OK, I have read all the posts and answers about icemaker problems and think I have mine licked. But I need a bit more help.

I have a SubZero with a bottom freezer. The icemaker stopped a few weeks ago. I tested the test points and the control module seems to be working fine. Took it apart and nothing seems to be broken - plastic parts and gears are fine. Then I saw that the fill tube was all frozen up. I thawed it with a hair dryer and reassembled everything.

It made about 2 trays of beautiful ice and stopped again. When it is in this state, I hear the a periodic "hum" which I think is the inlet valve.

Finally, the water feed is from a water line in the basement and comes through a SADDLE VALVE. I have read that these are bad for icemakers cause they get clogged.

SO... here's what I think. Please critique!

I think the water is feeding in to the fill tube so slowly that it freezes up. I don't think there's a problem with the inlet valve per se. (Please say so because this fridge is built in and will be a BEAR to move to access the rear.)

I was planning to remove the feed line at the needle valve, and back-flush it (how do I get the icemaker inlet valve to open - Can I put a jumper between the L and V test points?? ). Now the big question, should I replace the saddle valve with a regular 1/4" T or is the saddle OK. I am experienced with sweating copper pipes but would rather not bother if this isn't necessary.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Usually a frozen inlet tube means that the water fill valve for the icemaker is seeping water through very slowly this is the reason for the ice bank in the fill tube. If the saddle valve was stopped up you would not get any good ice or it would make only once or twice a day.

So, does it look like I will have to replace the inlet valve, or will it help to try and backflush it? What is the most common problem when the valve seeps water slowly?

Replace the valve.

OK. Going to pull the fridge out today. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the advice.

Replace the valve.


I removed the kickplate and found that the inlet valve is on the front of the fridge. No need to pull out the whole monster! However, I disconnected the plastic line going to the icemaker and waited for it to go through a cycle. When the inlet valve opened, water flowed through the output port of the valve and shut off cleanly. There was no leaking after it shut off. Do you think I still have a bad valve?

JMULLA - GO back to THE POST BY ( COMOMM83:: F.B.E.