Automatic ice makers are one of the best features modern refrigerators have. When I invite guests over for drinks, my fridge’s ice machine saves me lots of time from manually making ice and refilling ice trays.
But what if one day no ice comes out of our ice maker? What could be the issue?
The first step to figuring out the problem is understanding how refrigerator ice makers work.
Before we dive into the possible causes and solutions to why your ice maker stopped making ice, let’s first find out the magic behind it!
How does a refrigerator ice maker work?
A refrigerator ice maker fills an ice tray with water through a supply line that connects to a water source. It freezes the water in the tray and automatically dispenses the formed ice cubes in a tub.
Somewhere in between the process, issues can form and prevent your ice maker from functioning properly. It could suddenly make hollow ice or no ice at all!
But don’t worry, now that you know your ice maker’s operation requirements, we can discuss the potential problems you’ll encounter with them.
Common Problems in Refrigerator Ice Makers and How to Fix Them
We understand how confusing it is to suddenly find your ice maker with little to no ice in its compartment. With this guide, we’ll help you figure out what the problem is and how to solve it.
Small or Hollow Ice
Is your ice maker dispensing small or hollow ice? These could be the possible reasons:
| Cause | Solution |
| Low water pressure | • Shut the water supply that’s connected to your refrigerator. • Look for the supply line or tube that’s connected to the water inlet valve. • Gently pull the supply line off the valve and place its end inside a small container. • Open the water supply again and observe the water that comes out of the supply line. • If the water flow is weak, your water pressure is low. • Check if your water supply line is kinked. If so, stretch it out and straighten the creases. • Next, see if your water supply valve is broken. • If it is, contact a technician to have it replaced instead of attempting to clean it. • Call your water supply company to have your water pressure adjusted if the problem persists. |
| Incorrect refrigerator temperature | • Using a thermometer, check your refrigerator’s temperature. • Leave the thermometer inside your refrigerator for up to 12 hours for an accurate measurement. • The refrigerator’s temperature should be 10° Fahrenheit and below. • If the temperature is higher than 10° Fahrenheit, adjust the temperature setting accordingly. • You can do this by using the knob inside the refrigerator. Turn it to a higher number. • Check the temperature again using the thermometer after 12 hours of placing it inside. • With the temperature now colder, your ice maker can now make ice. |
Low Water Pressure
Without enough pressure, the water from your water supply can’t climb up to your refrigerator and reach your ice maker.
If your ice maker continues to fail to form good solid ice, it’s time to inspect your water pressure and see if it’s no longer doing a good job.
Solution: To check if you have enough water pressure, check the strength of the water coming out of your water supply line.
You can check the water flow by temporarily removing the supply line from the refrigerator. Pull it off and put its open end inside a bucket, basic, or any container.
The container will catch the water that will flow out from the supply line, preventing it from flooding the floor and creating a mess.
If the water flow is weak, double-check the supply line or tube for any kinks and obstructions.
Next, check your water supply valve for any defects. If it’s broken, have it replaced instead of cleaning it.
It’s better to have the valve replaced because fixing the supply valve has risks of part failure.
If the water pressure is still low, contact your water supply company to have the pressure checked and adjusted to 20 – 120 PSI (pound per square inch).
Incorrect Refrigerator Temperature
If the temperature inside your refrigerator is too high, your ice maker will fail to freeze the water and turn it into ice. The ideal temperature is 10° Fahrenheit and below.
To check your refrigerator’s temperature, get a thermometer and leave it inside for 12 hours to get an accurate measurement. If it’s higher than 10° F, here’s what you should do.
Solution: Look for a knob inside your refrigerator. If it’s set at a low number, turn it into a higher number.
Get your thermometer and leave it inside the refrigerator again for 12 hours. Afterward, see if the temperature is already 10° F or lower.
Check your ice maker and see if it’s able to produce ice after the temperature adjustment.
If the ice maker continues to make hollow ice, contact your technician.
No Ice
What if instead of water or hollow ice, you find nothing inside your ice tray? If your ice maker isn’t making any ice at all, here’s why and how to solve it.
| Cause | Solution |
| Frozen fill tube | • Check if your refrigerator’s temperature is below 10° F by placing a thermometer inside it for 12 hours. • Next, check your water pressure. Close your water supply source then remove the supply line or tube. • You will find the supply line behind your refrigerator. Once removed, place its end in a bucket. • Open your water source and observe the water flow. If it’s too weak, call your water supplier to adjust the pressure. • Next, detach your ice maker to see the fill tube. • Check if the fill tube is frozen or clogged with ice. • Melt the ice clogging it with a hairdryer. • If the ice maker is still not making ice, have it replaced by your technician. |
Frozen Fill Tube
If your refrigerator’s temperature and water pressure are set correctly, it’s time to take a closer look at your ice maker.
Solution: First, check the tray inside the ice maker and see if there’s any water in it.
If there’s no water, remove the ice tub and check if the fill tube is frozen.
Melt the ice that’s clogging the fill tube using a hairdryer. You’ll see water dripping out of it during the process.
If your ice maker is still unable to make ice, the part itself is broken.
Contact a technician to replace your ice maker.
Ice makers are very helpful, but we don’t realize their importance until they’re broken. Luckily, it’s not a problem without a solution.
Quick checks of your refrigerator’s parts and settings will help you identify the problem and solve it accordingly.
If the solutions above don’t work, it’s still best to ask a technician for a helping hand to have your ice maker fixed.
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