Ice machine troubleshooting
Ice machine FAQs
If you have further questions about ice machines, you should find the answers here.
Ice machine operation
To ensure safe and reliable operation, it’s important to use your ice machine as directed by the manufacturer.
Can you leave an ice machine on overnight?
It’s always best to check your manufacturer’s instructions. But most commercial ice machines are designed to turn off automatically when the bin is full. This means they can be left on 24/7.
As the ice in the bin melts, the machine will periodically restart itself to keep the bin topped up.
How long should ice machines last?
A commercial ice machine should last at least 10 years. But that could be reduced to as little as five years with excessive use or lack of proper maintenance.
To get the maximum lifespan, it’s best to choose a well-established and reliable brand, like Hoshizaki or Scotsman. These machines are durable and long-term support is available in the form of spare parts and technical assistance.
It’s also important to get the right size machine for your needs. An adequately sized machine will last longer than a machine that’s too small and constantly working flat- out to meet demand.
How long should I leave my ice machine to stand after moving it?
If you’ve moved your ice machine during maintenance or relocation, you may need to leave it to stand for a while before you use it again.
Standing allows the oil in the system to settle before you switch it on.
The length of time your machine needs to stand will depend on how it’s been moved. For example, if you’ve moved it from one room to another in an upright position, you can safely plug it back in after an hour.
But if the machine has been transported by road, tilted, shaken or laid on its side, the oil in the system is likely to have been disturbed. In this case, it’s best to leave the unit to stand for at least six hours and preferably overnight.
We always recommend newly delivered units are left overnight before you plug them in.
Ice machine maintenance
Maintaining your ice machine correctly is the best way to keep it running safely, hygienically and reliably. We’ll be happy to advise you on the best maintenance package for your needs.
How often should our ice machine be cleaned?
Your ice machine should be emptied and cleaned at least monthly, but preferably weekly.
The machine should also have regular deep cleans, where it’s stripped down, descaled and sanitised. We include a deep clean as standard with every service and repair.
How do you clean an ice machine?
Here’s how to clean your ice machine:
- Empty the bin and discard any mineral sediment and stale compacted ice from the bottom, then wash it thoroughly with hot water
- Flush the bin out with a few litres of water to clear away any remaining deposits and to ensure the drain is running freely
- Remove and clean the air filter
- Sanitise the internal surfaces of the bin with your preferred sanitising product (we recommend Clinell, Milton Fluid or a weak solution of thin bleach).
It’s good practice to have a documented cleaning rota, with this task assigned to responsible persons.
How often should ice machine water filters be changed?
Manufacturers recommend that water filters should be changed at least every 12 months — but, ideally, every six months.
Old filters can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so if your filter hasn’t been changed for over a year, you should discard it and replace it immediately.
When replacing your filter cartridges, it’s a good idea to write the date on the filter in permanent marker. This way anyone can check when the filter was fitted and when it’s due for replacement.
Can you train our staff to look after our ice machine?
Yes, your engineer will show you how best to look after your ice machine to keep it sanitary and working reliably. The recommendations will be based on your machine, your specific needs and working conditions.
Ice machine servicing
How often should my ice machine be serviced?
Manufacturers recommend ice machines are serviced every six months. But it depends on how you’re using the machine and the conditions it’s working in.
Our low-cost maintenance packages start with one comprehensive service per year. During this service, your engineer will assess your machine and advise you on how many additional visits you’ll need.
What does ice machine servicing involve?
First, we’ll strip down your ice machine for a deep-clean, descale and sanitisation.
This will remove any grime, slime and limescale.
We can then inspect its working parts to make sure they’re in good condition. If there are any issues, we’ll address those to minimise the chance of a future breakdown.
We’ll also treat your water system to prevent an unnecessary build-up of limescale. This is particularly important in Cambridge, which is a known hard-water area.
Finally, we’ll perform a detailed function test to ensure efficient operation.
How do I know if my ice machine needs a service?
