Working in the appliance repair industry, it always seems like people’s appliances break down at the worst possible times. Whether it’s a dryer failing and leaving your dress shirt soaking wet before a big job interview, or your oven not heating on Thanksgiving Day, it can seem like cosmic karma coming to make you pay for one thing or another. With summer right around the corner, one of the most important appliance features you’ll be counting on is your refrigerator’s icemaker. There are several maintenance tips, quick fixes, and essential parts that you can inspect, work on, and replace if necessary to ensure that your refrigerator’s icemaker will produce and dispense ice properly when it’s needed most. So before your next summertime pool party, follow these tips and instructions so that everything goes off without a hitch.#1: Check the Temperature Settings:
In order to make ice, the freezer section of your refrigerator must be at a specific temperature, 10° Fahrenheit or below to be exact. The part which controls the internal temperature is called the defrost thermostat. The thermostat is normally a rotary-style knob that you can turn to adjust the internal temperature, and can usually be found inside the fridge or freezer section in the rear of the unit. Start by making sure this is set to the correct temperature.
#2: Make Sure the Icemaker is Turned ON.
You should make sure that the icemaker itself is turned on. The icemaker assembly looks like a small rectangular box with gill-like slits, and can be found in the freezer section. There’s an on/off switch on the icemaker itself, so check to make sure it’s set in the “on” position.
#3: Check your unit’s water filter.
How long has it been since you’ve changed it? If you’re not changing your water filter often enough, it can get clogged with debris and stop letting water pass through it to the icemaker, so make sure you replace it every six months to a year. If you need a new water filter, we can ship you a refrigerator water filter part, or even drop it off at your house (in certain areas).
#4: Check your water lines and the water inlet valve.
If your refrigerator’s coils or freezer section get too cold, the water lines can freeze up, blocking the passage of water through them to the water dispenser and icemaker assembly. If the water lines are frozen, use a hairdryer to melt the ice in the lines, but make sure not to melt any plastic parts in the process. And finally, if the filter is good and the water lines are open and flowing, check the water inlet valve for debris. You can find a schematic online to show you where the water inlet valve on your particular unit is located. Once you’ve found it, remove it from the fridge and clean out all of the junk caught inside. You can use a screwdriver to remove the filter screen to ensure all debris has been removed. Once you’ve cleaned out the garbage from the inlet valve, put it back in place and try making some ice.
If after following these instructions your refrigerator’s icemaker still isn’t working, we recommend that you call and appliance repair servicer in your area, preferably one who’s certified and authorized to work on your brand of appliance. Here at Lake Appliance Repair, all of our repair technicians are authorized servicers of nearly all major home appliance brands, so be sure to give us a call if your icemaker isn’t working, or for any other appliance repair needs.
