Gathering with the friends and family, hosting a sum of people and just serving them with ice chilled beverages feel great right, but what if suddenly, the ice machine stop working—during the hassling need of ice, this is something that is totally unbearable. Now, one would rush into the store and buy the ice packs or just beg the refrigerator to freeze up some ice. At that time, one the home or commercial shaved ice machine shows problems, if they are known, then these can be eliminated. Here, we have concluded some common problems that can possibly put menace.
Common Problems in an Ice Machine
An ice machine instantly supplies ice cube as per demand, the machine needs to be on standby mode. In order to keep the need fulfilled, the machine works potentials and keeps the bucket full of ice. The operativity can be disturbed as;
- Not Dispensing Ice
- Water Leakage from the Unit
- Not Making Enough Ice
- Ice Machine is Frozen
- Cubes are Smelly
- Mechanical Sound is Coming
Not Dispensing Water or Ice
If the water is not reaching the tray, then this causes the ice machine to not dispense the ice—this problem might be because of different certainties;
Check the Line
The line that carries the water to the ice machine from the source might have the turned off switch. This mostly happens one puts off the unit for maintenance and forgets to turn it on. Other reason that can stop the dispensing of water in to the machine is the clogging. The line might be facing some dirt, debris or grime deposited causing the culprit.
Check the Water Source
The water source whether it is from the refrigerator, from the tap or the dispenser, check the supply. Sometimes, the supply is not provided to the ice machine that cause it to dry up. The fridge or the dispenser might get empty.
Check the Feeler
The feeler is the arm in the ice machine that pushes the ice cubes to the outer tray—make sure that the feeler is not turned off or been blocked. Most of the times, it happens because of the too much ice piles that makes the feeler stay lifted. Check the feeler and if it is lifted, then turn off the machine and let the unit gets normal.
Pressure is too Low
The water pressure going into the ice maker should have to be on a certain level—too low pressure will stop the filling of ice into the machine.
Water Leakage from the Unit
The devices that deal with the water faces this culprit of water leakage most of the time—any wearing out of pipe or line can cause this. As for the ice machine, you might spot water on the floor near it, then make sure to;
Level your Ice Machine
If the ice maker is not leveled then this might cause water to leak from the machine—this happens because of the ice tray, unbalanced surfacing causes the water to drop from it. if the floor under the ice maker is uneven, put stuff under the stand or place the machine on an even surface.
Check the Pipe Lines
The pipe lines carry the water from the source to ice making trays, even the slightest damage on them cause the water to leak on the floors. Other than causing the irritation of slippery floor in the space, the water leakage is itself harmful for the machine—potentially causing the rust. Trouble shoot the whole pipe line and replace any part that is leaking the water.
Check the Filler Cups
The filler cups are another cause to the leakage of water. Make sure they are positioned even. Most of the times, these are the main reasons behind the water leaking from the machine. If you have checked all these and still there is water leakage then give a call to the pros. Still, if the ice maker is not catching up or one want to get the best commercial shaved ice machine, then the research is here.
Not Making Enough Ice
If the ice machine is working but not on the certain potential that it should be, then this might indicate; a clog somewhere along the supply line or frozen line.
Clogging Somewhere in the Line
If you have suspected that cubes are smaller than the usual and the production is not enough, then check the whole supply line of water to the ice making machine. Check the filter for any blockages, remove any debris that potential stopping the water supply.
Defrosting Frozen Line
If the line has not attained any damage and not leaking water, then the drop in efficiency of ice machine would be because of too much use. This excessive and continuous use, might cause the line to froze up. If you suspect this, then remove the plug of the ice maker and let it settle for some hours. Plug in again and check if it is working efficiently again.
Ice is Watery (Thermostat Culprit)
If the ice from the machine is watery or the bucket leaks water rather than putting ice then the culprit might be the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for the temperature of ice cubes, check the settings, this usually causes the watery cubes. On the other hand, sometimes the water freezes up before getting into the ice machine mold, this also indicates that the thermostat setting is not correct.
Cubes are Smelly
There is nothing worse than your clients suspecting smell in the drink due to the cubes—these smelly cubes have certain cause;
Dirty Filter
The filter is responsible for purification of water catches dirt and grime particulates—time to time, the filter unit needs cleaning and changing too. Remove the plug and clean the ice machine, let it dry and settle, put in the supply and check again.
Mechanical Sound is Coming
The mechanical strange sound from the ice machine might be a warning sign that you must not go unheeded with it. The noise from the compressor, or temperature unit control could become a permanent menace that require whole part replacement. Make sure you keep the machine maintained to prevent these.