Hoshizaki Ice Machine Repair

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Cool Aid is factory-authorized and factory-trained on Hoshizaki ice machines. Hoshizaki KM machines are cleaned differently from other brands, with a manual cleaning valve and a control switch with ICE, OFF and WASH positions, and several of the faults we are called for start with a cleaning that went wrong. This page is part of our commercial ice machine repair section.

Hoshizaki not making ice after a cleaning

Hoshizaki's cleaning sheet for the KM-1100, KM-1340 and KM-1601 carries three warnings that explain most "it worked before we cleaned it" calls (Hoshizaki KM cleaning sheet):

• The cleaning valve is still open. The valve is opened (turned left, vertical) to send cleaner through the inside of the evaporator and must be turned right to horizontal afterward. Hoshizaki's notice is blunt: the ice machine will not work unless the valve is completely closed.
• The pump ran dry on WASH. The sheet says not to leave the control switch on WASH for extended periods when the water tank is empty, because it damages the water pump seals. A leaking or noisy pump after a cleaning often traces back to this.
• The wrong chemical was used. Hoshizaki warns against ammonia-type cleaners, which can damage the ice maker, and says to use bleach without additives, because additives foam and make the cleaning less effective.

If the machine sits on a dispenser, the sheet also says to turn the dispenser power off before cleaning and back on afterward, which is easy to forget. Other causes are in ice machine not making ice.

What a full Hoshizaki KM cleaning involves

The sheet is a 31-step procedure, and it is why we suggest a technician does it (Hoshizaki KM cleaning sheet):

1. Empty the bin and drain the water tank through the overflow pipe.
2. Add 30 fluid ounces of Hoshizaki Scale Away to the water tank, open the cleaning valve and run WASH for 30 minutes.
3. Drain, close the valve, refill and rinse.
4. Sanitize with 1.7 fluid ounces of chlorine bleach in the water tank, valve open, on WASH for 45 minutes.
5. Rinse three times in total. Hoshizaki calls for the repeats "for complete ice/food safety".
6. Wash the bin or dispenser liner with a neutral cleaner and rinse thoroughly.

In bad water, the sheet calls for more: power off, then the cube guides, float switch, water supply tubes, spray tubes and spray guides come out and are cleaned in 5 ounces of Scale Away per gallon of warm water. If your machine scales up between cleanings, this is the version it needs. See ice machine cleaning and sanitizing.

How often a Hoshizaki needs cleaning

The KM sheet says the ice maker must be cleaned and sanitized at least once a year (Hoshizaki KM cleaning sheet). Intervals vary by model, so check the manual for yours, and clean more often in hard water or heavy use. California holds you to the manufacturer's frequency (HSC 114117), and treats ice as food (HSC 113781).

Hoshizaki's other maintenance checks

The same sheet lists the parts to look at between cleanings (Hoshizaki KM cleaning sheet):

• Water filters: check the pressure and change cartridges if required. More in water filters.
• Water supply inlet: clean the inlet screen.
• Condenser: inspect it and clean it with a brush.
• Water hoses: inspect them and replace if required. A split hose is one source of water on the floor.
• Scoop, bin door and exterior: wash with dish soap or warm water and rinse well.

Before you call about a Hoshizaki

Note the model and serial number from the machine's label, whether it is making any ice, and anything that changed recently, such as a cleaning, a filter change, a move or a power outage. It helps us bring the right parts.

Replacing a Hoshizaki machine

When a machine is past repair we size and install its replacement. Since January 1, 2026, new self-contained ice machines up to 1,000 pounds per day (batch) or 1,200 pounds per day (continuous) must use a refrigerant with a GWP under 150 (40 CFR 84.54). Details: ice machine installation and replacement.

We are also factory-authorized for Manitowoc and Scotsman. For ice machines in your type of business, see ice machines by industry.

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Frequently asked questions

Updated October 7, 2026. Written and reviewed by Jim McKinny, owner of Cool Aid Air Conditioning & Refrigeration — California C-20 and C-38 licensed, EPA Universal certified, second generation of a family business serving the Bay Area since 1966. Every job we complete is backed by our 1-year parts & labor warranty.