Skip to Content

Why Is My Ice Maker So Loud? (Quick Answers)

When we talk about kitchen dedicated appliances, ice makers will always make their own place. These appliances help you produce a large amount of ice within a short time.

However, turning on an ice maker and hearing unwanted loud noises is the last thing a homeowner would like. Yet, it is not something impossible. There are situations under which you can hear loud noises coming from your ice maker.

Therefore, why is your ice maker so loud? What could possibly go wrong? If these questions are roaming around your mind, then we are here to help.

We are here with a detailed discussion on why ice makers can make loud noises and what can be done about it.

Why is my ice maker so loud?

If your ice maker seems to be too loud, there could be multiple reasons behind it. Some of the most common reasons can be a faulty drain pump, a failing compressor, or a bad condenser fan motor. However, there can be other reasons too behind your ice maker making unwanted noises.

Whether it’s your coffee or coke, most of us prefer it cold. Moreover, imagine your friends coming over and you need a ton of ice. Under these circumstances, we all rely on our good old friend!

The ice maker!!

However, there can be times when your ice maker can be loud. And none of us would enjoy that. If your ice maker is being loud, there could be some internal issues with the ice maker.

Sometimes figuring out the issues are simple. However, sometimes it can be tricky and take quite some time to get diagnosed. Here are a few reasons why your ice maker is making loud noises:

Condenser fan issues:  

A bad condenser fan can be one of the reasons behind your ice maker making loud noises. If you can detect that the condenser fan is creating the issue then you would want to get it replaced.

You can get help from a professional or simply remove the fan and replace it.

Faulty drain pump:

If you are noticing a loud noise coming from your ice maker, it could be caused by a faulty drain pipe. In case the pipes get clogged, it can create unusual noises.

Once you are sure that the drain pipe is making the noise, simply turn off the ice maker and unplug the drain. After you open the drain pump, you will notice that the pump is blocked with debris. Cleaning out the debris should solve your problem.

However, in case the drain pump is clean then there could be an issue with the motor. You would also want to get it checked. And if you find there is an issue with the motor, then you would have to replace the drain pump.

Faulty recirculation pump:

The recirculation pump is most likely to make loud noises if the water level of the reservoir is too low. Additionally, it could be a separate issue with the water supply or a failure caused in the water inlet valve.

First things first, make sure the noise is coming from the recirculation pump. You would want to start with checking the water level of the reservoir. If the water level is too low, then you would need to check the water supply.

Start with switching off the ice maker and unplugging it. Once done, you can shut down the water supply valve.

You may need to disconnect the water supply valve and make sure that the water supply line is clear enough so that water can flow through it. If not, then you would want to look for professional help. 

Issues with the compressor:

At times there could be issues with the compressor, that could lead to creating different loud noises. In case you are ensured that the issue is up with the compressor of the ice maker, you would need the help of a professional.

If the compressor is making the noise, then the chances are high that it will need time to get fixed. Under serious circumstances, you may also need to replace your old ice maker.

Why is my portable ice maker making loud noises?

Your portable ice maker is making loud noises, as it has issues in its internal parts like compressor, water supply valve, drain pump etc.

Portable ice makers are amazing, they can come handy exactly when you need them. However, there are circumstances under which these portable ice makers can be louder than usual.

There are four basic internal parts that are considered to be the main culprit. They are the condenser fan, drain pump, the compressor and the recirculation pump. Other than these common parts, there could also be faults in the motor of the ice maker.

If there are issues with the motor, you may need to get some parts exchanged or replace your ice maker.

Anyhow, in most cases these are the basic reasons behind your portable ice maker being so loud. Therefore, look into the matter and take professional help if required.

How to quiet a noisy ice maker?

Before you move on to the fixing part, you would want to notice the sort of noise your ice maker is making. Once you have determined the issue, you can take the necessary steps.

Here are a few things you can do to quiet a noisy ice maker:

Loud groaning noise:

First things first, you would want to notice the kind of loud sound you are hearing. If it is a loud groaning noise, know that it is caused by the blades while trying to eject ice from the mold.

Moreover, if there are additional, issues come up with the coil under the ice maker.

Start with checking if there is any ice stuck inside the ice mold and if the blades are moving or not. If there is an issue with the coil, then you may need to get it replaced.

Moreover, a groaning sound can also be caused if the motor has been frozen in its place. If that is the case, then you would need to thaw the motor in order to stop the noise.

Loud knocking noise:

When hearing a loud knocking sound, know that it is coming from the water inlet valve. If the water pressure is too high, it can create loud knocking noise while the water valve opens and closes.

Under this situation, try reducing the water pressure. After you have reduced the water pressure, check you can get rid of the sound. If the problem continues, you would need to replace the water inlet valve.

Loud noise while dispensing:

When your ice maker is dispensing ice and you hear loud squeaking noise, know that it’s the auger motor. The motor is placed inside the ice bucket.

To check the issue, you would want to pull out the ice bucket and hold down the switch door. And then depress the lever. If you are hearing a noise, as soon as you try to depress the lever, know that it is the auger motor.

It can be jammed due to ice or be frozen at its place. To remove all the ice you can run a small bucket of warm water into the ice maker. This will help you get rid of the ice fragments.

Move the motor with your hand and make sure it is moving freely. And then place the ice bucket in its place. If this does not solve the issue then you would need to replace the motor.

How much does it cost to fix a loud ice maker?

The cost to fixing a loud ice maker can vary to different brands. Let’s get to know about that.

Opal ice maker:

Depending on the seriousness of the issue, it can cost between $90-250 to fix an opal ice maker.

Scotsman ice maker:

Repairing a Scotsman ice maker can get a bit expensive. The average expense would be $125-350. However, the cost mostly depends on the problem and its severity.

Igloo ice maker:

On average fixing a loud Igloo ice maker can cost somewhere between $90-250. However, if it is beyond repair you may need to replace it.

GE profile ice maker:

If you are simply thinking about replacing a few parts of a GE ice maker it can cost $50-200. Additionally, it also depends on the type of ice maker you have.

Samsung ice maker:

To fix a Samsung ice maker that is being loud, you would need to spend an average of $115-300.

Whirlpool ice maker:

Whirlpool ice makers would need $100-200 in order to stop making a loud noise.

Cuisinart ice maker:

To fix a Cuisinart ice maker you’d require $90-250 in order to get repaired.

Final Thoughts

Your ice maker is being loud because there’s some internal issues with the ice maker. There are certain parts of an ice maker that are responsible for making unusually loud noises. In most cases there can be issues with the compressor, motor, the condenser fan, etc.