Maintaining an ice machine may seem daunting at first, but it’s easier than you might expect. While routine maintenance is essential to keep your machine running at its best, advanced solutions and dependable vendors can simplify the process. But what exactly is your role in maintaining the machine?
Whether you already have an ice maker or are considering one for your business, keep reading to understand your maintenance responsibilities and what you should expect from your vendor.
What Are the Benefits of an Ice Machine for Your Business?
Why consider a new ice machine in the first place? It doesn’t just upgrade your workplace water supply; it makes drinking water more enjoyable and keeps employees and customers reaching for their glasses. This simple addition can make a big difference, providing substantial benefits for your team.
The right commercial ice maker can help your business:
- Promote workplace hydration: Upgrading your water system and ice supply encourages employees and customers to stay hydrated. And benefiting their well-being is a boon to your business in the long run.
- Elevate water taste: Water filters improve both drinking water and ice quality, helping to neutralize the taste of impurities in beverages.
- Boost happiness: According to a Ladders report, adults who drink enough water daily are three times more likely to feel very happy. This leads to improved morale among employees and customers alike.
- Boost productivity: Proper hydration promotes efficiency, with Insights For Professionals reporting that 95% of workers say drinking more water increases their concentration and productivity.
- Enhance customer satisfaction: An upgraded water and ice supply benefits both employee and customer satisfaction, helping you stand out from competitors and encouraging long-term loyalty.
- Support well-being: Hydration is essential for health, with Harvard Health noting that water aids digestion, regulates body temperature, flushes out toxins, and more.
What Is Ice Maker Maintenance and Why Is It Important?
While the advantages of water and ice solutions are clear, you may be wondering about the kind of repair, regular cleaning, and routine maintenance that come with owning a commercial ice maker.
Ice maker maintenance essentially refers to regular upkeep that ensures your ice equipment stays in top shape. This includes regular cleaning, sanitizing, checking filters, inspecting parts, and making sure the unit consistently produces high-quality and clean ice. However, the specific maintenance practices you need to follow may vary based on the type of equipment — whether it’s a freestanding unit, countertop dispenser, or another model — and any additional features it may include.
For businesses, staying on top of proper maintenance is key to ensuring a safe, great-tasting water supply for both employees and customers. Neglecting essential maintenance tasks can lead to a buildup of dirt, limescale, and mold, which not only affects ice quality but can also pose serious health risks. So, aside from regular maintenance, how can you tell when your ice maker needs attention? Watch out for common issues like:
- Low ice production
- Water leaks
- Strange noises
- Poor ice quality
- Electrical problems
When you notice any of these signs, take action promptly beyond your regular monthly maintenance. Addressing these issues early helps prevent more costly repairs and keeps your machine running smoothly year-round.
Steps To Clean and Maintain A Commercial Ice Maker
To guarantee your equipment is ready for use, it’s important to follow the recommended best practices for ice machine cleaning. Here are a few preventive maintenance steps for a new machine or one that’s been inactive for 8-12 weeks:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before diving in, make sure you have everything you need — a bucket, disinfecting wipes or spray, and cleaning rags. Having your supplies ready from the start makes the whole process quicker and hassle-free.
Step 2: Inspect for Leaks
Check around the machine for any signs of water leakage. Even small leaks can signal bigger problems with seals or connections, so catching them early keeps things running smoothly and avoids costly repairs.
Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply and Empty the Machine
Shut off the water supply to the ice maker and remove any old or dirty ice cubes from the machine. This clears the way for a fresh batch and ensures you’re not serving contaminated ice when you fire it back up.
Step 4: Clean the Condenser Coils
Over time, dust and dirt can cling to the condenser coils, making your machine work harder than necessary. Give the coils a good clean with a brush or vacuum to keep the ice maker efficient and prevent overheating.
Step 5: Check and Replace the Filters
Water filters are the unsung heroes of your ice machine. If they’re clogged or worn, your ice quality takes a hit. Make sure they’re in good shape, and if not, swap them out for fresh ones to keep the water — and ice — clean.
Step 6: Unplug the Machine for 24 Hours
Disconnect the machine from the power outlet and leave it off for about 24 hours. This allows any ice buildup to melt and helps reset the machine for optimal operation.
Step 7: Discard the First Batch of Fresh Ice
Once you’ve reconnected the machine, discard the ice made in the first 15 to 20 minutes. That way, residual contaminants from the cleaning process don’t end up in the ice your machine produces for consumption.
Step 8: Flush the System
Run water through the machine for about a minute to clear any lingering debris or contaminants. This gives the machine a final rinse, so it’s spotless before producing ice again.
Step 9: Wipe Down the Entire Machine
Don’t forget the outside! Give the whole machine a good wipe, paying special attention to the dispensing areas, nozzles, paddles, and touchscreen. This keeps your machine looking sharp and prevents the buildup of grime or limescale.
Workplace staff or facilities managers can handle routine daily maintenance, which includes:
- Wiping down the entire surface of the machine, with special attention to the dispensing areas, nozzles, paddles, and touchscreens to prevent limescale buildup.
Owning an ice machine can make regular maintenance feel overwhelming. To lighten the load, consider renting a commercial ice machine. A reliable machine from the right vendor can completely transform how you provide water and ice, making it simpler and stress-free for your business.
How a Reliable Vendor Can Transform Your Ice Machine Maintenance
If you’re working with a vendor, maintaining and repairing your commercial ice machine becomes much simpler. However, when choosing a water service provider, don’t just focus on quality products — make sure they also offer a skilled service team and responsive customer care.
So, what should top-tier maintenance and repair services look like? With a provider like Quench, you can expect:
- Quick ice machine installation
- Quench provides a range of top-tier commercial ice machines across the country, delivering clean, great-tasting ice for your business. Plus, our all-inclusive services, including preventive maintenance, cleanings, and filter changes, ensure we cover the toughest parts of ice machine care. Ready to simplify your ice maker procurement and maintenance? Try our product finder to discover the right machine for your business or get a free estimate to get started.
- Fast response times for service requests
- Certified technicians ready to assist
- Ongoing follow-up support
- Consistent availability
- Excellent customer service at every level
Quench’s exceptional follow-up service streamlines repair and maintenance procedures, with our certified technicians conducting routine 11-point inspections and maintenance tasks to keep your commercial ice maker operational year-round.
Simplify Ice Machine Maintenance With Quench
With the many benefits of renting a commercial ice machine, adding one to your business could be the key to boosting hydration — and in turn, improving productivity, engagement, and wellness. If you’re looking for premium options with exceptional service, Quench is here to help.
