Ice machines are used in everyday life and in professional kitchens to create ice cubes. You fill in the water, press the button and get a large batch of ice - conveniently at parties. But even with such simple devices, malfunctions occur. You can call the wizard, or you can try to figure out how to fix the malfunction of the ice machine.
Ice Maker Problems
Consider typical damage, and also find ways to fix them.
Clogged drain hose or sewer
The principle of connecting and operating the drainage hose in an ice maker is similar to a washing machine, but blockages occur much more often. In this case, you can notice water and unfrozen cubes inside the chamber. Causes of obstruction:
- Cooling in the chamber of drinks and products. Particles of food and fruts fall into the drain.
- Wrong hose connection - below the prescribed level.
How to clean:
- Disconnect a hose and wash out under a pressure of water.
- Repeat the connection, placing the element at least 45 cm from the floor.
- Elimination of sewage blockage.
The device is designed only for the conversion of water into ice, and not for cooling and storage of products.
Problems with the programmer, valve and thermostat
You notice that the ice freezes in pieces on the evaporator. The defrost cycle does not start. First of all, turn off the device and reboot.
Causes of problems and solutions:
- Programmer The thermostat sends a signal to the control module, which starts the freeze or defrost cycle. If processes do not start within 12 minutes, perform a diagnosis. To do this, turn the programmer shaft into defrost mode. If freezing is activated, the element must be replaced.
- Thermostat evaporator. It sends a signal about the temperature in the chamber to the module. To perform the test, press the part spring on the back side. Measure resistance with a multimeter.
- Solenoid valve. To freeze the liquid, the valve shuts off the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator. Before starting a defrost, it opens, passing a hot stream into the evaporator. For testing, defrosting coils are supplied with current to check whether it opens or not. The resistance is measured on the freeze coil.
Blockage in nozzles or pump malfunction (water does not flow)
Typical signs of malfunction are irregular ice or incomplete filling of forms.
The pump is used to pump water into the compartment, which enters through the nozzles. If water does not flow, then there is a blockage that needs to be removed.
Self repair:
- The water collector is being dismantled.
- Clean the filter and nozzles.
- The pump is being checked. In case of a failure it is replaced.
Opaque cubes are produced
This happens when using hard water, which contains a lot of lime and calcium. If your area has a large amount of impurities, be sure to install a purification filter.
Faulty thermostat or switch
If the ice maker does not turn on or off after 15 minutes of operation, a hopper thermostat defect has probably occurred. In this case, ice is not produced, or the pressure switch trips in emergency mode.
The hopper thermostat is used to control ice production. As soon as the temperature in the chamber reaches a certain point, the device is disconnected from the network.
What to do:
- Inspect the regulator.
- Check if the stopcock is open.
- Inspect the solenoid valve, fan, condenser.
The evaporator does not freeze
During suction, the pressure exceeds normal. A water or solenoid valve may be open. Checking and replacing elements.
Evaporator freezes poorly
Probably the pressure is below the norm. This happens as a result of a clogged capillary or refrigerant leak. It is necessary to find and eliminate the blockage, as well as check the condition of the filter dryer. Liquidate the leak and charge the system with refrigerant.
Ice lasts longer than usual
If the cycle lasts longer than half an hour, half of the cubes are irregular in shape, then the radiator is clogged up (relevant for air-cooled generators). The radiator needs to be cleaned urgently. For this:
- Remove the service hatch.
- Loosen the screws, loosen the front panel mounts. Remove it from the case.
- Clean the radiator with a brush and air flow.
- Replace the panels.
No water in the chamber, no ice
Even if cubes are formed, they are irregularly shaped. Water is not enough to completely fill the molds.
- Check the shut-off valve of the inlet hose. Open it at full capacity.
- Problems with the operation of the solenoid valve. In this case, you need to replace the item.
Unstable pump
Water enters the chamber intermittently and unstably. Need to clean:
- collector
- filter
- nozzles.
Diagnose the pump malfunction, install a new part if necessary.
Oversupply of water in the chamber
In this case, the ice mold may not be closed from too many cubes. This indicates a malfunction in the thermostat, which controls the amount of ice in the compartment. Install a working part and run a test run.
Water under the casing
There was a leak in the solenoid valve. It is necessary to eliminate the leak or replace the part.
The case is shocking
If, when touched, the ice machine beats current, it means that the connection was made without grounding. Install a waterproof, grounded power outlet, check the power cord and extension cord.
Noisy unit operation
When noise and whistles are heard during generator operation, the condenser micromotor is likely to wear out. It is not recommended to lubricate and repair, it is better to replace it immediately.
Panel indicators blink
The display is trying to inform you of a problem. See if there is enough water in the tank, if the form is full of ice. If the blinking does not stop, it is better to contact the master.
To avoid such problems, we recommend that you adhere to the operating rules:
- For refueling, you need to use purified water. If it is poured automatically, install a cleaning filter.
- Change the water in the tank every day.
- If the motor stops working, there is no need to restart the device immediately. Disconnect it from the network and let stand for 15-20 minutes. Then turn it on again.
- Clean the hopper with a solution of soda.
Now you know how to respond to a problem. If you operate the ice machine according to the rules, then you do not have to deal with the consequences.