Q: The ice maker in my refrigerator has stopped working. Could there be some small maintenance issue involved that I’m not aware of, or do I need to have my refrigerator repaired?
— L.A., Warren
A: A few simple things are worth checking before you call a repair service.
First, make sure the shutoff arm is in the correct position. It can get bumped accidentally into the off position or be blocked by ice cubes in the bin. Some refrigerators have an optical sensor instead, which can get misaligned.
Have you replaced your refrigerator’s water filter recently? If not, the filter could be clogged, restricting water flow to the ice maker.
It’s also possible the supply waterline has gotten kinked or crimped. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall to check.
Another cause could be an ice blockage in the fill tube where it enters the ice maker. You can use a hair dryer set on warm to thaw it, but take care not to melt or damage any parts. You might try turning up the freezer compartment temperature a bit to keep the tube from refreezing, but if the problem keeps happening, the refrigerator’s inlet valve may need to be replaced.
I assume the water supply to the refrigerator hasn’t been shut off, since the ice maker was working previously. But that could be another cause.
Consult your owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s website, too. They might offer other troubleshooting suggestions specific to your model.
Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send email to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com. Be sure to include your full name, your town and your phone number or email address.
