Why does the water tube to my ice maker keep freezing?

Author: Sharon Lakin  |  Last update: Friday, October 31, 2025

Why Does My Ice Maker Fill Tube Keep Freezing Up? Frozen ice maker freezing can be caused by a frozen ice maker filler pipe, a faulty water inlet valve, a freezer temperature that is too low, or a water filter that needs to be replaced.

How do you fix an ice maker that keeps freezing?

You'll need to just remove all the ice. You can either unplug the unit for 24 hours and let all the ice on the icemaker thaw out, or just unplug the unit and use a hair dryer and melt all the ice on the fill tube and icemaker. Once all the ice is melted, the unit should be good to go again.

Why does the water line in my fridge keep freezing?

If the unit keeps freezing over, either the electronic water valve isn't sealing off properly or the water pressure isn't good going to the refrigerator. Make sure you have good pressure going to the water dispenser and if not try replacing the filter otherwise you'll need to fix the water supply to the refrigerator.

What are the symptoms of a bad ice maker water valve?

As time passes, strange things may happen to the refrigerator's icemaking capability. The cubes may be small or there may be a solid chunk of ice instead of individual cubes. It's also possible that the icemaker will stop working. These are all signs of a malfunctioning water valve.

Why does my ice maker inlet tube keep freezing up?

Why Does My Ice Maker Fill Tube Keep Freezing Up? Frozen ice maker freezing can be caused by a frozen ice maker filler pipe, a faulty water inlet valve, a freezer temperature that is too low, or a water filter that needs to be replaced.

What causes ice maker water line to freeze?

Why does defrost drain tube freeze?

If your freezer's defrost drain keeps freezing over, the drain strap may have fallen off or deteriorated. It's also possible your refrigerator model didn't come with a drain strap to begin with.

How to unclog a water line to an ice maker?

Fill a turkey baster with warm water and pour the water over the water line. Alternatively, you can defrost the water line with a hair dryer or by letting the refrigerator sit unplugged for upward of two hours. Restore power to the refrigerator and listen for the water supply to fill the ice mold.

Does unplugging a refrigerator reset the ice maker?

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.

How often should you replace ice maker water line?

  1. We just bought a new Frig with an ice maker and need to install a water line. ...
  2. Perhaps, it depends on how old your existing one is. ...
  3. Professionals we trust suggest changing it every 3-5 years. ...
  4. Using the existing lines would probably have been alright. ...
  5. I would buy a new line. ...
  6. Get a new one.

Why does my Frigidaire ice maker water line keep freezing?

If your Frigidaire water line keeps freezing, check the freezer temperature to make sure it's between 0-10℉. Freezer temperatures that are too cold can keep freezing the line. Low water pressure: The water inlet valve requires a certain amount of water pressure to function properly.

What to do if water line freezes?

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.

Why does my water machine keep freezing?

If your cooler continues to have freezing issues, then it is highly possible the internal thermostat is no longer functioning properly and will need to be replaced.

Why does my Whirlpool ice maker line keep freezing?

Cause: You may find yourself stuck with a frozen water line when the temperature in the freezer or refrigerator compartment is set too low, or the insulation surrounding the water line isn't helping to prevent freezing.

How do I keep my ice maker from freezing together?

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.

What causes short freeze on ice machine?

Normally water only contacts the sensor when the ice is at the proper size. However, irregular water flow can cause premature contact resulting in a short freeze cycle, small bridge, long harvest and even a shut down on short freeze (code 8).

What to do when ice maker freezes up?

Use a Hair Dryer: If the ice maker is particularly stubborn or frozen solid, you can use a hair dryer to help thaw out the blockage. Set the hair dryer to a low heat setting and hold it a few inches away from the ice maker components. Move the hair dryer back and forth to evenly distribute the heat and melt the ice.

Where is the reset button on an icemaker?

This will be located at the bottom of the ice maker unit in most models, but in some, it is at the bottom of the ice tray itself. Press the button down until you hear a beep sound. It will require a few seconds of holding it down before it beeps. Your refrigerator ice maker is now reset!

How long should you unplug your refrigerator to reset it?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

How do you clear a frozen water line to an ice maker?

Keep heating the fill tube until it's thawed out. If you're not sure if it's thawed out, pull the refrigerator forward and disconnect the water line going up to the fill tube. Then blow through the water line connected to the fill tube to make sure it's clear all the way up through the fill tube. I'm glad I could help.

How do you know if your refrigerator water line is clogged?

Place a bucket under the end of the water supply line. Turn ON the water to the supply line and check the flow. If the water flow seems weak or irregular, the problem is with the water supply. A regular, steady flow could indicate the water valve has become restricted or clogged.

How do you unclog a defrost tube?

Cleaning Defrost Drain Tube

You can flush out the drain hole with a solution made of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of hot tap water. Use a meat/turkey (bulb) baster to squeeze the solution into the drain hole and flush out the drain tube. When clear, you will hear water running down into the drain pan below.

Why would a drain pipe freeze?

That reason is most commonly poor insulation. Drain pipes are insulated for protection, as well as to make sure the pipe – and the flowing wastewater – remains at a reasonable temperature. It's not unusual for drain pipes to be poorly insulated – or to contain no insulation!

How do you tell if drain is clogged or frozen?

5 Signs You Have a Frozen Sewer Pipe
  1. No Running Water. If you turn on the tap on your sink and nothing comes out, or it comes out in a slow trickle, it's a sure sign you have a problem with your plumbing. ...
  2. Visibly Frosty Pipe. ...
  3. Strange Sounds. ...
  4. Sewage Smells. ...
  5. Leaks.

Previous article
Is it OK to put paper in the oven?
Next article
How to stimulate new branch growth?