your Samsung ice maker is freezing up, you know what a nuisance it is. If you are still experiencing problems despite your efforts, you’re likely wondering what you can do without making a call to a service tech.
If troubleshooting a frozen ice maker, ensure there is no damage to the storage compartment or the ice bucket. In addition, there could be an issue with the ice flap preventing it from operating correctly. Also, if the temperature settings are incorrect, it can cause excessive freezing. Therefore, you want to ensure no warm air enters the freezer, affecting the interior temperature.
Sometimes the easiest fix is resetting your refrigerator, but you must inspect the exterior parts of your unit to check for damage. We will review the top 13 troubleshooting solutions if your Samsung ice maker is freezing.
Troubleshooting Samsung Ice maker When It’s Freezing Up
There are several troubleshooting solutions if your Samsung ice maker is freezing up. Of course, it’s always best to address the situation immediately to prevent additional issues.
1. Make Sure The Storage Compartment Is OK
You should check the ice storage compartment to ensure you don’t find a leak. If you do suspect or see a leak, you likely have a crack in the storage compartment and will need to replace it.
However, if the crack isn’t large, you can use an epoxy sealant to fix the issue. So it’s best to allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before placing it back in your freezer.
This YouTube covers how to use the sealant in your ice maker.
2. Is The Bucket Damaged?
If the storage compartment is intact, you should pull the ice bucket gasket out and look for damage. If there are any signs of wear, you will need to replace the bucket since a damaged bucket will result in a higher temperature in the ice maker.
3. Ice Flap Could Be Damaged
Another part of the freezer to examine is the ice flap, which covers the ice chute and should be flush with the ice chute housing. It could be a simple issue like a piece of stuck ice if it’s not closing properly. For example, you can pour warm water through the chute to help remove stuck ice or debris.
After you pour the water down, check whether the flap is flushed with the housing. If it’s not, you will need to replace the flap because warm air can pass through the opening and cause the ice maker to freeze up.
4. Temperature Settings Are Wrong
Check your temperature settings if you often experience your ice maker freezing up. You may have issues if the temperature is too high or too low, and ice will begin to melt if it gets too warm. In addition, a too-cold freezer can cause the ice maker to freeze up.
It’s best to keep your Samsung freezer temperature between -2°F and 0°F, where you’ll have ideal ice production. If you are unsure of the perfect temperature for your model Samsung freezer, it’s best to check your owner’s manual.
Finally, if you set the temperature correctly, but it changes on its own, you should have it repaired immediately to prevent further issues.
5. Change The Water Filter On Your Faucet
If your ice maker is having an issue filling with water, you might need to change your filter. Filters can become clogged with debris and will prevent proper water flow to your ice maker and, therefore, an issue with ice production.
Generally, it would help if you changed water filters every six months to ensure proper ice maker use. However, not changing the water filter as needed will also change the taste of your ice due to impurities.
If you recently changed your water filter and are experiencing problems, it could be due to improper filter placement. In addition, if your filter is incompatible with your freezer, you may experience difficulties.
6. Inspect Water Supply Line
If you constantly experience your ice maker freezing up, you should check the water supply line to ensure it is not frozen. If the water supply line is frozen, it cannot supply water to the ice maker.
Despite the lack of water, the ice maker will continue to operate and cause freezing despite the lack of ice.
You can defrost the water line with hot water through a syringe or turkey baster, but if the water supply line is damaged because of freezing, you will have to replace it. You can also disconnect the frozen water line and thaw the ice in your sink.
You do not want to use a blow dryer to thaw the water supply line as it could melt or warp the plastic. While it may take longer, you want to ensure you take the time to properly thaw the water supply line to avoid requiring a replacement.
7. Water Inlet Valve
If your Samsung refrigerator has a water inlet valve, you want to remove the filter and thoroughly clean it. However, it’s important to note that not all Samsung refrigerators have a water inlet valve.
You want to ensure the solenoid in your ice maker is receiving power; if it isn’t, you will have to replace it. However, when you have a faulty water inlet valve, you will experience an overflow of water, leading to freezing around your ice maker.
You should remove the fan, check for damage, and then defrost the unit. You can follow these directions regardless of which Samsung refrigerator you own.
8. Is The Ice Maker On/Paused?
Sometimes Samsung ice makers can be tough to understand, so you must read the manual to ensure you don’t accidentally put the ice maker on pause. Whether you or something in your family pressed the pause button, you want to check the settings to ensure this is the problem.
If someone inadvertently turns the ice maker off, you will not get any ice from the ice maker. Instead, some freezers have a digital display to control the settings, while in others, you can press and hold the ice maker button for several seconds.
In addition, you can find a metal bar on top of your ice maker, which is responsible for filling the ice bin. When your ice bin is full, the bar will rest on top to prevent any more ice from being made.
However, if the bar is stuck, you can manually push it to its original spot so the ice maker can continue to make ice.
9. Is Something Blocking Your Ice Maker?
Sometimes the easiest troubleshooting solution is determining if something is blocking your ice maker from working correctly. For example, stuck ice can clog the water line and prevent new ice from being made.
You can use warm water to help thaw out any stuck ice in your ice maker, but ensure you don’t leave excess water, which can lead to additional freezing. When thawing the stuck ice, you may want to use a spoon or similar utensil to help push the ice along.
