Troubleshooting Commercial Ice Maker
Commercial ice makers are used in restaurants and commercial kitchens. Since they are designed to run 24/7, it is pretty common for them to develop some problems and need the input of commercial appliances repair services. However, you need to ensure that you are aware of some important troubleshooting tips that will prevent the business from slowing down. Let’s discuss!
It Isn’t Running
In some cases, you will come across a situation where your commercial ice maker simply won’t run. There could be several reasons for that. First, check if the unit is properly plugged in. It might be that the chord has come loose and the machine is not getting enough power supply.
Try to toggle the On/Off switch to see if it works. If that doesn’t work, check the circuit breaker for blown fuses. Electricity fluctuation might have caused the circuit breaker to trip and will need to be reset. Meanwhile, if the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.
It Isn’t Making Ice Or Is Making Low Amounts Of Ice
If you observe that the ice maker is producing comparatively lower amounts of ice, you need to run a thorough inspection of the appliance. First, check if the water supply is connected to the machine. The ice maker will require a water connection that will help create the ice. It might be that someone had accidentally disconnected the water supply.
Next, check the water-float valve and screen to see if they are dirty. You need to make sure that the valve is clean and the water lines are not clogged. Any obstructions in the water line will prevent the water from reaching the appliance.
Furthermore, if you have an air-cooled unit, you should check if the condenser is dirty. If that is the case, you should get it cleaned by an authorized technician once every few months. This should just be a part of the annual planned maintenance.
It Isn’t Releasing Ice Or Is Slow To Harvest
If the machine is not releasing ice or takes a while to reach the harvest cycle, you should make sure that the machine is regularly cleaned and is not dirty. You should consult the user’s manual to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are a novice when it comes to maintaining a commercial ice maker, consulting the user’s manual will make a huge difference. A user’s manual shares basic tips along with safety procedures to ensure that your machine is properly maintained and runs for years to come.
Another reason might be that the temperature around the unit might be too hot. If there is hot equipment placed near the unit, it will hinder the performance of the machine. However, if you notice that the temperature of the machine is still high even after moving it to a cooler area, you should hire a technician to resolve it.
Ice Quality Is Poor, Soft, Or Murky
Sometimes ice makers produce soft or murky ice. If that is the case, you should check the water quality. Poor quality water has a huge impact on the quality of ice. Unfortunately, this is not something you can fix on your own and might be a lengthy task. You will need to contact professionals who will help solve the matter.
Additionally, check the water filters. They should be clean and clear of any cracks or damages. A water filter is designed to clear the water from contaminants. If the filter happens to be clogged, dirty water will make its way inside.
Finally, check if the machine is placed on level ground. Believe it or not, an ice maker that is not placed on a leveled surface will find it difficult to produce perfect quality ice. At the same time, check the water pressure as well. If it is too low, you will need to get it adjusted. A commercial ice maker requires a certain water pressure to consistently produce the best quality ice.
Final Word
Concluding, the above-mentioned tips will help you troubleshoot commercial ice maker problems. While some may be easy to fix, others will be a bit complicated. Regardless, you need to ensure that you follow the basic maintenance protocols laid out by commercial ice maker repair companies to ensure that your machine does not break down when you need it the most. topac