Just like every other night, you fill the ice maker with water before going to bed so that you can get fresh ice in the morning. The next morning, you walk over to the ice maker to get some ice for your juice. However, you notice unexpected knocking noise coming from your ice maker. Although every ice maker tends to make a slight noise when dispensing ice, having your ice maker making knocking noise can be a cause of concern.
While every freeze and ice maker has a processing noise, it needs your immediate attention if the noise is far greater than the usual. There could a variety of reasons why your ice maker makes a knocking noise. If your ice maker is making knocking noise then we have you covered. Here, we will discuss all the possible reasons behind the knocking noise from your ice maker followed by solutions against the same.
Normal Sounds Ice Makers Make
As we mentioned earlier, all electronic appliances including a freezer and an ice maker tend to have a processing noise. Every fridge has a sound of it. Here are some of the most common and perfectly normal sounds ice makers make.
- Clicking
- Whooshing
- Popping
- Dripping
- Pulsating
- Rattling
- Gurgling
- Sizzling
All the above-mentioned are normal sounds ice makers. So, if you hear your ice maker making either of the above-mentioned noises, there is no need to worry. However, if there are tapping, knocking, thumping, or shuddering noises audible, it is a cause of concern. Note that it is okay for these sounds to last for an hour. But if they continue past the hour mark, it can be an alarm.
Noises that can be a concern –
- Shuddering
- Thumping
- Knocking
- Popping
- Tapping
- Hissing
- Snapping
- Clicking
- Crashing
- Tumbling
Why Does My Ice Maker Make a Knocking Sound?
Not all the sounds that come out of your freezer need you to be invigilating. But if you find that your ice maker makes a clicking noise, then it could be because of one of the following reasons. Knowing all the causes beforehand can help you easily troubleshoot the issue the next time it arises. Therefore, here are some probable reasons as to why your ice maker makes a clicking noise
1. Placement of the Ice Maker
Just as we pay attention to the positioning of our Wifi router, we need to pay equal attention to the placement of other electronic appliances as well. If your freezer is positioned on an uneven surface, you can hear a knocking sound coming from the freezer.
Similarly, if your freezer is placed in an area with little or no room around such as around walls or cabinets, it can cause the knocking sound. In this case, we suggest you reposition your ice maker on an even surface and preferably distant from walls and cabinet to ensure it has enough room around.
2. Compressor Operations
The Compressor is an integral part of every ice maker’s cooling unit. It contains the refrigerant liquid that helps the fridge stay cool and allow for ice formation. However, knocking sounds could indicate a malfunction within the compressor’s operations. A slight knocking noise generally hints toward the functioning of the compressor. However, if the noise persists or increases over time, it is time to consult a technician to have them take a look a the compressor.
3. Level of Water
The majority of the commercial or household ice makers come with an inlet water valve. These ice makers require you to fill the fridge with ice using the inlet valve in order to produce ice. But if you fail to refill water in the ice maker, the unit will make a knocking noise. If the water isn’t sufficiently filled, the unit will make a knocking noise.
4. Water Pump Maybe Blocked
As we mentioned earlier, every commercial or household freezer has a water inlet valve using which you can refill the ice maker. But if the water pump or the inlet valve develops clogs or blockages, it could be why your ice maker makes a clicking noise. If you think there are any blockages within the water pump, you need to clean your ice maker or call an expert to have them take a look at the machine.
5. Size of the Ice Cubes
Some ice makers allow the users to choose the size of the ice cubes. Although many units have an option for larger ice cubes, producing them could be hard on the mechanism. Similarly, the density of ice, based on the type of ice your machine makes might also influence noise produced in the procedure. For instance, ice makers that make sonic ice (soft, chewable ice) are often less associated with noise complaints as compared to those that make dense ice cubes.
The majority of the ice makers aren’t capable of handling large ice cubes which is why it starts making knocking sounds. In this case, the large ice cubes generally get stuck and thus cannot make their way to the ice tray.
6. Heating Function is Faulty
When you fill your ice maker with water, the water reservoir gradually reduces the water temperature in order to commence the freezing process. As the temperature increases, it can cause a knocking sound. This knocking sounds generally lasts for a minute. But if the duration is longer, consult a technician at once.
The Bottom Line Ice Maker Making Knocking Noise
Irrespective of the electronic appliance, having it exhibit it strange loud noises is never a good sign. Despite their impeccable architecture, ice makers too can make loud knocking sounds. This could be because of several reasons that we have mentioned above. Once you have understood all the probable causes, it becomes easier to diagnose and troubleshoot the problems going ahead.
READ ALSO: Is it normal for an ice maker to make a noise?
I have a countertop Opal ice maker that makes crushed ice, it has started making a loud grueling sound. What is wrong with my machine?
I have a Frigidaire portable ice maker for less than a year. When the water is being transported from the reserve to the prongs it makes a God awful screeching noise. As soon as it’s done delivering the water, the screeching stops. It’s not every time but it’s like 60% of the time. Is there a fix?