Commercial ice makers are heavy-duty machines used in the hospitality industry to provide customers with fresh and cool drinks. During business days, these machines work round the clock to produce ice. However, they can run into problems. A common one is water leakage. Surprisingly, many users or staff members might look for answers in the wrong areas when they should consult a commercial kitchen appliance repair service quickly. Let’s take a look at how you can fix leakage in a commercial ice machine.
Tighten All Water Connections
The first thing you are going to do if your commercial ice maker is leaking water from the outside is check the water line or inlet. Check to make sure the water pump is properly installed. Improper installation is a common issue post-maintenance of the ice-making machines.
If there is water dripping from the sides of the water pump, it means it is not properly installed. Another reason is a faulty water pump. Although, it is mostly common in older machines but not impossible in the case of new machines as well. Then again, improper installation could be the reason the water pump is leaking in your new machine. So, ensure proper installation of the ice machine.
If possible, you can access the water pump using the user manual and set it in place. On the other hand, if the water inlet valve is the problem, it is relatively easier to fix. You will need to check the pipe for any cracks or damage. Avoid applying too much force as the pipe could crack.
Defrost The Commercial Ice Machine
A common reason for commercial ice makers leakage is excessive ice buildup. The only solution to this issue is defrosting the ice maker. Excessive frost buildup can take place due to a variety of reasons but should not happen often. If it is a regular occurrence, it means the refrigerant might be low.
To defrost the ice, you will need to shut down the unit and let the ice thaw for a while. Once the ice is gone, clean up the remaining water and turn on the ice maker. A tell-tale sign of excessive ice buildup inside the machine is that the ice cubes will get stuck in the chute. If the problem persists, you should call in an expert.
Check The Ice Machine’s Level
If none of the issues are present, you will need to check the ice machine’s level. Surprisingly, majority of the business owners are not even aware of the fact that ice makers need to be placed on a level surface to function properly. If it is not level, water will begin leaking.
Depending on the variant and model of your ice maker, it might be equipped with adjustable feet. These help the machine remain stable and level on an unlevel surface. To double-check, you can purchase a leveling tool from your local supermarket and check the unit’s level.
Clean The Condensation Drain
Modern commercial ice makers are equipped with automatic defrost functions that help melt away ice or frost buildup. If your commercial ice maker does not come with such a feature, you will need to defrost it manually as mentioned earlier. The ice buildup and melting process might lead to your condensation drain being blocked as well. This can result in leakage.
Therefore, you should locate the condensation drain and make sure it is not clogged. If it is, clean and unclog it. After that, run the ice maker because the leakage may be fixed. Keep in mind not to use any sharp tools or harsh techniques to unblock the condensation drain.
If the blockage happens to be severe, you might need to remove the condensation pipe and replace it after thorough cleaning.
This problem is common in commercial refrigerators and freezers as well. However, they are expensive appliances so you should still follow the advice of commercial freezer repair Northern VA experts only.
Inspect The Filter And Dispenser
The last thing on the list that might be causing water leakage is your water filter and dispenser. Check to see if the cold water line is firmly connected to the water filter. If there is water dripping from any part of the unit, you will need to replace the water filter. However, keep in mind that this process may be complex so taking help from a professional is better.
If the water is dripping, you will also notice a pool of water underneath the machine. Once you have checked the machine and done what you could to fix the issue and the problem arises again, you will need to consult an expert as the issue might be serious.
Additional Commercial Ice Maker Problems
In addition to the commercial ice maker leaking water, there are a variety of other problems that you should also be aware of. For instance, ice makers tend to make certain unusual noises at some point in time. These noises will range from squeaky to grinding sounds.
When compared to ice leaking, diagnosing a commercial ice maker making weird noises is slightly tricky. The biggest problem with rectifying such issues is that you are not able to determine the exact cause of the problem as the components are hidden inside.
In addition to that, you have to listen to the noise while the machine is turned on. Otherwise, the sound will go away as soon as the ice maker is switched off. Plus, you should also not go too near the machine as it could be dangerous. To make things easier, you can check the fan blades, compressors, motor bearings, etc.
If there is a squeaky or grinding noise coming from the machine, it is most likely from a mechanical part. To fix the issue, you will need to remove the part and replace it with a new one. Unfortunately, you will need to consult an expert on this.
How To Avoid Commercial Ice Maker Problems?
As mentioned in the beginning, commercial ice makers are designed to work round the clock but will only run efficiently if they are well-maintained. Wear and tear is normal in such machines but can be easily managed if you perform regular inspections and maintenance.
Commercial kitchens usually consist of several types of commercial appliances that need maintenance regularly and the same is the case with commercial ice machines. You might think that a machine simply producing ice does not do maintenance but you are wrong.
To prevent commercial ice maker issues in the future, you will need to train your team to perform regular inspections and maintenance coupled with an expert managing the machine as well. This is because they are skilled in accessing and solving areas that are otherwise either undetectable or unreachable.
In the long run, this is a very small price to pay to avoid any unexpected and sudden complications, especially during busy hours.
Conclusion
Commercial ice makers running into problems is not a big deal but not knowing how to fix the issues is. This is why you should keep the tips mentioned above in mind the next time your commercial ice maker acts unusual. On top of that, you can choose to keep the issues away by investing in professional maintenance and timely commercial ice maker repairs Springfield. This will surely contribute to the smooth running of your business.
