If you have an ice maker in your refrigerator, you may notice that it starts to freeze continuously. This can be frustrating and can cause your ice maker to become clogged. Not only could this cause damage to your appliances, but it might also result in costly repair or even the need for complete replacement. It’s important to know what causes your ice maker to freeze, so read on to learn more about what the possible reasons could be.
The Fill Tube and Water Supply Line are Frozen
To supply water to your ice maker, it relies on a fill tube and a direct water supply line. Sometimes, these parts can become frozen, causing a complete stall in ice production. Check your ice maker, see if the tube and line are frozen, and then thaw them out using hot water poured directly over the line. You can also remove the parts and thaw them in the sink if you choose. Most water supply lines are attached by a few screws so that they can be removed and replaced.
Check Your Freezer Thermostat
Sometimes, the reason your ice maker keeps freezing is simply that the temperature is set much too low. Please take a closer look at your freezer’s current temperature and adjust it as needed. It could just be a matter of temperatures operating at an extremely low number, which will cause the ice maker to freeze. This is an easy fix, and you can always tweak the temperature as needed until you find the right level of coldness that works for you.
The Water Inlet Valve is Bad
A part called a water inlet valve is what controls the flow of water into your ice machine. It is usually found near the rear of your refrigerator behind the main back access panel. Over time, this part could get worn out or go bad, causing the ice cube tray to overfill when it’s not ready. Water inlet valves also use a screen filter. This filter can get clogged with mineral deposits and other debris over time. Remove the water inlet valve, and then pry the screen out using a screwdriver and rinse it clean with soap and warm water. Run your ice maker to see if this remedies the problem.
If you have an issue with your ice maker or need an estimate for any plumbing for your home, contact the experts at Five Star Plumbing located in the San Antonio, TX areas to schedule your appointment today!
I need help with my refrigerator ice maker. My 4 year old refrigerator ice maker constantly freezes up. It is a french door model made by Whirlpool. The problem is, the ice maker freezes up and the ice cubes do not drop. The water dispenser still works but not the ice. The ice does not dispense as the ice holding area forms into a large block of ice. The tray needs to be removed every 3 weeks and the ice removed for it to work again. What parts in my refrigerator can cause the ice maker to keep freezing up?
Check these parts to find the solution
Water Filter, Water Inlet Valve, Ice Fill Tube, Water Line
Why Does My Refrigerator Ice Maker Freeze Up?
A refrigerator ice maker freezes up and does not dispense ice cubes because of the Freezer temperature is too cold, Water filter issue, High or low water pressure, Water line positioned incorrectly, Defective ice maker, Faulty water inlet valve, Water supply line frozen, or the Ice fill tube is frozen.
Faulty parts and components of a refrigerator that cause ice
maker to freeze up:
From easiest fix to hardest fix…
– Freezer temperature is too cold
– Water filter issue
– High or low water pressure
– Water line positioned incorrectly
– Defective ice maker
– Water supply line frozen
– Ice fill tube
– Faulty water inlet valve
Freezer Temperature Is Too Cold
If the temperature is too cold in the freezer, the water can turn to ice too quickly. Simply turn the temperature in the freezer to the proper temperature setting. The FDA recommends your freezer temperature should be 0° F (-18° C).
Water Filter Issue
If the refrigerator water filter is clogged, this can cause water pressure issues. Water pressure problems can cause the ice maker to freeze
up. Change the water filter.
High Or Low Water Pressure
Check the water pressure going into the refrigerator. If the pressure is too high or too low, the refrigerator ice maker may have issues with freezing. Water pressure over 120 PSI can cause the ice maker to freeze up.
Water Line Positioned Incorrectly
If the water line (on certain ice makers) is pushed too far into the valve, this can cause a splashback affect which lets water
into certain areas and freezes. NOTE: Sliding the refrigerator back into position and against the wall can cause the water line to be pushed further into the ice room and cause splashback. Check the water line for the proper positioning.
Defective Ice Maker
The ice maker works with a small motor and most times a small circuit board. If one of these components located in the ice maker itself fails, the ice maker needs to be replaced. If the ice maker fails to
work, the issue of the ice maker freezing up can occur. Remove and replace the ice maker.
Water Supply Line Frozen
The water line that carries water from the valve to the ice maker can become frozen. This may be because the freezer temp is too cold or other various reasons. In some refrigerators, you may need to add a type of insulating piping material to insulate the water lines if they continue to be frozen. If you find water lines frozen, try defrosting the complete
refrigerator or you can try the hair dryer method to defrost the frozen water line. Use caution when using the hairdryer. If the water lines continue to be frozen, turn the freezer temperature to a higher temp to try and keep the water lines from getting too cold.
Ice Fill Tube (or chute)
On most refrigerators there is an ice fill tube. This filling tube is seperate from the water lines but brings water to the ice maker. The ice fill tube may be behind the ice maker,
you can slide out the ice maker to access it. Find out if the tube is frozen or not. If frozen, you can thaw it out in place with hot water using a baster or remove it from the ice maker and run it under hot water.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water valve lets water flow into the refrigerator. This water goes to the ice maker. If the water inlet valve is faulty, it can overfill the ice cube area and freeze up. This will cause a frozen ice maker. Check the water inlet
valve on the back of the refrigerator. Check it with a multimeter to see if the solenoid is in working order. If found to be faulty or leaking, remove and replace the valve.
Videos on how to fix a frozen ice maker…
Samsung Fridge Ice Maker Freezing Up
How To Fix Refrigerator Ice Maker FROZEN
GE Ice Maker Keeps Freezing Up – How To Fix It
Need help with a frozen ice maker? Please let us know what model number refrigerator you have and what type of ice maker problem you are having.