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An ice machine that stops making ice, makes much less than it used to, or freezes into a solid block is one of the most common calls we get from restaurants, bars and hotels. This page covers what causes it and how we repair it. It is part of our commercial ice machine repair section.
Refrigeration down right now? Call 1-800-266-5243. We answer around the clock, 24/7, for emergency commercial refrigeration repair across the Bay Area.
Quick checks before you call
- Power and switch. Is the machine on, and is it in ice mode rather than clean or off?
- Water supply. Is the water valve open, and was a filter changed or a line moved recently?
- Bin full? A bin control that thinks the bin is full will stop production.
- Air around the machine. Air-cooled machines need room to breathe. Manitowoc sets the air temperature range for its self-contained air-cooled models at 40°F to 110°F (Manitowoc).
Do not chip at ice on the evaporator or reach into the machine while it is running. Our ice machine problems guide has more checks staff can do safely.
What usually causes it
| What you see | Common causes |
|---|---|
| No ice at all | No water, failed water inlet valve, bin control stuck, control board fault, compressor or fan failure |
| Much less ice than usual | Scale on the evaporator, dirty condenser, hot room, low refrigerant, restricted water filter |
| Ice forms but does not drop | Harvest problem: scale, harvest valve or sensor faults |
| Evaporator frozen into a block | Harvest failure, water distribution problem, sensor or control fault |
| Small, thin or hollow cubes | Water supply or distribution, scale, refrigeration problems |
Scale and a dirty condenser come first
Manitowoc warns that a dirty condenser restricts airflow, causing high operating temperatures that reduce ice production and shorten component life, and says to clean the condenser at least every six months (Manitowoc). Mineral scale on the evaporator slows freezing and harvest. Both are fixed with cleaning, descaling and, where water is hard, better filtration. See ice machine cleaning and sanitizing and ice machine water filters.
How we repair it
- Check the water supply, filter, bin control and room conditions.
- Run the machine through a freeze and harvest cycle and read the controller diagnostics.
- Test the components that cycle depends on: water valve, pumps, sensors, harvest components, condenser fan and compressor, and refrigerant pressures if needed.
- Repair, clean and descale if scale is part of the problem, then confirm production.
We are factory-authorized for Manitowoc, Hoshizaki and Scotsman. If the machine is at the end of its life, see installation and replacement. Water on the floor instead? See leaking and ice quality problems.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my ice machine stop making ice after a filter change?
The water supply may still be shut off, the new cartridge may be restricting flow, or air may be trapped in the line. Check the valve and the filter housing first.
Is it safe to use ice from a machine that froze up?
Ice is food under California law. If the machine is dirty, has mold or slime, or you are unsure, discard the ice and have the machine cleaned and sanitized before using it again.
Can scale really stop an ice machine?
Yes. Scale slows freezing and can keep ice from releasing during harvest, which cuts production and can lead to a frozen evaporator.
More commercial refrigeration
Commercial ice machine repair
- Commercial ice machine repair overview
- Leaking and ice quality problems
- Ice machine cleaning and sanitizing
- Ice machine water filters
- Ice machine installation and replacement
- Manitowoc ice machine repair
- Hoshizaki ice machine repair
- Scotsman ice machine repair
- Ice machines by industry
By industry
- Restaurant refrigeration
- Hotel refrigeration
- Liquor store refrigeration
- Convenience store refrigeration
By equipment
- Walk-in freezer repair
- Walk-in freezer installation
- Beer cave installation and repair
- Reach-in cooler and freezer repair
- Glass door merchandiser repair
- Prep table refrigerator repair
- Walk-in cooler repair
- Walk-in cooler installation
- Ice machine repair
- Condensing unit replacement
- Refrigeration maintenance
- Emergency refrigeration repair
Or start from commercial refrigeration by industry, or the Commercial Refrigeration Help Center if something is failing right now.
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