Is it worth fixing a refrigerator ice maker?

The short answer

Fixing the ice maker is worth it when the refrigerator is otherwise sound and the cause is one of the cheaper ones. It is not worth it when the refrigerator is old, the quote is large, or the freezer is the real problem. The deciding numbers are the age of the unit and the written quote, so collect both before you commit.

Rule out the free causes first

Many ice maker faults are not the ice maker. Whirlpool says a common reason an ice maker does not make ice is that it was accidentally turned off.^[2] It also says to check for any kinks or blockages in the water line, and that a clogged or improperly installed water filter can reduce water flow to the ice maker and dispenser.^[2]

Then check the freezer. LG gives -4°F as the minimum recommended freezer temperature for ice production, and says to allow 24 hours for ice production to begin after you make a change.^[3] The reset is covered in how to reset an ice maker. If any of these fixes it, the repair cost you nothing.

When the repair makes sense

Repair usually wins when the refrigerator is in its middle years, it cools well, and the quote covers the ice maker assembly or a water valve. You keep a working refrigerator and pay for one part and a visit. ENERGY STAR puts the lifetime of a refrigerator at about 12 years, so the age of yours is a good guide to how much life the repair is buying.^[1]

When replacement makes more sense

Replacement is the better call when the refrigerator is old and the quote is large. ENERGY STAR says refrigerators over 15 years old could be costing you about $95 per year to run, and that an old refrigerator uses about 20% more energy than a model that has earned the ENERGY STAR.^[1] It also says that properly recycling an old refrigerator and replacing it with a new certified one can save about $150 over the 12-year lifetime of the product.^[1]

It is also the better call when the ice maker failure comes with a warm freezer or other faults. Those point to a bigger repair than the ice maker, and what an ice maker repair costs will not be the figure you pay.

Compare quotes, not guesses

The Virginia Board for Contractors advises getting at least three written bids or estimates so you can compare prices and contractors.^[4] Ask each business for the diagnostic fee, part and labor listed separately, whether the part is new, what warranty covers it, and whether the diagnostic fee is credited if you go ahead.

If you decide against repair, you can turn the ice maker off, shut off its water line and use trays until you replace the refrigerator.

Stop and call a pro if

• Water is leaking at the ice maker, the filter or the water line. Shut off the supply and get a repair visit.
• The freezer or refrigerator section is warm. That is a cooling fault, not an ice maker fault.
• You smell burning or see scorch marks near the plug. Unplug the refrigerator and call a technician.
• A business wants a large deposit before diagnosing. Walk away and ask for a written, itemized quote from another.

Getting help in Virginia

See more appliance repair answers, the appliance repair directory and the broader guide on whether to repair or replace a refrigerator.

When you are ready, describe the ice maker problem once and local appliance repair businesses quote it.