Troubleshooting Difficult Home Appliances

Refrigerator Ice Maker Repair Processes

Low water pressure, sediment within the water supply, or damaged electrical equipment could prevent an ice maker from working properly. A refrigerator technician may use the following steps to repair your appliance.

The Appointment

Schedule an appointment with a refrigerator technician who is licensed to repair the refrigerator model that you own. Describe the issue with the ice maker. The technician will come to your home prepared with all of the tools and replacement materials that are needed to service your refrigerator.

The Inlet Tube

The technician will need to access the inlet tube. This tube connects directly to the ice maker. The inlet tube is attached to the back of the ice maker. Tools will be used to disconnect the wire assembly and frame that surround the ice maker. After the technician has disconnected these materials, they will have direct access to the inlet tube.

The technician will determine if the inlet tube is blocked. If ice has formed inside of the tube, the technician may use a heat gun to melt it. Ice blockages often occur when water pressure is low. The slow trickle of water causes ice to form.

If sediment has blocked the inlet tube, the tube will be flushed. The flushing process will require the technician to separate the inlet tube from the ice maker. They will clean the tube. Then, they will reinstall it and determine if water flows through it properly.

The Saddle Valve

Adjusting the saddle valve that connects to your refrigerator may be necessary. A thin flexible tube that is connected to the refrigerator will lead directly to the saddle valve. Valve adjustments and cleaning processes may increase the flow of water. If low water pressure has been a concern, the valve repair steps may resolve the pressure issue.

The Electric Inlet Valve

An electric inlet valve is located along the backside of a refrigerator that contains an ice maker. This valve is responsible for turning the water supply to the ice maker on and off. If the solenoids stop working properly, an electric inlet valve may need to be replaced.

The technician will move the refrigerator away from the wall that it is installed in front of. They will find the valve. They will turn off the water supply. Then, they will remove the hardware that is attached to the inlet valve. Replacing the valve is a simple repair process that will not take long to complete.

For more information on refrigerator repair, contact a professional near you.