A commercial ice maker is an essential part of your business. These machines are designed to produce and dispense ice to serve chilled beverages to customers. However, just like other electric appliances, commercial ice makers can also encounter problems and some will require an input from a commercial ice maker repair technician. Here are a few commercial ice maker issues that you should be aware of, along with some troubleshooting tips to keep your business running.

Not Dispensing Ice or Water

One of the most common problems with commercial ice dispensers is not dispensing ice or water. In such a case, the first thing you need to do is make sure there is sufficient flow of water to the machine. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a loose connection.

It could also be that someone has turned off the valve. Next, check the feeler to see if it is blocked. Since the feeler is the arm that dispenses ice cubes to the outer tray, if there is ice pile up, the feeler will stay lifted preventing the dispensing of ice.

Finally, check the water pressure. Commercial ice makers need a certain amount of PSI to produce ice. If the water pressure is too low, it won’t be able to function normally.

Not Making Any Ice

If your ice maker is not producing any ice at all, check if it is turned on. It might be that someone has accidentally turned it off. Then, make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature. If that does not fix the issue, it most likely means the water line is clogged or frozen.

This means that you will need to turn off the ice machine and let it defrost. And even if that does not fix the issue, it might be an electrical issue that will need a professional consultation.

Leaking

If you observe pools of water surrounding the ice machine, it means the ice maker is leaking. Keep in mind that ice makers need to be positioned on a leveled surface. If it is on an unlevel surface, there is a chance of water leakage.

If that is not the case, you should check the water lines. Sometimes, rust and corrosion can cause small holes and cracks that lead to water leakage.

Coil Issues

Commercial ice makers have condenser and evaporator coils installed that work together to produce ice. These coils dissipate heat produced as a byproduct of the ice-making process. With time, these coils become covered with layers of dust and dirt.

As a result, the coils are not able to dissipate heat properly, which leads to overheating. Eventually, the coils give up and need to be replaced. This affects the overall performance of the machine and might affect your business as well especially if you have a single unit.

To prevent this from happening, simply use a damp cloth to remove and clean the coils.

Making Strange Noises

Commercial ice dispensers tend to make strange noises if they are either old or not maintained. If you come across unusual or unexpected noises from the ice maker, it means something is wrong. Instead of waiting for the noise to go away on its own, you should try to find out the source of the noise.

Once you have identified the source, turn off the machine and see if anything is blocking or coming in contact with the component. Make sure that you do not touch any component during the process as you may get electrocuted. If the issue seems complicated, call the professionals.

Poor Ice Quality

Ice dispenser producing ice with a soft texture or murky appearance require immediate attention. In most cases, the water quality comes out to be bad. To solve the issue, you might have to contact the local authority.

Furthermore, you should also check the filters. The filters need to be regularly cleaned to ensure ice quality isn’t murky. If that does not solve the issue, you will need to thoroughly clean the machine. Then again, hire professionals to perform the task.

Make sure that your commercial ice dispenser receives regular maintenance from commercial appliances repair services to keep it running smoothly.

How Often Does A Commercial Ice Maker Need Maintenance?

Since commercial ice dispenser work round the clock, they must be maintained at least twice a year. In the meantime, the employees should be trained to perform regular inspections and cleanups to keep things running without any complications.

Most business owners assume that maintenance is only limited to cleaning but that is not the case. Professional maintenance also identifies worn, damaged parts that need to be repaired or replaced. This ensures that your machine does not break down during business hours.

There is no doubt that professional maintenance can be expensive depending on the issue, type, and size of the machine. However, it should be considered more of an investment rather than an expense. This is the only way to ensure your machine works effortlessly through the years.

Do I Need A Professional To Fix The Issue Each Time?

Commercial ice makers comprise several different components. Sometimes, the problem could be as simple as cleaning the filters. Whereas, in other cases, it could be as complicated as the compressor giving up or making strange noises.

In such cases, you cannot and should not do anything on the spot to fix the issue immediately. If something is blocking or contacting the component, you can try removing it. However, it if concerns accessing the area or the component, you should leave it to the professionals.

The reason is not only can you end up hurting yourself but also damage other components during the process. It might be that some other component is causing the issue and you permanently damage the condenser.

This is why hiring a professional is always a smart decision.

Do I Repair Or Replace The Ice Dispenser?

Commercial ice makers undergo extreme testing to ensure durability, reliability, and long life. However, just like every other kitchen appliance, commercial ice makers will not last a lifetime. Sooner or later, they begin facing problems on a daily basis.

If that is the case with your ice maker as well, it means it has lived up to its lifespan. On average, commercial ice dispenser last 10 years. So, if there comes a point where the repair costs have exceeded the actual value of the machine, it means the unit needs to go.

At this point purchasing a new unit is going to be a better option than spending on a machine that has no guarantee it won’t break down the next day.

Spending on a new ice maker may be difficult because commercial ice maker are costly, but this will keep your business operation smooth. You won’t be calling in an appliance repairer for fixing your ice dispenser every week.

Conclusion

To keep your commercial ice maker running smoothly, you should keep it maintained. Apart from professional maintenance, it is your job as a business owner to perform regular inspections. And if you come across any of the issues mentioned above, follow the troubleshooting tips or consult an ice dispenser repair expert to fix the issue.