← Refrigerator Problems

Ice is dirty

Most Likely Causes

Water Supply Tube

Most common causeappliancepartspros

The water tubes in an ice maker stay clean because water normally flows through them when being used. If the water gets turned off or sits in the tubes without being used for 6 to 12 months, it can change color. If the water at the other faucets in your home is fine and you have put in a new water filter, you might need to replace the water tubing that goes to the ice maker to fix the issue.

Repair Steps

  1. 1.Disconnect power by unplugging the refrigerator from the wall outlet.
  2. 2.Locate the fridge water supply tube between the refrigerator and water supply line.
  3. 3.Using wrenches, disconnect the tube fittings from the water valve and supply line.
  4. 4.Remove retaining clips or ties securing the tube along its run inside the fridge.
  5. 5.Withdraw the existing tube by pulling it completely out of the refrigerator.
  6. 6.Clean the fitting connections where the new tube will attach using a rag.
  7. 7.Insert one end of the replacement tube into the water valve fitting and tighten.
  8. 8.Connect the other end to the water supply line and secure tightly with a wrench.
  9. 9.Secure the tube run inside the fridge using fresh clips/ties along its path.
  10. 10.Reconnect power and check for leaks with water line pressure applied.

Ice Maker Assembly

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The ice maker tray may have a protective coating that can wear off over time. If you notice pieces or chunks in your ice, take a look at the tray. If the coating on the tray is corroded and peeling away, it could be getting into your ice. When this happens, bits of the coating end up in the ice cubes. To fix this issue, you will need to replace the entire ice maker.

Repair Steps

  1. 1.Prepare the Refrigerator:
  2. 2.Locate the Ice Maker Assembly:
  3. 3.Turn off the Water Supply:
  4. 4.Remove the Old Ice Maker Assembly:
  5. 5.Install the New Ice Maker Assembly:
  6. 6.Turn on the Water Supply and Test:
  7. 7.Clean Up:
  8. 8.Regular Maintenance:

Dirty Water Supply

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The ice maker uses the same water that comes into your house through the main line. Sometimes the water can get dirty from things like a fire hydrant being flushed or a water main breaking. When this happens, the dirty water can get into your ice cubes. To fix it, run the water from your faucets for a while to clear out the lines. Also throw away any ice made during the time the water was dirty. Once the water runs clear at your faucets, the ice maker will start making clean ice again.

Repair Steps

  1. 1.Identify the Water Filter Location:
  2. 2.Turn Off the Water Supply:
  3. 3.Remove the Old Water Filter:
  4. 4.Prepare the New Water Filter:
  5. 5.Install the New Water Filter:
  6. 6.Flush the Water System (if required):
  7. 7.Reset the Filter Indicator (if necessary):
  8. 8.Check for Leaks:
  9. 9.Regular Maintenance:

Water Filter

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Dirty ice could mean old residue from your water filter is getting into the ice maker. Water filters need to be replaced every 6 months to properly filter the water. If you have an old filter, bits of residue can break off and contaminate the water going to the ice maker. This results in dirty looking ice cubes. To fix this, put in a new water filter and discard any ice made with the old filter.

Repair Steps

  1. 1.Turn Off the Water Supply:
  2. 2.Identify the Water Filter:
  3. 3.Remove the Misaligned Water Filter:
  4. 4.Clean the Filter Housing:
  5. 5.Align the New Water Filter:
  6. 6.Turn On the Water Supply and Test:
  7. 7.Check for Proper Alignment:
  8. 8.Regular Maintenance: