An overflowing ice maker can become quite a mess. Whether it’s an ice maker overflowing with ice, or a refrigerator ice maker overflowing with water, you’ll want to find the source of this slippery problem and fix it, fast.
Common Causes for an Ice Maker Overflowing
An overflowing ice maker can be caused by something easily fixed at home or could be a faulty part that will need a professional repair. You may want to do some troubleshooting on your own before calling for a professional repair. When your ice maker overflows, take a look at these common causes.
Problem With Water Inlet Valve
A faulty water inlet valve is one of the most common causes when an ice maker makes too much ice. A water inlet valve controls the amount of water that is delivered to the ice maker. If this valve is not shutting off properly, water will continue to flow into the ice maker, causing it to overflow with water and ice.
Water inlet valves can also become stuck open, which will cause a steady stream of water to leak from your ice maker. A problem with the water inlet valve can also lead to an ice maker not making enough ice. If you suspect a problem with the water inlet valve, you’ll need a professional diagnosis and repair of your ice maker.
Water Pressure Issues
An ice maker overflowing could be caused by poor water pressure. You may notice low water pressure in your home when you take a shower or run your kitchen sink, but the water pressure can also affect your refrigerator ice maker.
Low water pressure can cause the water inlet valve to not close completely, allowing too much water to slowly drip into the ice maker. For the water inlet valve to shut off properly, it requires a minimum of 20 psi. Dripping water from the valve will gradually build up and overfill the ice maker, causing a complete freeze-over.
Faulty Ice Maker Assembly
Another common cause of an ice maker overflowing is a faulty ice maker assembly. There are several components to an ice maker assembly, so you’ll want to take a look at all of them individually.
- Ice maker feeler arm- The feeler arm of an ice maker is a sensor that detects when the ice maker needs to make more ice, or if it has a full bin. If this feeler arm is broken, the ice maker will continually produce ice.
- Ice bin misaligned- It can be surprisingly easy to misplace the ice bin under the ice maker. If the ice bin is not properly aligned under the ice maker, it can easily overflow and cause a messy problem.
- Clogged ice chute- An ice maker chute can become easily clogged when excess ice or water freeze within the chute. Make sure to regularly clean and visually check your ice maker chute to keep a clog from occurring.
If you find any parts of your ice maker assembly broken, stuck, or not working correctly, you will need a professional ice maker repair. Be sure to call Sloan Appliance Service to schedule a professional diagnosis and repair of your ice maker today!
