How to Fix a Frozen Ice-Maker Supply Line

If you ignore a frozen ice-maker supply line, your machine will stop producing ice. However, a frozen supply line is a common issue in refrigerators with freezers, and it's easy to fix. To safely and effectively get your ice machine running again, complete the steps that follow.

Warning: Before working on your fridge, disconnect it from any electricity sources. If you do not, you risk getting shocked. In addition, do not use the hairdryer in the following steps while standing in or near any water.

Step 1 - Turn off the Refrigerator

Turn off your refrigerator before proceeding. In addition to letting you safely work on the issue, turning off the fridge will also let your frozen supply line start naturally thawing. If you have any food in your fridge that could spoil easily, transfer it to another fridge, freezer, or icebox temporarily.

Step 2 - Assess the Ice Bin

Next, remove any ice on the surface of the freezer that you see. Clear any ice from the bin. This simple step could repair your problem, but you should complete the following steps to ensure you don’t have problems with the supply line in the future as well. With the ice maker emptied, now is the perfect time to clean the ice maker.

Step 3 - Find the Supply Line

Find the supply line that you suspect has frozen and is cutting off your ice maker's supply of water. Your supply line should be about the width of your thumb, and different lines will vary in color. Once you have located it, detach any devices or clips that hold it in place.

Step 4 - Prepare to Catch Water

Place a bucket or a pan underneath the supply line to catch any water that may drip off of it, making sure there is no spill on the floor.

Step 5 - Thaw the Fill Tube

Next, use a hairdryer on low heat to thaw the fill tube. Make sure you plug the dryer into an outlet that can reach the area you’re working at but is far away enough from where the fridge’s water may drip. If you see any water spilled nearby, stop the process immediately, unplug the dryer, and clean up the water. Do not stand in any water while using the dryer. Continue the thawing process until the supply line is cleared.

Step 6 - Test Your Ice Maker

Finally, you can clean up the area and prepare to test the ice maker. After replacing the supply line back to its original location, you can now plug your fridge back in to turn on the power and test your ice maker to see if it works.

If your machine still isn't producing ice, continue troubleshooting your ice maker by checking its valves, bail wire, and more.