Hard water, a hot back-of-house and a dirty condenser coil are what kill most ice machines. Regular cleaning keeps production up and keeps slime and scale out of the drinks.
Common ice machine problems
- Not making ice, or making much less than it used to
- Thin, cloudy, hollow or oddly shaped cubes
- Water leaking onto the floor
- Pink or black slime in the bin or on the evaporator
- Machine stuck in a harvest cycle or throwing error lights
- Ice tastes or smells off
What a cleaning visit includes
- Descale. Run a manufacturer-approved scale remover through the water system and evaporator.
- Sanitize. Sanitize the evaporator, water trough, distribution tubes, curtains and bin.
- Condenser and filters. Clean the air-cooled condenser, check the water filter and replace it if it's due.
- Test. Confirm freeze and harvest cycles and check the ice for size and clarity.
Brands
Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, Scotsman, Ice-O-Matic, Follett and others, including modular heads on bins and under-counter units.
Flat-rate, approved first. We diagnose, tell you what failed and what it costs to fix, and start only after you approve the price. No surprise add-ons on the invoice.
Common questions
How often should an ice machine be cleaned?
Most manufacturers call for cleaning and sanitizing at least every six months. Kitchens with hard water, heavy use or a lot of flour or grease in the air often need it more often.
Why is my ice machine not making ice?
Common causes are a dirty condenser coil, scale on the evaporator, a clogged water filter, low water pressure, a failed water valve, or a thermistor or bin control problem.
Can you add ice machines to the Kitchen Care Plan?
Yes. Ice machine cleaning is one of the most common items on the plan schedule.
Call (757) 495-7782 or send a request. You approve the price before we start.