10. Warm Air From Fresh Food Section
Suppose warm air from your fresh food section enters the freezer and causes condensation. In turn, the condensation will freeze ice in areas you don’t want. The warm air enters your freezer through spaces in the ice maker because the unit is not as airtight as you think.
Unfortunately, this results in warm air getting to your ice maker, and you will end up with frost build-up. While your refrigerator is cold, it’s nothing compared to the ideal temperature of your freezer. Therefore, if the fridge is causing your freezer to cool down, you will experience freezing.
You will want to take the ice maker out to allow time to thaw and seal gaps around the unit to prevent future issues. For example, you can use an epoxy sealant to close cracks or holes around the ice maker.
This YouTube video covers the issues of warm air and additional reasons why your Samsung ice maker is freezing up.
11. Dirty Condenser Coils And Fan
Condenser coils are responsible for cooling your fridge; however, Dirty condenser coils can cause extra cooling that will lead to your ice maker freezing up. To check for dirty condenser coils, look at the bottom of your fridge and remove the metal panel if necessary.
Refrigerant removes heat in compartments as it moves through the cold parts of your refrigerator. When the refrigerant gets to the condenser, it will be extra hot and release the heat to the surrounding area.
In addition, the condenser fan blows air through the coils and can get incredibly dirty over time. It’s easy to miss this issue because you can’t see the condenser unless you pull the fridge from the wall.
As the coils and fan get dirtier, your fridge starts working overtime and can cause your ice maker to freeze fast. You can fix this issue by cleaning the coil and fan area with a vacuum or brush. Once you clean the condenser coils and fan, your ice maker should work more efficiently.
12. Water Pressure Is OK?
If your water pressure isn’t strong enough, it can cause your ice maker to freeze up. Ice makers require a water pressure of 20 psi to work correctly. Common signs of low water pressure are broken or small ice cubes.
Using a water pressure gauge is the easiest way to check the psi, but you can also check how much water comes out when you disconnect the water line. Always unplug your refrigerator and turn off the water before disconnecting the supply line.
You can use a large bucket to collect the water once you turn it back on and observe the flow. For example, a steady flow tells you the water pressure is acceptable, while a slow drip indicates a pressure issue.
13. Need To Reset The Ice Maker
If you haven’t had luck with the troubleshooting solutions, you should reset your ice maker. Here are the steps to reset your ice maker.
- Remove the ice bucket for easy access to the ice maker
- Find the rectangular-shaped test button, generally located on the front, side, or bottom of the ice maker
- Press and hold the test button until the chime sounds, indicating the test has started
- Put the ice bucket in quickly
What Are The Cycles Of An Ice Maker?
Samsung ice makers work in cycles throughout the day to produce ice. So, for example, in one 90-minute cycle, you’ll get 8-10 cubes of ice. So here’s a look at the steps of an ice maker’s cycle.
- The water inlet valve of your fridge opens to provide water to the ice maker
- Next, water fills the ice maker tray and continues to freeze it into cubes
- An internal temperature gauge determines if the ice cubes are cold enough, and then the gauge uses a heating element to loosen them from the ice maker tray
- Finally, the ice maker’s motorized arm retrieves the ice and puts them in the ice bin
How Long Do Ice Makers Usually Last?
The life of your ice maker depends on how often you use it and how well-maintained it is. For example, if you use it daily, ice makers should last 4-5 years. However, if you regularly change the filters and address issues immediately, it can last up to 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Keep My Ice Maker From Being Frozen Constantly?
To keep your ice maker from freezing, ensure you change the filter every six months, don’t overfill your freezer, and keep the coils clean. You also want to keep the ice chute free of obstruction and ensure the temperature settings aren’t too high or low.
How Do I Reset My Samsung Freezer Ice Maker?
You can reset your Samsung freezer ice maker by removing the ice bucket and pressing and holding the test button inside your ice maker. Once you hear the chimes, you should put the ice bucket back in.
Are There Any Recalls On Samsung Ice Makers?
There have been issues with Samsung refrigerators having defective ice makers. Since 2017, there have been numerous complaints about ice makers leaking water or freezing up; however, Samsung has not made any recalls on Samsung refrigerators.
How Do I Turn On My Samsung Ice Maker?
You can turn on your Samsung ice maker by looking for the primary control on the exterior of your refrigerator. You should hold the on/off switch on the ice maker for three seconds to turn the unit on.
Why Is My Samsung Fridge Not Dispensing Ice?
Your Samsung fridge isn’t dispensing ice because it is frozen over or someone has accidentally turned the settings off. In addition, you could have an issue with the auger or chute flap that requires attention or replacement.
How Do You Reset A Samsung Fridge?
To reset a Samsung fridge, you want to perform a power cycle and start by unplugging the unit for five minutes. Next, plug the refrigerator back into the outlet, and a reset should have occurred.
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Conclusion
It can be frustrating to experience freezing up on your Samsung ice maker. If freezing does occur, you should ensure there are no obstructions and the temperature is set according to your owner’s manual. In addition, you must change your filter twice a year and keep the interior and exterior of your refrigerator clean.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.