Is Your Ice Maker Having Inlet Issues? Try This DIY Tip

24 October 2018
 Categories: , Blog


Inviting a few friends over for drinks and snacks is a great way to relax and enjoy some much-needed fun after a long, hard work week. But making a last-minute ice run because your ice maker is not working is not a good way to start the evening. If your ice maker is acting in a less-than-reliable fashion, the following tips may be able to help you get it back on track in time for your next party. 

Understanding the supply line and inlet valve

If your ice maker does not have a dependable stream of incoming water from the supply line, it will either stop making ice completely or only produce ice in unpredictable spurts. If there are no issues with the supply line itself, the water inlet valve may be clogged or malfunctioning. 

Checking the supply line

To check the supply line and water inlet valve that controls the flow of water to the ice maker, carefully pull your appliance out from the wall, taking care not to damage the floor covering or nearby cabinetry.

Next, look behind the appliance for the small diameter water supply line—it is usually either clear or white in color. Once you have located it, examine it closely for any pinches, leaks, or damage that might be preventing proper flow. 

Water inlet valve problems

If the supply line appears to be in good condition, you will want to check the water inlet valve to see if the screen or opening is clogged. To do this, turn off the water supply at the valve to stop the flow of incoming water.

Next, remove the tubing from the water inlet valve on the back of your refrigerator and examine both the end of the tube and the opening in the inlet valve for any clogs that may be preventing proper water flow. 

If the opening or screen is obstructed, clean it carefully with a toothpick or cotton swab and then reassemble, making sure to securely tighten all connections. Turn the water valve back on and restore the appliance to its place, while making sure that the supply line is not pinched between the appliance and the wall or floor. 

If your ice maker still fails to make ice reliably after taking the above steps, your ice maker may have a failed solenoid or other more complicated problem. Contacting a reputable repair service will help you determine the problem and address it as quickly as possible. 

For additional information, reach out to services like A1  PROFESSIONAL APPLIANCE SERVICE AND REPAIR.


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