Commercial ice machines are designed to produce quick ice to serve cold drinks to customers in restaurants. These machines work around the clock, ensuring each customer leaves satisfied. Although they are quite effective and convenient to use, commercial ice machines have their fair share of problems when trouble arises. Commercial ice machines not producing enough ice is a common problem. Below are some potential reasons along with fixes to avoid getting into similar troubles down the road. For help, consult a commercial ice maker repair professional.
Reasons For Low Ice Production In An Ice Machine
Low Water Supply
Commercial ice machines require a stable water connection to produce ice. Plus, the water pressure should be at a specific PSI and not lower than that for the machine to perform properly. If the water supply is struggling to reach the machine or the PSI itself is a bit low, you can expect the commercial ice machine to produce less ice.
This can happen due to a variety of reasons, with salt deposits being a common issue. If your area has hard water, it is normal for salt to accumulate in vital areas and stop the supply of water. Fortunately, it is easy to fix as all you need to do is clean the areas.
But if the water supply from the main building itself is low, you will need to contact the relevant authorities. While trying to diagnose the issue, you should also check the valve, as it might be broken. In this case, you will need to replace the valve.
Most importantly, if you live in a cold region, the water might freeze inside the pipes and block the water supply. You will need to remove such blockages to keep the supply running smoothly and easily.
Dirty Or Clogged Water Filter
If you did not know, commercial ice machines come with water filters installed. Depending on the model, the number of filters might vary. These filters trap contaminants to ensure the ice produced as a result is high-quality.
Both quality and hygiene are top priorities when serving customers. The last thing you would want is your customers experiencing health concerns and never returning to dine. The water filters with time tend to become clogged due to dirt, dust, and other deposits.
This creates a blockage and prevents a smooth flow of water. But this problem can easily be avoided if you were to keep a check on the filters for regular cleaning and replacement. If you need to replace the filters, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat keeps a check on the temperature and signals the machine to cool and freeze the water when needed. Although it is unlikely for thermostats to give up soon but due to varying factors, it might malfunction. If you suspect thermostat issues, the first thing you need to check is the power supply.
If the thermostat is working fine and the machine is responding to all the features but not able to keep up with the temperature, it could be that the thermostat needs calibration. If the thermostat happens to be faulty, you will observe smaller and fewer ice cubes.
You should consult an expert to check the thermostat for calibration. If not, replacing it is the only option.
Ambient Temperature Problems
Ice machines work best inside a favorable room temperature range usually mentioned in the user manual. If the temperature surrounding the ice machine drops or rises too high, it will create problems when it comes to producing ice. High ambient temperatures make it difficult for the machine to cool water.
Furthermore, the ice machine should not be placed near other machines that produce heat as it can affect and confuse the thermostat. This is why you need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and install the machine at a distance where the temperature is suitable.
Lack Of Maintenance
You might think commercial ice machines do not require maintenance as they deal with water and there is nothing that could go wrong. But the fact is that commercial ice machines deal with a lot of external factors and run into all sorts of problems that could easily be avoided by scheduling expert maintenance.
On the other hand, lack of maintenance is sometimes the negligence of the business owners as well. In an attempt to save money, they train their employees who fail to thoroughly clean the machine. This creates a lot of issues that could have been easily prevented.
Professional maintenance offered by commercial refrigerator repair Springfield services is not just limited to cleaning but also extends to digging out potential issues and fixing them beforehand. This way, the machine works without any problems for a good amount of time.
Tips For Fixing Low Ice Production Issues
Now that we have discussed the potential reasons contributing to low ice issues, it is time to share some tips that will help both fix and avoid them.
Inspections For Blockages
Part of running a successful business is performing routine inspections, especially if your business is reliant on a commercial ice machine. You should regularly check for mineral deposits and other factors that could be causing the issue.
At the same time, cleaning the machine regularly is also important. Use the recommended solutions and cleaning techniques to prevent any damage. If the ice is stuck or jammed, thawing using sharp objects is not recommended and you will need to give the machine some rest until the ice breaks down.
Resetting The Ice Maker
Sometimes, all your commercial ice machine needs is resetting to fix the low output. Turn off the machine and unplug it for a few minutes. Then, plug the machine back in and clear the minor errors. Once the machine restarts, the settings will return to normal and it should begin producing more ice.
The reason is that commercial ice machines tend to run into some errors that could hinder their performance. The best way to deal with such situations is by consulting the user manual.
Hiring An Expert
When it comes to maintaining or fixing your commercial ice maker, you should always hire a licensed expert. Unfortunately, the market is saturated by so-called experts who add to the problem instead of fixing it. This is why you should consider it an investment and opt for someone who carries skills and experience rather than saving money.
Although such services are bound to be expensive, but guarantee a perfect job each time. Choosing quality over cost-saving measures will surely offer a return in the future by keeping troubles at bay.
Conclusion
Commercial ice machines are both effective and efficient appliances if you are familiar with their functioning. The information mentioned above is tried and tested and will surely get you out of trouble. But you should invest in professional maintenance and keep an eye out for potential problems and hire an ice dispenser repair Fairfax expert when required for inspections.