Despite its convenience, a refrigerator ice maker not making enough ice or overflowing with too much can be common problems. Why is my GE refrigerator ice maker overflowing? If your home’s water pressure is too low, the ice maker will be supplied with a constant flow of water, increasing production. Troubleshoot an ice maker overflowing with ice with these common causes.
How to Stop a GE Refrigerator Ice Maker Overflowing With Ice
Most ice makers stop automatically when the ice bucket is full. However, a GE refrigerator ice maker overflowing with ice may require some adjustments or a part replacement to know when enough is enough. Here’s how to pinpoint the problem when too much ice is simply too much.
Low Water Pressure
The refrigerator’s water inlet valve opens and closes to allow water from your home’s supply to flow to the ice maker. In order for the valve to function properly, it must receive at least 20 psi of water pressure. If your home’s water pressure is too low, the valve may not close all the way. When this happens, the ice maker overflows as water constantly leaks through the open valve.
If your kitchen sink exhibits reduced water flow or pressure, it’s possible that the water pressure in your home is too low. Test your home’s water pressure to make sure it’s at least 20 psi for proper ice production.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
If your home’s water pressure is adequate, the water inlet valve could still be a problem. If the valve is faulty, it may be stuck in an open position, causing a constant flow of water to oversupply the ice maker. Similarly, you’ll find your refrigerator not making ice at all if the valve is stuck closed. If your GE ice maker makes too much ice due to a faulty water inlet valve, a professional service should replace the valve.
Ice Bucket is Positioned Incorrectly
An ice maker overflowing with ice could simply require an adjustment to the ice bucket. If the bucket isn’t positioned correctly, ice may spill out before it piles high enough to signal the ice maker that it’s full. Refer to your user manual to make sure that the ice bucket is positioned correctly.
Some GE refrigerators use a shelf to sufficiently elevate the ice bin so the feeler arm works properly. This shelf must also be correctly installed to ensure that the bin is properly positioned below the ice maker.
Broken Feeler Arm
The ice maker’s feeler arm is either a metal rod on the side of the ice maker or a plastic paddle that sits horizontally underneath it. When ice reaches the feeler arm, it signals the ice maker to stop ice production. If the feeler arm’s spring or gears have malfunctioned or failed electronically, you’ll find your refrigerator ice maker overflowing with too much ice. While a slipped spring in the feeler arm can be repositioned, other malfunctions require that the arm be replaced.
Defective Ice Maker Component
If you still find your GE refrigerator ice maker overflowing after trying these troubleshooting tips, a defective component may be the cause. A part malfunction within the ice maker could be increasing water flow or failing to sense when the ice bin is full. Since many components aren’t sold separately, a refrigerator repair service may have to replace the entire ice maker assembly when they fail.
Don’t let a GE refrigerator ice maker overflowing with ice leave you with a melting mess. Call the experts at A-Tech Appliance Parts & Service for a fast and professional repair!
