If your refrigerator ice maker is overflowing, start with the water inlet valve and the house water pressure, since a valve that won’t shut off or pressure under the 20 psi minimum is the most common cause and will keep feeding water into the ice mold. Next check for an obstructed ice maker or blocked chute; food or jammed cubes can stop the unit from cycling and cause overflows. If home water flow is weak at the kitchen faucet, low supply pressure can mimic a stuck valve and let water keep running. A defective ice maker assembly is also a frequent culprit, and because many components aren’t sold separately you may need the whole assembly. Less commonly, a failed auger motor can back up ice and water, so pull the bucket and turn the auger by hand or test the motor with a multimeter. Finally, inspect mounting clips and the ice maker seating; broken clips can let the assembly sit out of position and overflow. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and the repair guide that matches your unit.
01 - KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to shut off properly. If the water pressure is too low, the valve may not close fully once the power is shut off. As a result, the valve will leak water into the ice maker and cause the ice maker to overflow. Check the water pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, the water inlet valve is likely defective. The valve may not shut off all the way or may be stuck open, causing water to leak through the valve. If the water pressure is sufficient, but the ice maker is still overflowing, replace the water inlet valve.
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If there are food items stuck in or jammed around the ice maker, it may not cycle properly. The ice maker may get stuck in the middle of a cycle or overflow with ice or water. Inspect the ice maker and remove any items that may interfere with its operation.
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03 - Low Water Pressure from House Supply
The water inlet valve, which supplies water to the refrigerator ice and water dispenser, requires sufficient water pressure to work properly. If the water pressure is too low, the valve may not close fully when the power is shut off. As a result, the valve will leak water into the ice maker, causing it to overflow. You can check the water flow at the kitchen faucet to help determine if the home's water pressure is sufficient or not.
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04 - KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly
One component of the ice maker assembly might be defective. Since many of the ice maker components are not sold separately, you may need to purchase and replace the entire ice maker assembly.
The auger motor spins the auger blade and pushes the ice through the dispenser chute. If the auger motor is burned out or defective, the ice won’t move forward and, potentially, the ice maker assembly can start to overflow. To determine if the auger motor is defective, pull out the ice bucket and turn the bucket auger by hand. If the auger turns freely, use a multimeter to test the auger motor for continuity. If the auger motor does not have continuity, or if the motor is getting power but won’t run, replace the auger motor.
Some refrigerator ice makers are secured with clips. If one or more of the clips break, the ice maker may become dislodged and start to overflow. If the ice maker assembly is not sitting flush against the wall, purchase a new clip or clips to secure and seal.