A portable clear ice maker is a convenient appliance to have, especially if you live in a hot area and enjoy sipping on ice-cold drinks. But like any other appliance, this appliance might develop problems over time.
One of the most common issues with even the best portable ice makers is that they may begin to create a loud knocking sound at some point. Knowing the cause of this loud sound is key in deciding whether you should consider a do-it-yourself solution or pay for repairs.
In this article, you will learn some of the most common reasons your portable ice maker is making a loud sound, so you can find the right solution for you – and get back to enjoying your ice-cold beverages in peace.
Is It Common for a Portable Clear Ice Maker to Make Loud Sounds?
You may occasionally hear strange and somewhat loud sounds coming from your kitchen, sometimes even in the middle of the night. Don’t worry, chances are it’s most likely your portable ice maker.
This equipment can make a lot of noise when producing ice. However, you can rest assured there is typically a legitimate reason behind it.
These machines are unique in that they both manufacture ice and, in the case of built-in models, keep the ice frozen. In the case of a portable clear ice maker, because the compressor is built-in to your unit, it will produce a significant amount of noise when it is in use. Because of their unique ability to do both, this equipment requires many pieces to work together to operate properly.
While the unit is running, you can expect to hear a variety of sounds. The fan’s speed, sizzling or buzzing, loud clicks, and gurgling are some of the sounds you might hear.
There are times, though, when an ice machine creates a loud knocking sound. This may be anything from a simple momentary annoyance to a cause for concern.
Common Causes of a Portable Clear Ice Maker Making a Knocking Sound
Making ice with an ice machine, like commercial ice makers, may appear to be a simple task, but it is actually quite an involved process. The ordinary person just understands that water goes into the machine and ice comes out, but there’s a lot more to the ice making process that goes on in between.
Somewhere in that “in between” is when the loud knocking sound starts. Here are some of the most common causes of this knocking noises. Fortunately, most of them are completely fixable.
Heating
It may seem strange at first to imagine that ice makers can heat water. After all, their primary job is to freeze it. But, with a simple understanding of how these machines work, it all begins to make sense.
First, the unit’s reservoir fills with water, it travels to the ice mold which houses cavities of different sizes. The finger prongs located in this area are responsible for moving the frozen water from those cavities. This is where the heating unit comes into play. When frozen water gets stuck to the finger prongs, they begin to heat up, allowing the ice to fall into its tray.
As a result, when the unit is heating, you may hear a knocking sound like that of a compressor. This sound is completely normal and should not persist for more than a minute or two at a time as the finger prongs eject the ice and the ice cubes fall into place.
Unit Placement
It’s important to pay attention to where you place your unit at all times. When installing and operating your unit, make sure it’s on a level and solid surface, particularly when it’s running. Because the portable clear ice maker vibrates while making ice, a knocking sound can occur if it is not placed on a sturdy surface.
If you hear a knocking sound and believe an uneven surface is the problem, try moving the appliance to a flat and stable surface. If you still hear the sound after doing this, you may have a separate issue.
Water Level
A separate water inlet valve is used in most ice makers and stationary refrigerators. Even the best portable ice makers, on the other hand, require the owner to replace the water whenever they want to make ice.
If you own an ice maker, like a portable nugget ice maker, you’re already used to the fact that it’s not hooked up to a water supply. As a result, you must always replenish the reservoir with water.
If you forget to fill it with water, the appliance will produce a knocking sound because there isn’t enough water for your unit to operate properly.
The sound could also be due to the fact that you added less water to the water reservoir than was required for proper operation. This is why you must always ensure that the unit is filled with a sufficient amount of water.
Clogged Water Line
Keep in mind that if your refrigerator has an ice machine, the knocking sound could potentially be caused by a clogged water line.
If there are any blockages in the water supply line or if the line is not placed properly, the sound may continue to get louder and louder. This is not a normal sound and may progressively get worse if not fixed quickly.
This shortage of water due to a clogged water supply line results in a knocking sound. If the water supply becomes insufficient, the ice machine will make the best of what it has.
Compressor
Many important components keep our food cool in the refrigerator. Compressors are the components used in ice machines. They are in charge of spreading cold air throughout the machine. Because the refrigerant liquid is housed in the compressors, they are essential components of any freezing device, particularly an ice dispenser. This liquid is what allows the refrigerator to keep chilly and ice to form.
When this compressor starts and stops, it may generate a knocking sound. In a commercial portable clear ice maker, this is quite noticeable. The compressor is operational when a faint knocking sound is heard.
If the sound persists or gets louder over time, it means the compressor isn’t working properly. In this case, you may consider contacting a professional technician. A properly working compressor is critical to the fridge’s overall operation.
Water Pump Issues
The water pump, also known as the drain pump, is responsible for transferring water from the reservoir to the freezing components, allowing the machine to make ice cubes. This water pump can become clogged, which will, of course, disrupt the entire operation and cause a loud knocking sound.
One solution is to remove the water filters and cables to inspect for any stuck dirt or debris if your water pump is clogged. In this circumstance, lemon juice, vinegar, and a toothbrush can come in handy, as they will allow you to scrub the affected area and remove all debris.
A block in the water pump can also make a knocking sound and cause problems when you produce ice. This water pump is what is responsible for bringing the water from the reservoir to the ice-making portion of the refrigerator.
It can be cleared with proper cleaning and maintenance of the appliance and frequently checking the drain for blocks.
Size of the Ice Cubes
Some ice machines, whether clear ice makers or simple units, require you to select the ice cube size and shape, allowing you to choose whether you want large ones or smaller ice cubes.
The knocking sound may occur if you choose a size that is too large for the capacity of the commercial ice maker. The cubes may then become trapped and will not fall into place in the ice tray. It’s simpler with portable nugget ice maker or other small ice dispensers.
Large ice cubes are difficult for some appliances to manage and can become trapped in the harvesting arm because they are too big to fit into the ice cube basket. They’ll start melting at the mold and make a loud knocking sound until they’ve completely melted. With a smaller ice cube setting, you might be able to prevent this issue.
When you configure the portable clear ice maker to generate smaller cubes and the ice melts and shrinks, this problem is fixed.
Is it Necessary to Pay for Repairs?
Not all of the problems listed above will require you to hire a professional to fix your portable ice maker. However, it’s crucial to understand which factors are more problematic than others so that you can address them quickly.
You might consider calling a professional if your portable clear ice maker has a damaged water pump, compressor troubles, or has manufacturer defects. In the case of manufacturer defects, you may even use your warranty (if it’s still valid) to get the machine fixed for free.
Conclusion
Even the best portable ice makers can develop problems that result in loud knocking sounds. It’s critical to understand the causes so that you can address the issues before the system is damaged.
Hopefully, this information proved helpful in determining the problems and potential solutions for your portable clear ice maker.