How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace an Ice Maker?

Ice Maker Replacement Cost

Estimating Ice Maker Repair Costs 

The main factors impacting ice maker repair costs include the issues at hand—as some repair jobs are cheaper than others—and the overall layout of your refrigerator or standalone unit. Contact a local appliance repair pro for specific information, as these repairs are not always DIY-friendly. The overall price range varies according to several variables. 

Type of Repair 

Ice maker repair jobs are not all equal, as some replacement components simply cost more. Here are some common ice machine issues and their repair costs. 

• Water Inlet Valve: The water inlet valve releases water into the ice maker. This water valve features electrical components and is susceptible to damage over time. Fixing one of these valves typically necessitates replacement components, which cost between $150 and $200. 

• Water Line: The water released by the inlet valve travels down the water line before entering the ice-making module. This line occasionally clogs or develops a leak. Repairing this water line costs $100 to $200, including a replacement or a simple patch-up.

• Motor: An ice maker’s motor can develop serious problems over time, including overheating and burning out. Motors require extensive repairs like rewiring that cost anywhere from $100 to $350. 

• Drive Blade: The drive blade pushes the ice out of the dispenser into the tray or box. These blades corrode and dull over time, leading to blockages and related issues. Replacing a drive blade in your ice maker costs $85 to $150, including parts and labor. 

• Filter: Does your ice taste off, or does it smell weird? Your machine’s built-in water filter needs replacement. These filters vary in price according to the filtration level, volume, and the number of contaminants handled. You’ll pay between $85 and $250 for a new filter. 

Machine Layout and Maintenance 

The overall layout and design of your system impact the repair costs as your technician has to spend time removing specific components to get at others. Accessibility is also a factor, as a refrigerator tucked away in the back corner of a basement is generally harder to reach than one nestled in a kitchen. 

Maintenance Checkups

Call in a pro for a maintenance checkup to not only catch any potential issues early but to discuss the layout of your machine and any typical problems associated with your make or model. These ice machine maintenance checkups cost $75 to $125. 

Labor 

Calling in a refrigerator technician near you costs between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience level. Generally speaking, techs with more experience charge a higher hourly rate. 

Warranties 

If your refrigerator or standalone ice maker has a manufacturer’s warranty or a third-party warranty you bought at the point of purchase, dig out your paperwork before calling in a pro. These warranties tend to last one to three years and should offset some or all of the repair costs.

Estimating Ice Maker Replacement Costs  

If your ice maker needs serious work, such as motor repair, sometimes it’s cost-efficient to replace the entire unit or machine. Here are your cost options regarding new ice makers. 

Standard Freezer Ice Maker 

Your refrigerator’s freezer likely includes an ice maker. What these models lack in efficiency, they make up for in cost. Replacing a standard freezer-based ice maker costs $50 to $150, though you’ll also pay for an hour or so of labor, bringing the entire replacement price up to $100 to $400. 

Stand-Alone Ice Machine 

There are a few types of stand-alone ice makers, each boasting differing price ranges. 

• Portable Ice Maker: Portable or countertop ice makers are relatively inexpensive, with bare-bones models costing around $20 and high-grade units costing $100 to $300. These portable ice makers require constant power, just like a freezer unit, so count on a slightly increased energy bill.

• Stand-alone Freezer: Those bulky stand-alone freezers are great for storing excess meat and frozen meals, but they also typically include ice makers, increasing your overall ice-making yield. These freezers cost $150 to $1,000, depending on size and type (upright and chest or cabinet.) 

• Freestanding Ice Maker: These machines create large amounts of ice, double as water dispensers, and even allow for outdoor use. Depending on size, build quality, and additional features, you’ll pay between $100 and $1,000 for a freestanding ice machine. 

Industrial Ice Maker

If you regularly need massive amounts of ice, consider an industrial machine. These powerful appliances produce ice in bulk, but they are relatively costly, coming in at $1,800 to $13,500. Expect to budget for hiring a local plumber to install the necessary water line and the increase in monthly energy usage affiliated with these machines. Some of the pricier models automatically bag ice, which is handy. 

“On top of needing a plumber, you’ll also need a local electrician to provide power and a means of disconnect and an HVAC-R technician if the unit runs off of a remote compressor,” says Jeff Botelho, Expert Review Board member and plumber. “These units are more costly and require more periodic maintenance but also tend to be far more durable and energy-efficient than portable versions.”

Fix an Ice Maker Yourself vs. Hire a Professional

Some tasks are DIY-friendly, such as replacing the filter, cleaning the ice machine, and performing general maintenance. Like with other refrigerator repairs, fixing or replacing an ice maker is a job for an experienced pro with knowledge of the various electrical components and issues that are difficult to pin down with some models. 

The same goes for replacing most ice makers, as pros have the necessary expertise to remove an old freezer-based unit before installing a new one. Many stand-alone machines also connect to a water line, requiring plumbing expertise. 

Portable ice makers, however, are great for DIYers. Just place them on a counter, add water, and plug them in. 

Repair and Replace Ice Maker FAQs

How do you choose an ice maker repair company?

Start with customer reviews, so spend some time perusing these reviews on the company or contractor’s official web portal or via social media. Give them a call, and ask about their hourly rate, maintenance packages, and client testimonials. Feel free to reach out to clients with similar ice maker issues to discuss their experiences. 

What information should I have ready for the pro? 

Keep a running list of any and all issues affecting your ice maker, no matter how small. Next, jot down your ice maker or refrigerator’s make and model and any other pertinent details regarding the appliance. You should also give them a rough outline of your daily routine for scheduling purposes. Finally, ask them for a repair estimate and how long these jobs take, though both fluctuate in real-world scenarios, so prepare for that. 

“If you can find a serial number on your unit, this is typically as or more important than just the model number,” says Botelho. “Serial numbers typically give the manufacturer all the info they need to determine whether your machine is under warranty and what, if any, parts are available to repair it.” 

What jobs should I do at the same time? 

While your ice maker undergoes repairs, consider addressing any other refrigerator or freezer-related issues. These include poor overall performance, fluctuating temperatures, increased energy usage, refrigerator leaks, and anything else that springs to mind. You’ll likely hire a contractor experienced with a variety of appliances beyond refrigerators and ice makers, so address concerns with your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher, among other items.