Small, Hollow or Bad-Tasting Ice: What It Means

What usually causes it

• Restricted water flow. A clogged filter, a kinked line, a partly closed supply valve or a weak inlet valve shortens the fill.
• Low household pressure. Pressure below what the valve needs gives partial fills, especially when another faucet is running.
• Freezer temperature. A freezer that is too warm makes hollow cubes. One that is very cold can freeze the fill tube.
• Ice maker thermostat or module. If the module harvests too early, cubes come out hollow.
• Old or wrong filter. An expired filter stops removing tastes and can harbor growth.
• Stored ice and food odors. Ice absorbs odors from open food containers. Old ice in the bin picks up freezer smells.
• New water lines. Some new plastic lines give a plastic taste for the first few batches.

Ice maker making small or hollow cubes

Small or hollow cubes point to low water flow, often from an old filter, a partly frozen fill tube, or low household pressure.

Check first: Replace the filter if it is overdue and check that the supply valve is fully open.

Ice tastes or smells bad

Old ice absorbs food odors, and an overdue filter or new plastic tubing can change the taste.

Check first: Dump the bin, replace the filter, and run a few batches before judging.

Safe checks you can do

• Replace the water filter if it is past its date, then flush a few gallons through the dispenser.
• Dump the bin, wash it in warm soapy water, and throw out the next two batches.
• Check the supply valve is fully open and the line is not kinked behind the fridge.
• Check the freezer temperature.
• Cover or bag strong-smelling foods and keep an open box of baking soda in the freezer.

Parts that fail most often

• Clogged filters are the most common cause of small cubes.
• Inlet valves weaken over time and give partial fills.
• Saddle valves on older copper lines restrict flow.

How your home affects it

In older homes

Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Check that the refrigerator has its own outlet and a few inches of space behind it for the coil to breathe.

In new construction

Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. Kinked water lines behind the fridge and units pushed too tight against the wall are common finds.

In apartments and condos

In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. Refrigerators in tight alcoves run hotter and longer; clearance matters.

In garages

Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Check the model plate for its rated temperature range; many refrigerators are not built for a hot Houston garage.

During storm season

Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. After an outage, keep the doors shut and use a thermometer to decide about food. If the unit does not cool within a few hours of power returning, call us.

When to call for repair

• Cubes stay small after a new filter and good water pressure.
• The dispenser flow is weak as well (valve or line problem).
• The ice tastes bad even after cleaning the bin and replacing the filter.

Turn off the water supply before pulling the refrigerator out, and unplug it before reaching into the ice maker.

Need help? We do ice maker repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.

Common questions