How often should I check the fill tube at the back for a plug of ice or scale?

Every few months. Check the fill tube at the back for a plug of ice or scale. With Arizona water, the fill tube fails first, and it fails slowly. You'll get small, hollow or cloudy cubes long before it stops.

How often should I change the water filter?

Every six months. Change the water filter. An old filter is the second most common cause of bad-tasting ice.

How often should I make sure the shutoff arm hasn't been knocked into the off position?

As needed. Make sure the shutoff arm hasn't been knocked into the off position. That one trips people up all the time.

Ice Maker Maintenance & Repair Tips | My Appliance Repair Pro

What usually fails on an ice maker here

Ice makers take the worst of Arizona water. At 16 to 28 grains (very hard water), scale builds up in the fill tube and the water valve, and you get small, hollow or cloudy cubes long before it quits altogether. If a unit's never had a softener on it, we look for scale first.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Check the fill tube at the back of the ice maker for a plug of ice or scale, and make sure the shutoff arm hasn't been knocked up into the off position.
2That one trips people up more than you'd think.

Keeping an ice maker out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Every few months Check the fill tube at the back for a plug of ice or scale. With Arizona water, the fill tube fails first, and it fails slowly. You'll get small, hollow or cloudy cubes long before it stops.
Every six months Change the water filter. An old filter is the second most common cause of bad-tasting ice.
As needed Make sure the shutoff arm hasn't been knocked into the off position. That one trips people up all the time.

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if you find water outside the unit, or if the ice maker cycles and fills but never releases. Schedule Service

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County

Ice Maker Maintenance & Repair Tips