We purchased a 106.5890*801 last Fall. Our ice maker has quit (jammed) several times and seems to be getting more frequent. When it happens, we have to open the ice cube maker door and pry the rogue cube loose.

Since it is still in the first year, we had a service tech out. He said it could be due to not cleaning the ice bin (in the door) frequently enough which can frost up the maker (not in the door - huh?), or low water pressure (we had 60psi several years ago when we had our sprinkler system installed), or possibly the shutoff valve and supply line. I would guess it's probably the last one, because it's just a needle valve and a very small diameter flexible copper line.

I'm considering replacing the shutoff valve and supply line. I estimate the length of the run is probably 30'-35'. What size line would be recommended for this length?

Any other things I should check before digging into the plumbing?

Thanks,
-Brad

Yes, its likely the low water pressure, I've seen many of those needle valves work for awhile then clog up. Having a regular valve is much better.

1/4" is fine for that run.

Jake

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Thanks for the info. Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the saddle/needle valves. I know they are easy to install, but it seems they end up causing more trouble down the road.

I was thinking of going with a larger line (the basement is unfinished, so it wouldn't be too hard) to try to increase flow from the water dispenser as well. Do you think this would help, or is the flow restriction likely elsewhere (the needle valve or in the fridge itself)?

Thanks,
-Brad

You can run 5/16" but you would need a reducer to 1/4" when it connects to your water inlet valve in the back of your refrigerator.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

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Cool, thanks again!

Glad to help Brad.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

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For anyone interested, I replaced the saddle valves with larger ball valves. I don't know if this will cure the ice maker jamming issue, but the water flow through the fridge dispenser has improved dramatically and I can really hear the ice maker fill now (had never really noticed the sound of water before).

Thanks for the tip Jake, it was nice to not have to replace the 1/4" line.

Thanks again,
-Brad

Good job Brad, glad to help.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances