Leaking water is one of the most serious problems that an ice maker can encounter, and learning how to fix ice maker leaking water becomes a common knowledge. It is specially popular for old countertop ice makers, while modern units are less prone to leak water. The good news is that many leakage problems are fixable and don’t require professional help.
If you’re reading my article, chance is you are a homeowner using a countertop ice maker. But if you are a business owner finding your undercounter ice maker leaking water, then don’t worry, I will guide you on how to fix ice maker leaking water.
I’ve made a comprehensive “Ice Maker FAQ” series collecting all common ice maker problems to help Ice Artisan readers quickly troubleshoot their ice maker units.
- ⚖️ Countertop vs undercounter ice makers
- 👍 Are portable ice makers worth it?
- ⚡ How much electricity does an ice maker use?
- 💧 Does an ice maker use a lot of water?
- 🪣 Do ice makers need to be drained?
- 🚫 Can ice makers cause water damage?
- 🚰 Do ice makers need water lines?
- 🔊 Are countertop ice makers loud?
- 😭 Do ice makers make a lot of noise?
- 🔗 Are countertop ice makers safe?
- ⛺ Can ice makers be used outdoors?
- 🔌 Can ice makers be left running all the time?
- 🚗 Can ice makers be used in RV?
- 🗄️ Can ice makers be installed in cabinets?
- ❄️ Do portable ice makers keep ice frozen?
- 🛠️ Can ice makers be used in garages?
- 📄 Do ice makers store ice?
- 💡 How does ice maker work?
- 🎰 How does a commercial ice maker work?
- 🛠️ How to install an undercounter ice maker?
- ❄️ How to make clear ice in ice maker?
- 🪣 How to increase ice production in ice maker?
- ⏳ How long does an ice maker take to make ice?
- 🔗 When to replace ice maker filter?
- ⏱️ When to replace ice maker?
- 💡 How to clean ice maker?
- 😭 Why does my ice maker smell bad?
- 🫗 How to drain an ice maker?
- 🪣 How to unclog an ice maker?
- 🔗 How do I unstick my ice maker arm?
- 💧 How to fix ice maker leaking water?
- ❄️ Why is my portable ice maker making too much ice?
- 🥵 Why is my ice maker hot?
- 🔌 What happens if you don’t turn off the ice maker?
Ice Artisan‘s best picks
Why does an ice maker leak water?
An ice maker leaking water has many possible reasons, depending on it being a countertop or undercounter ice maker. Here are a few causes of ice maker leaking water:
- Water supply connection issues: When you find anything leaking water, the first thing you need to check is the water supply connection. It could be loose connections at the water inlet valve, cracked or damaged water lines or higher water pressure.
This is a very common problem that cause leaking water in undercounter ice maker, mostly because you don’t follow a proper guide on how to install undercounter ice maker. - Water filter: Sometimes clogged water filter can cause water leakage in undercounter ice makers. A filter which is clogged cause water pressure leading to leaks. Maybe you don’t install the water filter improperly, or you buy the wrong water filter for your undercounter ice maker. They all can cause water leakage in your ice maker.
- Improper leveling: The cause of water leaking in your ice maker can be simply because you don’t place your ice maker in a flat surface. Perhaps this is the main cause for a countertop ice maker.
- Drain cap issues: For many ice makers using a separated water reservoir, an unsecured drain cap can cause leaking.
- Cracked internal components: Leaks can also come from cracked components inside the machine, such as the water reservoir, recirculation pump, or the ice bin itself.
How to fix ice maker leaking water?
To fix a leaking ice maker, identify the source of the leak first, then either tighten loose water connections, replace damaged hoses, level the unit properly, clean clogged drain lines, or check for misaligned internal components requiring adjustment or replacement.
First, always unplug the ice maker from the electrical outlet. Then you should look for the leak source, using my above guide on why does an ice maker leak water. Knowing why your ice maker is leaking water can shorten the time we need to troubleshoot.
Now, we will fix ice maker leaking water based on the cause:
- Water supply connection issues: First tightening all water line connections, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the connections. Though it is not likely to happen, you should replace any cracked or damaged water lines. Best practices are following my guide on how to install undercounter ice maker.
- Water filter: Very simple, you just need to follow my guide on how to unclog an ice maker. TLDR: Trace the water line back to the filter, check for blockages, and clear pipes as needed. Replace the ice maker filter if it’s been in use for more than six months.
- Improper leveling: You need to put your countertop ice maker in a flat surface, in parallel with the ground. If there is nowhere on a level surface, think of using a bubble level to adjust the ice maker. For some ice makers with adjustable legs, it will be more simple to make proper leveling.
- Drain cap issues: Just secure the drain cap for your ice maker. You should also know how to clean ice maker regularly.
- Cracked internal components: This is the only problem that required professional helps. Either you call someone like me to deal with it, or it’s time you need to look for replacements, learn how does ice maker work, then replace it yourself. I don’t recommend doing that, because most of the time it cause you too much troubles just to fix an ice maker.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaking ice maker is simple most of the time. With proper care, well, your ice maker won’t leak water in the first place. One thing to remember, if leaks persist despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to consult a professional technician to avoid potential ice maker’s water damage to your other appliances. Maybe it’s time you need to replace the ice maker.
