If your refrigerator ice maker is overflowing with water or ice, the most likely culprit is the water inlet valve not shutting off properly because of low house pressure or a stuck/defective valve. Check that your home water pressure is at least 20 psi and inspect the valve for leaks; if pressure is fine but it still overflows, replace the valve. Next, look for an obstructed ice maker or food jam that keeps the unit from cycling and causes overflow. Low water pressure from the supply line can mimic a bad valve, so test flow at the kitchen faucet. A failing ice maker assembly can also flood the tray when internal components stick or wear out, and in some models a bad auger motor will back up ice and lead to overflow. Finally, broken clips or a misseated ice maker can let water run where it should not. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement water inlet valve, ice maker assembly, auger motor, or clips that fit your refrigerator.
01 - Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to shut off properly. If the water pressure is too low, the valve may not close fully once the power is shut off. As a result, the valve will leak water into the ice maker and cause the ice maker to overflow. Check the water pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, the water inlet valve is likely defective. The valve may not shut off all the way or may be stuck open, causing water to leak through the valve. If the water pressure is sufficient, but the ice maker is still overflowing, replace the water inlet valve.
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If there are food items stuck in or jammed around the ice maker, it may not cycle properly. The ice maker may get stuck in the middle of a cycle or overflow with ice or water. Inspect the ice maker and remove any items that may interfere with its operation.
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03 - Low Water Pressure from House Supply
The water inlet valve, which supplies water to the refrigerator ice and water dispenser, requires sufficient water pressure to work properly. If the water pressure is too low, the valve may not close fully when the power is shut off. As a result, the valve will leak water into the ice maker, causing it to overflow. You can check the water flow at the kitchen faucet to help determine if the home's water pressure is sufficient or not.
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04 - Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly
One component of the ice maker assembly might be defective. Since many of the ice maker components are not sold separately, you may need to purchase and replace the entire ice maker assembly.
The auger motor spins the auger blade and pushes the ice through the dispenser chute. If the auger motor is burned out or defective, the ice won’t move forward and, potentially, the ice maker assembly can start to overflow. To determine if the auger motor is defective, pull out the ice bucket and turn the bucket auger by hand. If the auger turns freely, use a multimeter to test the auger motor for continuity. If the auger motor does not have continuity, or if the motor is getting power but won’t run, replace the auger motor.
Some refrigerator ice makers are secured with clips. If one or more of the clips break, the ice maker may become dislodged and start to overflow. If the ice maker assembly is not sitting flush against the wall, purchase a new clip or clips to secure and seal.
Some refrigerator ice makers are secured with adhesive. If the adhesive is no longer securing the ice maker, it may become dislodged and start to overflow. If the ice maker assembly is not sitting flush against the wall, consider using new adhesive to secure and seal.