Symptoms
- Ice maker stopped filling suddenly
- No water sound during fill cycle
- Line feels rock-hard when touched
- Problem often follows very cold weather or freezer temp set very low
Likely causes
- CommonWater line routed too close to the evaporator or cold wallA line running along the coldest part of the freezer wall can freeze solid over time.
- CommonFreezer temperature set unusually lowSettings well below 0F increase the chance of the fill line freezing.
- CommonKink or sharp bend trapping standing waterWater sitting in a pinched section freezes even when the rest of the line is fine.
- PossibleExternal supply line frozen (garage or unheated space)If the fridge is in an unheated garage, the line to the wall can freeze in cold weather.
- Less commonFailed inline heater on lines equipped with oneSome models have a small heater on the line to prevent freezing; if it fails, freezing recurs.
What to do
- Turn off the water supply valve before doing any work on the line.
- Locate the frozen section, often visible as a hard, opaque part of the tubing inside or behind the freezer.
- Thaw it gently with a hair dryer on low heat or warm (not boiling) towels, moving along the line rather than holding heat in one spot.
- Reroute the line away from direct contact with the evaporator or coldest wall if that caused the freeze.
- Raise the freezer temperature slightly if it was set colder than 0F.
- Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks at the reconnected fittings before running an ice cycle.
Tools and parts
- Hair dryer
- Towels
- Adjustable wrench
Ice maker water supply tubingSearch: “ice maker water line tubing”
When to call a pro
If the line freezes repeatedly after rerouting, or the fridge sits in an unheated space, ask a technician about an inline heater kit or relocating the unit.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.