Understanding the Common Cause: Freeze-Ups in Your Refrigerator Ice Maker

Have you noticed that your refrigerator’s ice maker keeps freezing up? The problem is often due to a failing solenoid valve, which controls water flow to the ice maker. If this valve does not close entirely, water drips through, freezes in the outlet tube, and creates an ice dam. This dam causes the ice to build up and trigger the freeze-up issue.

Diagnosis: Troubleshooting Key Steps

First, check if your refrigerator's water supply is working properly. The temperature in the freezer should be between 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal ice formation.

To resolve the issue, follow these steps:

Unplug the refrigerator to allow it to defrost thoroughly. This process can take up to 24 hours. Locate the water solenoid valve, usually found on the lower left side of the back of the fridge (move it away from the wall to access). Replace the failing solenoid valve with a new one, which can be easily found online and costs between $20 to $50.

A basic understanding of mechanics will help you successfully replace the valve. Numerous “how-to” videos and instructions are available online.

Additional Causes and Considerations

While a faulty solenoid valve is the most common issue, other factors could also be at play. If your refrigerator is a side-by-side Samsung, there are numerous class-action lawsuits, and a Facebook page dedicated to the affected models. For non-Samsung models, visit a reliable website to enter your model and get more information.

For side-by-side Samsung models, it's possible the issue is a frost buildup due to a leak in the door seal. However, if you're actually seeing freezing, the leak is likely in the water supply line connected to the cube-forming gizmo. The water flows into the unit, freezes, and builds up over time. This leak might be a bad connection or a crack in the unit itself. Since the leak only activates when a batch of ice is ejected, you might not notice it until you see the ice buildup.

It is advisable to have an appliance technician check the unit for these issues.