If you run a commercial kitchen or restaurant, your ice machine is likely one of the essential equipment items in your operation. It may also be one of the most problematic. Between the electrical connection, the plumbing, the mechanical operation, and the refrigerant lines, a commercial ice machine is a fairly complex piece of machinery. Baldwin Services, the premier commercial refrigeration and ice machine repair company in Gray, GA, explains below how to troubleshoot some common ice machine problems.

How to Troubleshoot Common Ice Machine Problems

Slow Ice Production

If ice production is much slower than normal, the problem is likely not with the ice maker itself but with the ambient room temperature or the temperature of the inflow water. Ice production time depends almost entirely on air and water temps, and if the room or feed water are too warm, the freezing cycle slows down considerably. In fact, at air temps above 95° F, the ice machine may stop working. Lower the air conditioning temperature or open a door or window to let cool air in, and the cycle time should drop to normal.

Oversized Ice Cubes Stuck in Evaporator

When the evaporator becomes clogged with oversized ice cubes, it's usually an indication that there's a leak within the ice machine. A leaky inlet valve allows too much water in, creating ice cubes that are too large for the system, which gets blocked up with ice. Tighten the valve or replace the O-ring to prevent the leak and eliminate the problem. If you cannot free the stuck cubes, call a commercial refrigeration professional for ice machine repairs.

Undersized Cubes

Small or weirdly shaped ice cubes are likely caused by low water flow from the inlet valve. This can be caused by a number of issues. Check that the valve feeding the intake line is fully open. If it is, check the water filter for blockage. Over time, sediment and mineral content can build up and clog the filter, which should be replaced every six months for best results.

If your ice machine is on the fritz and the troubleshooting tips above haven't solved the problem, contact Baldwin Services in Gray, GA, for prompt ice machine repair. They also specialize in commercial refrigeration, cooling and heating repair, and even duct sealing. Visit their website to request service, or call (478) 452-9499 to discuss your problem with an experienced professional.