Ideally, you should be getting your machine serviced, routinely, every six or 12 months.
But there are some signs to look out for that will tell you a service is due.
When to service ice cuber machines
Your ice cubes should be crystal clear, fresh tasting and perfectly shaped. Signs your ice cuber machine needs a service include:
- Poor ice quality
- A strange taste
- Impurities in the ice
- Thin, watery ice
- White, crumbly, malformed cubes.
When to service ice flaker machines
- A reduced production rate
- Excessive wetness
- Unusual coloured deposits in the bin
- Overheating
- Unusual noise
- Fault lights.
How do we prepare for an ice machine service?
The night before your service, please empty the ice bin and switch off the machine.
We’ll usually send you a reminder about this beforehand.
If necessary, we can schedule your service early in the day, which will allow the machine plenty of time to refill.
Can we put ice back in the bin after a service?
No. To prevent contamination, ice should never be returned to the storage bin after the machine has been serviced and sanitised.
Ice machine repairs
We specialise in ice machine repairs and have full access to parts for most makes and models.
Where can I find the serial number of my machine?
On Hoshizaki machines, the model and serial number is on the left-hand panel, near the top.
On Scotsman machines, the model and serial number can usually be found on a white label on the back of the unit. On older machines, this label is on the right-hand panel, near the bottom.
Are your repairs guaranteed?
Yes. All our repairs include a full service, health-check and six-month guarantee for complete peace of mind.
What if our ice machine can’t be repaired?
Repairs to your ice machine are always possible. But, the age and condition of your machine will usually determine whether the cost of a repair can be justified.
We’ll perform a detailed appraisal of your machine, so you can make an informed decision. If you decide against a repair, our engineer will recommend a suitable replacement to meet your specific needs.
Do you sell new ice machines?
We supply a full range of ice machines from leading manufacturers, Hoshizaki and Scotsman. The cost includes delivery and warranty, but we can also take care of installation and commissioning, if required.
We offer a range of maintenance packages for these machines and are authorised to carry out repairs on behalf of the manufacturer.
You can learn more about each brand by clicking the links below.
Ice machine troubleshooting
Why is my ice maker leaking water?
Most ice machine leaks come from the water supply or the drain.
For safety, if you’re investigating a leak, you should always start by turning off the power to the machine.
If water is leaking from behind the machine, it’s possible the water supply hose has come loose, is cracked, or the rubber seals need replacing.
If your machine has a clogged or faulty drain pump, this could be overflowing. If the bin is full of water, it’s likely the drain hose is blocked.
If water appears to be coming from the motor compartment, or any part of the machine that’s difficult to access, it will need a more in-depth investigation. This should be carried out by a skilled engineer.
General questions
How does a flake ice machine work?
In an ice flaker, the water is frozen inside a metal cylinder. A rotating screw, known as an auger, forces the ice upwards at high pressure into an extruder (cutter). The extruder splits the ice into thin slivers and dispenses them into the bin.
Although this process sounds simple, ice flakers tend to be much more complex than ice cubers. This is because ice flakers depend on close mechanical tolerances, which is why they need specialist maintenance.
What’s the difference between flake ice and crushed ice?
What is flake ice?
Flake ice is made by extruding the ice into thin slivers with a specific water-to-ice ratio.
Flake ice is ideal for laboratory and medical use because it’s a wetter form of ice that remains close to the melting point. This means it provides maximum cooling effect and excellent temperature stability.
As it conforms to any shape, flake ice is used in ice packs to reduce joint swelling and aid recovery after surgery. It’s also ideal for carrying samples, reagents and retrieved organs.
What is crushed ice?
Crushed ice is made by crushing ice cubes, either by hand or in an ice crusher. This results in small pieces of broken ice with a coarse texture.
Ice crushers, like the Scotsman Crushman 360, allow the coarseness to be adjusted. Ice crushers are typically used where there is a ready supply of ice cubes but no space or need for a full-size ice flaker.
Still have questions?
If you have a question we haven’t answered, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
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