5 Ice Maker Water Damage Prevention Tips

Ice Maker Water Damage Prevention Tips San Diego CA

As modern lives become more complicated and fast-paced, we expect that the equipment that we use is reliable and effortlessly performs its tasks in the way they are designed to. One of which is the common refrigerator ice maker. Over time, these ice maker supply lines develop the smallest leaks and may cause ice maker water damage to our home when left unchecked.

Problem: Ice maker water supply lines can become brittle and leak often creating a hidden water damage problem.  An ice maker supply line made from inexpensive plastic clogs easily and is prone to leaks.

Facts:  Refrigerator leaks are the most common cause of leaks in the kitchen.  Nearly 15% of all home water damage claims are from leaky refrigerators, with ice maker leaks being the main culprit.  Less common types of fridge leaks come from the base of the refrigerator.  This is often called a condensation leak and can indicate that your fridge may need replacement.

Solution:  Check your ice maker supply line for leaks or kinks regularly.  Better yet, replace your plastic water line with a copper tee fitting, a high-quality shutoff, and a braided steel supply line. Braided steel is a sturdy, non-kinking substitute for flexible plastic or copper. When you purchase a refrigerator with an ice maker, your installer will attach an icemaker valve.  This is a tiny metal saddle attached to a cold water pipe (near the refrigerator or behind it).  Icemaker kits usually come with clear plastic water pipes attached to the valve and to the refrigerator’s water inlet. This flexible plastic tubing is almost always the culprit. Pinholes on the tubing are often unnoticed during installation (and can remain unnoticed for years!). Over time, gallons of water that trickle from the tubing can lead to serious damage to your wall and floor systems.

Newer houses have a shut-off valve installed in wall panels located behind your refrigerator.  This is where soft copper tubing is used to connect the valve to the refrigerator.  While pinholes are still possible with copper tubing, the likelihood of this happening isn’t as high as that for plastic tubes.

In addition to using copper tubes, you may also install a battery-operated floor alarm.  This nifty, inexpensive gadget alarms you when it detects water from a leak.  Use this for the kitchen, basement, and areas near water heaters, as well as other potential sources of water damage.

 

 

5 Ice Maker Water Damage Prevention Tips

The ice maker in your refrigerator is an important part of keeping drinks cold. But sometimes these machines fail, causing water damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair. Here are 5 ice maker water damage prevention tips to keep leaking water on the floor and elsewhere.

1. Check the Filter System Regularly

If you notice any leaks in the filter system, stop using the machine immediately. This will help prevent mold growth and other issues. Also, make sure the drain line is clear of debris.

2. Maintain the Unit Properly

Make sure the unit is cleaned regularly. Clean the ice maker with warm water and soap once a week. Remove the cover and clean out the ice bin. Check the drain line for blockages and remove them

3. Clean the Condenser Coil

If you notice any condensation inside the freezer, check the condenser coil first. It will need cleaning every year or two. To do so, turn off the power to the refrigerator, then open the door and disconnect the condenser coils. Turn the power back on and wait until the compressor stops running. Then, use a soft brush to clean the coils. Be careful not to touch the fan blades.

4. Replace the Filters as Needed

After cleaning the coils, replace the filters. This will help keep the air flowing through the system.

5. Inspect the Drain Line

If you notice any leaks, stop using the water immediately. A leaky drain line can cause water damage, mold growth, and other issues.

 

Conclusion:  The cheap plastic ice maker supply lines that come with most refrigerators eventually wear out and leak.  Often this water damage is hidden from view and over time can go from a tiny leak to very costly water damage to floors and walls.

Ice maker water damage can get nasty.  Oftentimes, homeowners don’t even know how bad the damage is till it’s too late.  Because the refrigerator blocks your view of the wall and connections behind it, it can be difficult to detect something is amiss until the tiny leak has created a visible puddle or has caused damage to the floor and surrounding areas.   Learn these ice maker water damage prevention tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Maker Water Damage

1. Why is my ice maker leaking water?
   • Answer: Ice makers can leak water for several reasons. The most common causes include a clogged or frozen water supply line, a malfunctioning water inlet valve, a damaged or misaligned ice maker assembly, or a problem with the ice maker’s drainage system. To determine the exact cause, it’s best to turn off the ice maker, unplug it, and inspect these components for issues.
2. How can I practice ice maker water damage prevention?
   • Answer: To prevent water damage from your ice maker, consider these tips:
     • Regularly inspect the water supply line for any kinks, cracks, or leaks.
     • Ensure the water inlet valve is functioning correctly and replace it if necessary.
     • Keep the area around the ice maker clean and free from ice or debris.
     • Routinely clean and maintain the ice maker to prevent ice buildup and blockages.
     • If you go on vacation, turn off the ice maker and shut off the water supply to reduce the risk of leaks in your absence.
3. What should I do if my ice maker has already caused water damage?
   • Answer: If your ice maker has already caused water damage, it’s essential to take immediate action to minimize further harm:
     • Turn off the water supply to the ice maker.
     • Unplug or disconnect the ice maker from the power source to prevent electrical hazards.
     • Address the water damage by cleaning up the affected area and drying it thoroughly.
     • Assess the extent of the damage and, if necessary, contact a professional restoration service for assistance.
     • Repair or replace the malfunctioning components of the ice maker to prevent future leaks.

Remember that water damage can lead to mold and structural issues if not addressed promptly, so it’s crucial to act quickly when dealing with water damage caused by an ice maker.

Call Gold Coast Flood Restorations

For more information on ice maker water damage prevention or if you need help with water damage or mold problems, contact Gold Coast Flood Restorations, a certified mold removal and water damage specialist in San Diego, CA.  Call 888-373-9243 or email us at info@goldcoastflood.com

Serving San Diego and San Diego County for over 30 years with quality work and great service. We also service these cities – Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Spring Valley, and Lakeside. Poway, Ramona, Alpine, Santee, La Jolla, University City, Tierrasanta, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Sorrento Valley, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Vista, Carlsbad, Bonita, Valley Center, Escondido, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho San Diego 4S Ranch, Sabre Springs and Pine Valley.