It is frustrating to go to your refrigerator to fill up your water bottle with ice and water, only to find the ice dispenser just making a grinding noise. There are several things that could be causing this, and most are easy fixes. If your refrigerator is a french door style then your ice dispenser is on the refrigerator door. This is probably the most used door on your refrigerator. If the door is being opened and closed frequently this can cause the temperature to fluctuate. The ice may melt slightly and then refreeze which creates large clumps of ice. These clumps will obviously not fit through the dispenser. It is best to dump all of the ice out and let the machine start making ice over again.
Freezer Tempurature
The temperature of your freezer is also very important. If the freezer is not cold enough the ice maker will not function properly because it is temperature sensitive. The best temperature to keep your freezer is at 0°F. Another issue could be the water filter. A filter that needs replaced can cause the water to trickle out which will affect the ice production. An older filter can also cause the water and ice to have a bad smell or taste. It is best to replace your water filter every 6 months- or pay attention to the notifications on your refrigerator that lets you know your filter needs changed.
Clogged Water Line
Another issue is that the water line can be clogged. It can be a frozen line that can be thawed out with a hair dryer. The clog can also be mineral deposits. If you live in an area where there are a lot of minerals in the water, this can build up and cause a clog. This takes a little more effort but can be cleaned out. Turn the water supply off and disconnect the water line. These lines are usually semi transparent so you may be able to see the clog. Clean it out with a wire or a thinner object. Put the water line into a bucket, turn the water supply on and check to see if the water is flowing. If it is, then you can reconnect everything, and you should be good to go!
Water Pressure
Poor water pressure could also cause issues. The water pressure needs to be at 20 pounds per square inch. To check your water pressure, call your water company and ask for a pressure reading. You can also do it yourself by purchasing a water pressure gauge which is available at most hardware stores. Hook the gauge to the first faucet coming into your home and you should get an instant reading. If your pressure is good then check the water inlet valve. If that is broken then you will need to get that replaced for the water line to work properly.
Mechanical Issue
There can also be a mechanical problem with your ice dispenser and those are not usually do it yourself repairs. There are moving parts that can break down no matter how well you take care of it. At Don's Appliances, we always recommend our customers buy an extended warranty on their new refrigerators. Our warranty covers parts and labor for five years. The average price for a warranty on a new refrigerator is $209- so a little over $40 a year. This provides peace of mind if any mechanical issue should ever arise.