HOW TO FIX AN ICE MAKER THAT’S LEAKING WATER
If you notice your refrigerator’s ice maker leaking water, whether into the ice bin, freezer or directly on the floor, don’t fret. Understanding what’s causing a leaky ice maker and finding a potential solution can be simple. Keep reading to explore possible causes, tips to help prevent a leaky ice maker and solutions that might help fix this issue.
WHY IS MY ICE MAKER LEAKING?
There are a number of reasons for a leaky ice maker, such as an unleveled refrigerator or an unsecured water line. Use the following list to help identify why your ice maker might be leaking so you can begin to address it.
Clogged ice chute
Unbalanced refrigerator
Unbalanced ice bin
Unsecured water line
Misaligned water fill cup
While not an exhaustive list, these possible causes for a leaky ice maker can help you begin to troubleshoot this issue. Learn more about ice maker troubleshooting and how to maintain your appliance. If necessary, contact a professional for additional appliance help.
POSSIBLE FIXES FOR A LEAKY ICE MAKER: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
To fix a leaky ice maker, it’s important to first understand the cause of the leak. These steps can help you determine possible underlying causes for leaking ice makers and ways you may be able to stop the leak.
1. LEVEL THE REFRIGERATOR
Check to ensure your refrigerator is properly leveled by placing a level on top of your appliance. An unbalanced refrigerator may prevent water from draining properly, resulting in a leak. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to level your refrigerator.
2. CHECK THE ICE BIN
Ensure the ice bin inside the refrigerator is balanced. Ice may melt from normal temperature changes and begin to pool inside the ice bin if it’s unbalanced, preventing it from entering the drain. Use a level to determine whether you need to readjust your ice bin.
3. CHECK THE WATER FILL CUP
A water spigot inside the refrigerator makes ice by filling up the ice tray, or fill cup, with water before freezing it. If the spigot and fill cup are misaligned, this may result in a leak. Check to ensure the spigot and fill cup are properly aligned. Refer to your owner’s manual for more specific instructions.
4. UNCLOG THE ICE CHUTE
It’s possible that your refrigerator’s ice chute is clogged or jammed with clumps of ice, which can melt as warm air enters the chute. Slide a long plastic or wooden handle up the ice chute to locate the clog, gently moving it from side to side as necessary. If the clump of ice doesn’t become unclogged, you may need to defrost the ice bin entirely.
5. CHECK THE WATER LINE
An issue with your refrigerator’s water line may impact your ice maker. To determine if there is an issue with the water line, begin by unplugging your refrigerator before disconnecting the water line. Then, carefully move your refrigerator to access the water line, inspecting it to see if there are any kinks. It’s possible that the water line will need to be replaced. Contact a professional if you need further assistance.
TIPS TO KEEP AN ICE MAKER FROM LEAKING
To help prevent an ice maker from leaking, ensuring your Maytag® water filter is installed correctly and properly flushing water lines after replacing the water filter are a few ways you can help mitigate future issues. Refer to your owner’s manual to get more information on refrigerator care and maintenance for your specific model.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® REFRIGERATORS WITH ICE MAKERS
Select Maytag® refrigerators come equipped with water and ice dispensers, so you can whip up a cold, refreshing beverage whenever you need it. Find ice and water dispensers in both side-by-side and French door configurations from Maytag brand, or explore the refrigerator buying guide to find your ideal model.
