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Ice Not Nice? RepairClinic.com Shows How to Fix Ice Makers

How many of us live with an ice maker that doesn't make ice? Chris Hall, president of RepairClinic.com®, says that this is one of the easiest appliances to fix or replace, and offers some repair tips. And, for those summer drinks and cocktails, Hall has some remedies for ice that doesn't taste good.

"The ice maker in most fridges is modular and can easily be replaced, but many people figure it's easier to just buy a new fridge," says Hall, whose company, RepairClinic.com, helps consumers find the appliance parts they need, and gives them free repair advice. "But often, a simple remedy will get it working again. We have helped numerous consumers with this, saving them hundreds of dollars."

How to fix an ice maker that's stopped making ice

--  Make sure your ice maker hasn't been accidentally turned off. Look for
    the wire along the side of the ice maker that resembles a coat hanger. If
    the wire is in the raised position, the ice maker is turned off. Try one of
    these quick fixes to turn it back on: (a) if your ice maker has a small red
    plastic lever, push it down to lower the wire; or (b) if there's no plastic
    lever, simply lower the wire. In either case, the ice maker should begin
    producing ice again.
--  The ice maker fill tube, accessible from the back of the freezer, may
    be blocked with ice. If so, melt the blockage using a hair dryer -- but be
    careful to not melt any plastic parts!
--  The water supply may be turned off or clogged. Check the small shut-
    off valve where the water supply line attaches to the household plumbing.
    There should be a good flow of water to the refrigerator.
--  The water inlet valve may be defective. This valve is powered by the
    ice maker itself. If it's receiving power during a fill cycle but no water
    flows the valve may need to be replaced.
    

Does your ice smell or taste weird?

--  Impurities in your water can affect the smell or taste of the ice
    cubes. Hall suggests using a taste and odor water filter on the water
    supply line, such as a charcoal-based universal water filter. Cost: $20.
--  Also, over time, the ice cube bin can absorb difficult-to-remove odors
    from the freezer and transfer them to the ice cubes. Hall recommends
    replacing the bin every two to three years.
    

RepairClinic.com provides tools and parts for all brands of washing machines, along with some additional maintenance and cleaning tips. Not sure what a part is called? Detailed, interactive illustrations are available to help identify the right part, as well as RepairClinic.com's PartDetective.

About RepairClinic.com®

RepairClinic.com was founded in 1999 with the idea that armed with the right advice, tools and parts, savvy consumers can extend the life of their appliances, save money, and conserve the environment. Consumers can visit www.RepairClinic.com for free appliance-repair help, or call a customer service representative at 1(800) 269-2609 for help locating specific parts.