Ice Machine Troubleshooting (Commercial Ice Makers)

Whether it's cubes or flakes, ice is essential in a restaurant or commercial kitchen — and a machine that runs 24/7 will throw problems from time to time. These checks cover the common issues on most commercial units. They are general tips: always defer to your machine's operation manual for model-specific instructions, and when a fix calls for a technician, request service.

Rule of thumb that prevents most of the list below: clean the ice machine at least once every two weeks (or on the manufacturer's recommended schedule), and keep its water filters current.

Machine isn't running

1. Unit is unplugged — plug it back in. If the power cord is damaged, do

not use it; request service to have it replaced.

1. Machine is turned off — flip the ON/OFF toggle to ON or press the ON

button (cleaning crews switch these off more often than you'd think).

1. Circuit breaker tripped or fuse blown — reset the breaker; a blown

fuse needs replacing (service item).

Machine isn't making ice, or is making very little

1. Water supply disconnected — check the water supply valve is on and the

supply hose is connected.

1. Water float valve and screen are dirty — clean the valve and screen so

the machine can fill properly.

1. Water line clogged — clear any obstruction in the water line.
2. Air condenser dirty (air-cooled units) — a dust-caked condenser kills

production. Clean it every few months, or have it added to your planned maintenance.

1. Air temperature too high — the unit is in a cramped spot or next to

hot equipment (fryers, ovens). Give it airflow and distance; if it still runs hot, request service.

Machine isn't releasing ice, or is slow to harvest

1. Machine is dirty — scale and grime slow the harvest cycle. Clean on

the two-week cadence.

1. Machine isn't level — check it sits on level ground; the feet are

adjustable (leveling instructions are in the operation manual).

1. Ambient temperature too warm — same heat problem as above; move it or

cool the space, then request service if it persists.

1. Water-regulating valve leaking — a service item; request a visit.
2. Control off or broken — check the power control isn't switched off;

a broken switch is a service item.

Machine won't cycle into harvest mode

1. Ice-thickness probe dirty or disconnected — clean or reconnect it per

the operation manual.

1. Ice is too thin or shallow to trigger harvest — see the shallow-ice

section below.

Ice quality is poor, soft, or murky

1. Water quality — poor facility water makes poor ice; consider water

treatment.

1. Water filters broken or dirty — clean and change filters on schedule,

both in the machine and any facility treatment.

1. Machine needs cleaning — the two-week cadence again; murky ice is the

classic symptom of a dirty evaporator.

Ice is shallow or incomplete

1. Ice-thickness probe out of adjustment — readjust per the manual; if it

won't hold alignment, request service.

1. Water level too high or low — the water-level probe may need

adjustment (manual, or service).

1. Water filter broken — replace it.
2. Water pressure too low — check the facility's water pressure; adjust

or contact your utility if the building supply is the problem.

1. Machine isn't level — check and adjust the feet.

Ice dispenser (dispenser-mounted ice) won't dispense

On a fountain dispenser with an ice chute:

1. Check the ice level in the bin and add ice if it is low.
2. Clear any ice blockages — ice that melted and refroze jams the chute

and agitator; break up bridged or fused ice.

1. Remember the dispenser itself does not make ice — if an ice maker is

mounted on top, troubleshoot the maker with the sections above.

After a shutdown or long idle period

When an ice maker has been off (seasonal closure, remodel, boil-water advisory lifted): run two complete ice-making cycles and discard all the ice made, and sanitize the ice maker bin before returning it to service.

When to call for service

Damaged power cords, blown fuses, leaking water-regulating valves, broken controls, refrigeration problems, and anything beyond cleaning/leveling/ filter changes are technician territory. File a service request with the symptom and what you checked, or call 1-800-372-5098 / service@brixbev.com.