How to replace a broken ice-maker: easy fixes

If your ice-maker stops working, there's no need to call the appliance repair service. It's a fairly simple fix and you don't have to be an expert to do it. Here's how to replace a broken ice-maker and upgrade an old supply line.

1. Things to do before replacing an ice-maker

• First, locate the saddle valve that's clamped to your home's water supply and turn it off and on a few times to break up any mineral buildup clogging the valve.
• If that doesn't work, unplug the refrigerator and remove the ice-maker to make sure the water inlet at the back of the refrigerator isn't plugged with ice.
• If this is the case, just heat the inlet with a hair dryer.
• However, if the water supply isn't blocked and the refrigerator is older, it's time to replace the ice-maker.
• According to appliance repair pros, most ice-makers break down long before the refrigerator.
• The good news is that most replacement kits are in the $100 to $125 range, and installing one is simple.
• Locate the model number on the wall of your refrigerator just inside the door, then buy a new ice-maker at an appliance store or online.

2. Installing your new ice-maker

• Unplug your refrigerator and turn the water off, then take your old ice-maker out and disconnect the wiring.
• Plug your new ice-maker in, hold it in position and screw it to the refrigerator wall.
• Pull your refrigerator out from the wall, disconnect the water supply from the inlet valve at the bottom of the refrigerator, then replace the old inlet valve.
• Inlet valves should be replaced when the ice-maker is replaced, and are usually included with replacement kits.
• If your replacement kit didn't include inlet valves, order them separately.
• Before you push the refrigerator back, turn the water on and check for leaks.
• If you encounter any problems, refer to your refrigerator manual, or do a quick Internet search.

1. What to know before you start

• Inexpensive plastic water lines and saddle valves sold for ice-makers can eventually clog or leak, causing water damage.
• Thankfully, you can replace your plastic water line with a copper tee fitting, a high-quality shutoff and a braided steel supply line in a half hour for about $25 — and never have to worry about leaks again.
• Braided steel is a tough, non-kinking alternative to 0.5 centimetre (1/4 inch) flexible copper or plastic.

2. Replacing your ice-maker supply line

• Turn off the house water supply and drain the water from the entire system.
• Remove the saddle valve and cut out the copper underneath it.
• You may need to cut more, depending on how much play you have in the water line, to make room for a repair coupling and additional copper if needed.
• Unscrew the packing nut from the shutoff and remove the handle and core before soldering.
• Jiggle the water lines to get all the water out, then clean and flux the fittings and solder everything together.
• Allow the pipe to cool for several minutes, then reattach the shutoff handle.
• Close the shutoff and turn the house water back on to check for leaks.
• Once the line's leak-free, attach the braided water line, then run the water into a bucket or sink for a few minutes to flush out any corrosion or bits of solder.
• Finally, fish the water line through the floor or wall to the back of the refrigerator.

Keep these easy fixes for replacing an ice-maker in mind and you'll be back to enjoying all the ice you want with just a little bit of work.