Should I repair or replace my ice maker? The cost to repair and replace ice makers is so similar that it's often more beneficial to just replace the ice maker. Replacing it means the new ice maker will last longer than a repair for nearly the same price.
Sadly, with every piece of equipment comes a lifespan. With proper cleaning, a quality ice machine will last around 4 to 5 years on average, sometimes even longer. So how do you know when it's time to replace your ice machine? The first thing you need to do is locate the problem.
The national average cost range to repair an ice maker is $150 to $250. Most homeowners pay around $200 to fix a leaking, freestanding ice maker. The low cost for this project is $75 to replace a valve on a portable ice maker. The cost is $400 to replace the motor on a high-end, built-in ice maker.
Deciding to fix an ice maker depends on the age of the appliance, the repair cost, and the ice maker problem. For a newer ice maker with a minor issue, a repair is likely worth it. If your ice maker or fridge is old and the repair is expensive, replacing the ice maker or even the whole fridge might be the best option.
We typically recommend a replacement once an ice machine is 7 years or older.
There are several reasons your ice maker may suddenly stop working, including a blocked water dispenser, issues with your water supply line or a clogged water filter.
Compressor Issues
The compressor is like the heart of your fridge. If it breaks, it's one of the most expensive parts to replace. Fixing a compressor can cost anywhere from $200 to $650.
If your ice maker is not working, start by doing a quick troubleshooting for the problems mentioned above. Many of these can be fixed by yourself, such as adjusting the thermostat, cleaning the water filter, and even replacing some easily accessible parts as long as you feel comfortable doing so.
The water valve controls the water that flows into the ice maker's cube mold by turning it on and off. It can break and potentially cause leaks. A new water valve will cost around $20, and replacing it will cost $75 to $175, including labor.
The Machine Is Leaking Water. If your ice machine is leaking water, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the seals or gaskets. These are designed to keep the water in the machine, and if they are damaged, it can cause the machine to leak water.
Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.
You will have to get a licensed plumber, or someone who is extremely adept in plumbing work to tap into the cold water pipe, install a shut-off valve, and run a length of, preferably, copper tubing to the rear of the refrigerator.
If the unit is powered off the ice will melt and the water will return to the reservoir. This is just like your refrigerator or freezer in that it needs to be on all the time.
As an industry standard, the average life of a commercial ice machine is around 10 years, however there are a few variables that will affect the life of your ice machine. uncommon to take calls about machines that are 15 plus years old that are still running strong.
You should repair your ice maker if it's less than 5 years old, under warranty, or if new parts are affordable. Replace your unit if it's an older model, or if the repair costs more than replacing the whole ice maker assembly.
The ice maker or dispenser could be jammed or broken, a dirty water filter or kinked water line could be blocking water flow or the water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty.
If you don't hear a chime, but you can see movement from the ice maker, then the ice maker was reset. If you don't hear a chime and there is no movement from the ice maker, unplug the fridge or turn it off at the circuit breaker for 2 minutes. Then, power it back up and try again.
One factor to consider is the age of your refrigerator. If it's more than fifteen years old, it may not be worth repairing because the cost of parts and labor may be more than that of a new fridge. However, if your fridge is under the fifteen-year mark, it's almost always worth the cost of repair.
While there are many components within a refrigerator that could potentially fail, one of the most costly repairs is replacing the compressor. The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration cycle, the part that pushes refrigerant through the coils to cool the inside of the fridge.
All three of the appliance experts we spoke to for this roundup said Whirlpool and LG were the most reliable refrigerator brands due to their durability, reliability and ease of repairs. Samsung and GE were also mentioned by our experts as high-quality fridges.
Your freezer temperature could be too high, the water inlet valve may not be functioning correctly, your home water pressure may be low, the refrigerator's water filter may be clogged, or the ice maker may need to be replaced.