An ice maker, whether the refrigerator type or a freestanding one, is not exactly a quiet machine. So, an ice maker noise is not uncommon unless it is excessively noisy.
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Ice Maker Noise When Filling – Solved
Noise from the ice maker as it fills with water may mean the water force is too high. When the water pressure is above 60psi, you will hear a high-pitched noise as the water forcefully runs through the water inlet valve into the ice maker. You can partially close the water supply valve to slow the flow of water or hire a plumber to reduce the water pressure.
Ice Maker Making Grinding Noise – How to Fix
A few issues cause an ice maker to make a grinding noise. The following are ways to fix them:
1. Ice Jam
An ice jam inside the ice maker or ice bucket can cause the blades, gears, or auger motor to make grinding noise as they move the ice. Look into the ice maker to see if ice is in the mold. You may have to turn the ice maker off to thaw the ejector blades if they are stuck in ice.
But if the blades are free, check the auger in the ice bucket. Inconsistent ice use will cause the ice in the bucket to melt and freeze again, forming clumps. The effort it takes for the auger to move the ice will create noise. If that is the case, take the ice bucket out and put it under warm water until the ice melts. You can also leave it out for some minutes for the ice to melt on its own.
2. Old Fan Bearing
The bearing that turns the ice maker fan may be old and worn out. When this happens, the bearing makes a loud grinding noise any time the fan turns. The friction from the effort creates noise. You will have to replace the entire fan assembly if that is the case.
3. Frost Buildup
Ice or frost around the ice maker fan will also cause a grinding noise if the fan blades hit it. You may want to check for ice buildup on or around the fan and thaw the fan if there is. Disconnect the refrigerator or freezer from electric power and open the door. Allow warm air to melt the ice around the fan instead of using a heat source.
The ice buildup is a pointer to a faulty ice bucket gasket or cracks in the ice maker compartment. Warm air enters the chamber, causing condensation and eventual frosting as the condensation freezes. Replace the gasket if worn, or seal the ice maker compartment with an appropriate sealant.
4. Defective Auger Motor
The auger in the ice bucket may be worn out from constant use. If you notice a grinding noise from the ice bucket and the fan is not frozen, the auger may require a replacement. During an ice-making cycle, check the auger to ensure it is turning. You may find a replacement part if it is stuck and making noise or replace the entire ice bucket.
Ice Making Noise – How to Fix
A refrigerator ice maker may produce different noises. The following are ways to fix any unusual or loud noise:
1. Clicking
You may hear the ice maker clicking or snapping as it demands a freshwater supply after dumping a fresh batch of ice. While the sound is typical, you may find it unusual if you are new to using a refrigerator ice maker. But if the noise becomes constant and excessively loud, it is time to call a service agent to check and fix the machine.
2. Crashing
A loud crashing inside your refrigerator may come from the ice maker dumping fresh ice into the ice bucket. It will happen from time to time if you constantly use ice, so you will have to get used to it. It does not mean something is wrong with the ice maker unless the crashing noise becomes too loud and happens every so often. Check the ice maker parts and fix the faulty ones.
3. Humming or Ticking
When the ice maker is connected to electric power, but not to the water supply line, it makes a loud humming or ticking noise. This noise is easy to eliminate; ensure the water line that feeds the ice maker is connected correctly and the water supply valve is fully open. Check the connections and the supply valve if you are unsure. This also preserves the ice maker because it may get damaged if it keeps running without water.
4. Hissing
A hissing noise from a refrigerator ice maker may be the sound of water filling the ice mold. If the pressure is high as the water shoots through the water line into the ice mold, it will create a high-pitched noise. The noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the ice maker.
Freestanding Ice Maker Noise
Different parts of the ice maker can generate noise if they are faulty. Check the drain pump for debris, as dirt can clog it and reduce its efficiency. Clean the pump and see if the noise disappears. If it does not, you may have to change the drain pump due to a defective motor. That is if you are sure the noise originates from it.
But if the pump is not the source of the noise, check the condenser fan near the compressor. The blades may be loose or hitting another part of the ice maker. Tighten the blades, clean them, and check the motor if they are free. Consider replacing the motor if it is failing.
Also, check the water in the reservoir; if it is low, it will cause the recirculation pump to generate noise. Inspect the water inlet valve or the water supply valve if you find the water level is below the recommended line. Replace the inlet valve if it is not working and ensure the supply valve is fully open. You may need the services of a plumber to fix the problem. But if the reservoir is not empty, yet the pump is noisy, replace it.
Finally, check the compressor. Noise from the compressor may mean it needs a refrigerant recharge or is failing internally. Employ the services of a technician to check the compressor if the noise comes from that area.
Note: Clean the ice maker every six months, more often if you live in an area with hard water. Mineral deposits from the water will reduce the machine’s capacity to function and may cause it to generate noise.
Check out these other articles…
Refrigerator Noise [Problems Solved]
Refrigerator Sticking Out too Far [Solutions]
Freezer Not Making Ice [Proven Solutions]
Freezer Noise [Problems Solved]
Dispenser Noise [Problems & Proven Solutions]
Ice Maker Making Groaning Noise – Quick Fix
Groaning noise from your ice maker may come from the blades trying to eject ice from the mold. If the heating coil under the ice maker is faulty, it may not turn on to loosen the ice from the mold. As a result, it will be tough to pull the ice out.
Check if the ice is stuck inside the mold and if the blades move while trying to eject it. You may have to turn the unit off for the ice to thaw a little so you can dump it in the ice bucket. But you need a replacement ice maker assembly if the heating coil is no longer working. The same repair applies if the ice maker groans but does not make ice.
The auger motor may also be frozen in place, making it difficult to eject the ice from the mold. You will need a hairdryer to thaw the auger and stop the noise in such a case. Then, find the cause of the freezing problem; it may be due to the freezer temperature being too low.
Ice Maker Making Knocking Noise – Solved
The noise may come from the opening and closing function of the water inlet valve. When the water pressure is too high, it may cause noise as the valve opens and closes. Consider reducing the water pressure with the help of a plumber or partially closing the water supply valve to slow the rush of the water. Otherwise, you may have to replace the water inlet valve.
Ice Maker Making Squealing Noise – Solved
The auger motor may be failing and generating a loud noise. The noise may sound like a loud squeal or click as the motor works hard to turn. Check the motor bearings to see if they are worn. Replace the motor if the bearings are worn.
Ice Maker Making Loud Noise When Dispensing Ice – Quick Fix
The noise may be coming from the auger motor inside the ice bucket. Pull the bucket out and hold down the door switch. Then, depress the ice dispenser’s lever and wait for the noise. The auger should turn as you press the lever. If you hear the noise, it means the auger is jammed, probably with ice.
Run the ice bucket under warm water to melt any ice fragments trapping the motor. Ensure it moves freely afterward by turning with your hand. Then, reinsert the ice bucket and make sure it hits the back of the freezer. Try the ice dispenser again. You may have to replace the auger motor or the ice bucket if the noise continues and nothing else seems to be causing it.
Recap
There is nothing wrong with an ice maker making noise. It is part of its normal operation, though it may take some getting used to if you are new to it. However, it is crucial to learn the regular ice maker noises to identify when the machine is faulty.
Regular ice maker and refrigerator maintenance keeps the appliances up and running. It also prevents errors and faults that may cause the ice maker to stop working in the middle of a hot day.
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