How To Tell If A Commercial Ice Maker Needs Repairs

A commercial ice maker is critical to a wide range of hospitality operations. Whenever you need to contact a commercial ice maker system repair contractor, you want to know as soon as possible. You can tell whether it's time to call a technician by looking at these 6 issues.

Funny-Tasting Ice

Many problems with systems end up affecting the taste of the ice. You will probably want to check for simpler solutions before asking for a commercial ice maker repair technician, though. Most folks will try replacing the filter first. Also, it's wise to make sure the ice maker is the problem and not the water. Once you've ruled out simpler fixes, though, ask a technician to take a look at the system.

Discoloration

Anything that discolors the ice is going to be bad for business. Once more, it's a good idea to rule out the possibility the water lines are the problem. You may also want to try cleaning as much of the ice maker as you can reach by hand. After you've done that, it's time to look at possibilities like clogged lines or rust inside the ice maker if there are still problems.

Leaks

Water leaking in any part of the ice maker poses multiple risks in a hospitality environment. Seals or lines could be failing. Also, the system may be losing its refrigeration capacity.

Noises

Yes, this is a bit tricky because ice makers aren't notoriously quiet machines. Worse, many businesses that run them aren't known to be quiet. However, any unusual mechanical noises that cut through every other sound else in your location are bad. Even if the ice maker appears to be otherwise operating normally, it's a good idea to have a technician inspect it.

Smells

No one wants anything smelly even near their ice maker. If the smell is in the ice, you can try cleaning the system and replacing the filters. However, if that doesn't fix the problem, there may be a deeper issue.

Even if the ice doesn't have a smell, don't assume you're in the clear. A failing ice maker can produce funky scents without imparting them to the ice.

Longer Cycles

As an ice maker approaches failure, it may take longer to do the same job that it once handled easily. Oftentimes, this is due to low water flow attributable to internal issues. You will once again want to rule out external causes, such as low water pressure. After doing so, contact a commercial ice maker system repair professional.

For more information on commercial ice maker repair, contact a company near you.