If you own or run a food business, you would want your commercial ice maker to run without any complications for as long as possible. Unfortunately, that cannot be the case every time as it can run into unexpected situations like other commercial kitchen appliances. One of the biggest hassles with commercial ice makers is getting stuck due to multiple potential reasons. The key is to find the root cause of the problem to get it running back to normal without any issues and prevent similar issues from returning in the future. You may need commercial kitchen appliance repair services for that. Let’s take a look at some important tips that will help your commercial ice maker return to its best without much delay.
Check Water Supply
The first thing you are going to do if your ice machine happens to be stuck is check the water supply. You might think the water supply is safe or free from complications, but the fact is that hard water can cause limescale accumulation, leading to the commercial ice maker being stuck.
To do that, you will need to inspect the water supply, having turned the commercial ice maker off and use a cleaning agent along with a soft brush to remove any buildup. This is usually the case in regions with hard water. But you can help make it better by installing a filter.
At the same time, you should also check the water inlet valve that controls the intake of water. Although water inlet valves do not malfunction easily but once they do, they do not show any warning signs. If the water inlet valve is faulty, the commercial ice maker will get stuck.
The only way to fix the issue is by replacing the valve. But, if that is not the issue, you will need to check the water pressure. Commercial ice makers require a certain PSI to produce ice. If that requirement is not met, you can expect the commercial ice maker to become stuck.
Upon checking the water pressure, you find out that the water pressure is low from the main pipe. Then, you will need to contact the relevant authorities. It might be that they are performing maintenance or repairing, or replacing some pipes underground.
Inspect The Water Filter
Every commercial ice maker comes with one or multiple water filters installed. These filters are dual-purpose components that trap contaminants and improve the quality of the ice, ensuring the customers are at no risk of getting ill.
Although water filters are installed in more or less the same location in almost all commercial ice makers but it may differ depending on the model of the equipment. Inspecting and maintaining the water filters is necessary to ensure the ice maker runs without any issues and does not get stuck.
If ignored, the filters tend to become clogged and make it difficult for the water to pass through, which ultimately jams the machine. Inspecting and maintaining water filters is one of the most overlooked factors out there when it comes to running commercial ice makers without any issues.
This means, maintenance of the water filters lies at the heart of the smooth running of commercial ice makers and should be inspected almost every week or month, depending on the usage. And, if the commercial ice maker or the filters are old, replace the filters.
Issue With The Control Board
The control board serves as the brain of the commercial ice maker. If it happens to malfunction, the commercial ice maker may get stuck in between. Control boards can show multiple signs of malfunction and it can be due to multiple reasons.
If you find that the commercial ice maker is simply not turning on or the control panel is not showing any information, considering the power supply and everything else is fine, it means the control panel most likely needs repairs.
If your ice machine happens to be within warranty, you will need to contact the manufacturer to claim it. It might also be that the ice maker fails to follow commands upon choosing different options. The best way to deal with this situation is by contacting an ice dispenser repair Fairfax Station professional and getting the control panel repaired or replaced.
Inspect Ice Maker’s Power Supply
Sometimes, the problem does not lie with the ice maker itself but with the power supply. If you come to find out that your commercial ice maker has suddenly stopped working midway, it could be due to a power supply issue. To diagnose the issue, you will need to unplug the ice maker from the power socket and plug it into another socket.
If the commercial ice maker starts working normally, it means the power socket is the issue. You will need to replace it. But if you notice the commercial maker not being able to function freely or struggling with its operation, it means something is most likely stuck inside.
You will need to turn off the machine and remove any blockages.
Look For Clogged Or Frozen Lines
Investigating clogged or frozen lines is another possible reason your commercial ice maker might be causing an issue. It is normal for commercial ice makers to experience clogged or frozen lines as they work around the clock to produce ice.
If that is the reason your commercial ice maker is getting stuck, you should turn it off and let the ice melt. Do not use a sharp object to remove the ice as it could damage the components. Simply use room temperature water along with a light tool to break the ice.
Otherwise, if the ice accumulation happens to be hard, you will need to give it some time to break down.
How To Prevent A Commercial Ice Maker From Getting Stuck?
The best and only way to prevent your ice machine from getting stuck or running into unexpected issues is by scheduling professional inspection and maintenance. Most people tend to avoid professional maintenance as they consider it an expense.
Professional maintenance is an investment that helps keep future problems at bay by allowing the professionals to dig deep inside the unit and not only clean it but also fix potential issues. But finding a professional can be a bit hard sometimes as the market is saturated.
The only way to pick the best expert out there is by considering only those who are certified and licensed to carry out such tasks. Such services can be a bit expensive but carry fewer risks. You wouldn’t want an amateur working on your commercial ice maker just to make matters worse.
So, spending a bit more money for quality should not be an issue for a machine that is a lot more expensive.
Conclusion
Your commercial ice maker getting stuck should not create panic if you are aware of what to do. The above-mentioned tips are tried and tested and will help you troubleshoot the ice machine. However, if DIY troubleshooting doesn’t work, call in a commercial ice maker repair Clifton expert.
