A simple solution would be to (1) clean the trays thoroughly after every freeze, (2) pre-boil the water before freezing to prevent air pockets from forming in your ice and (3) avoid over-filling your container (in the condition of ice trays).
Generally if the ice in your ice bin is sticking together then either the ice is not getting used very often or the freezer temperature is too warm. Check the temperature in your freezer with a stand alone thermometer. The temperature should be about zero degrees.
Stabilize the Temperature
Heat, humidity, and other natural elements may result in the product attracting moisture, which can lead to hardening and clumping. Ideally, we recommend storing your ice melt in a temperature-controlled, humidity-free environment such as a garage or storage unit.
Regarding the ice clumping together, this can be either a leak from the underside of the ice maker leaking into the ice bin and freezing the cubes together. To check this, you will have to remove the ice maker and fill it with water and look under the ice maker to see if it is leaking.
Ice buildup occurs when warm or humid air comes in contact with the cold evaporator coils in your freezer (such as when you open the freezer door on a hot day). The coils will instantly freeze the moisture and, if there's enough of it, it will accumulate as ice.
One method would be to simply drop the bag on a hard surface a couple of times to break up the chunks and activate the product again. You can also heat up ice melt that has hardened together over time to loosen up the product and make use of any leftover.
If your ice machine produces ice that doesn't hold its shape, or ice that doesn't break apart into usable cubes, your ice bridge may need adjusting. The ice bridge is the bit of ice that connects each individual cube on the evaporator plate.
Store your ice cubes in a paper bag.
Whether you rely on your ice dispenser, use an ice cube tray or buy it by the pound, quickly transfer the cubes to a clean paper bag. Fold it closed and store it in the freezer. Pull out the cubes as you need them. They shouldn't stick together.
Slightly lift out the ice bucket flap and check the status of the produced ice. If the ice is clumped together, dump the ice and let the ice maker produce new ice. Ice can clump if the ice maker isn't used very often or you have the temperature for the freezer set too low.
If the evaporator plate can't release ice during the harvest cycle, your ice maker is likely to freeze up. This is because if ice gets stuck while the water continues to flow over the ice cubes, it will gradually freeze until a large block forms.
Frost and ice buildup from excess moisture can be a sign of faulty sealing and air leaks, or overworked systems. Don't fret--with these steps, you can get your refrigerator and freezer back to normal and prevent ice buildup to keep your systems running smoothly.
Low Food Load. The defrost cycle radiates some heat into the freezer. The ice in the freezer will naturally absorb the heat. This will cause the ice to melt slightly during the defrost cycle and may cause the ice to freeze together in clumps.
Most ice makers have a raking mechanism to disperse newly created cubes evenly across the storage bin. The raker bar may have ice caught in it, causing it to jam. To fix this, clear off ice cubes from the raker bar by hand. Remove some ice from the storage bin if it ever starts getting too full.
There's not enough food in your freezer.
During this period, the ice can melt and clump together. Keeping your freezer ¾ full will allow the food to absorb some of the heat. If your freezer is completely full, air won't be able to circulate properly.
It is a normal phenomenon in which moisture from ice evaporates naturally and adjacent ice cubes stick together due to moisture on the ice.
Most DIY experts recommend pouring a cup of hot water into the frozen-up ice maker tray. This will melt the existing ice along with anything that might be causing the ice to stick. Wipe down the ice tray to ensure there are no remaining chips or debris. Then clean the ice bin and let your ice maker try again.
Be sure to completely seal bags/containers as exposed ice melt will absorb moisture causing the product to degrade, clump, and harden. If you have unopened product leftover at the end of the season, you can leave it as is.
Fill a bowl or container with warm water and pour it over the ice maker components, paying particular attention to the area where the ice is jammed. The warm water will help melt the ice blockage and free up the mechanism.
The usual evidence of a clogged drain in a Side-by-Side Refrigerator is ice under the bottom basket in the freezer compartment in addition to a puddle of water on the floor. Built-In models and most Freestanding models require service to correct the issue.