fix it, you first must understand how an ice machine works. Continue reading to learn how your ice maker works and what could be the possible causes of the malfunction.
How Does an Ice Machine Work?
Before ice makers were invented, individuals had to fill ice molds with water and place it in the freezer to make their own ice. The ice machine in your refrigerator uses the same process, the only difference is that it is automated.
Your ice machine must be connected to power and to a water line to work properly. Ensure that there is plumbing installed behind where your fridge is going to be to ensure that your ice maker can do its job. Once it is connected to power and water, it should automatically begin making ice and starting its cycle. The first stage in the cycle is the electrical signal that is sent to the water valve to begin filling the ice mold with water. The mold is contained in the freezer so now the freezer does what it does best and freezes the water. When a thermostat indicates that the ice cubes have reached a temperature of -12 to -15 degrees Celsius, a signal is sent to stop the freezing process.
Now that the internal temperature has been reached for the ice cubes, a signal is sent to a heating coil to begin heating the mold to loosen the cubes. The ejector blades of the ice maker is then activated to push out the cubes and are propelled into the collection tray. This cycle is going to continue until the shut-off arm that is located at the top of your collection tray is signaled that the cubes are full to its maximum capacity.
This process has multiple different parts that are stationary and moving which means a failed ice maker can be a result of multiple different broken parts and pieces.
Why is My Ice Maker Not Making Ice?
As stated above, there can be multiple different reasons that your ice maker has stopped working. Some fixes can be simple and not require a technician to service them and we have compiled a list below to go over these easy to fix yourself repairs.
Common reasons for why your ice maker is not making ice:
Incorrect water pressure incoming from the water line
- Freezer temperature is not cold enough to make ice
- Water filter is due for replacement
- Clogged or frozen water lines
- Thermostat is malfunctioning
- Faulty or broken water valve
- Broken ice motor
There can be simpler fixes such as the power being turned off, check to see that the shut-off arm is flipped to the down position and not the up position. If it is flipped up, this means your ice maker is turned off. If you are unable to fix or repair your freezer yourself, call in our technicians to help service the repair for you today.