When it’s time for ice machine service, it’s important to know how to prepare your space for the ice machine technician. Even the best ice maker technicians need access to vital components to properly service your commercial ice machine. Improper maintenance or cleaning will decrease the overall lifespan of your unit and eventually lead to a broken ice maker, so it’s important to do all you can to ensure your technician can get the job done.
When an ice machine technician comes in for a preventive maintenance event, they run diagnostics on vital components and clean everything from the condenser to the ice bin. Here are a few things you can do to prepare your ice equipment – and the surrounding area – for your ice machine service appointment.
1. Remove the Clutter
Don’t place objects on top of the ice maker, like boxes or small appliances. Not only will the technician ask you to remove these anyway but stacking objects can block ice machine’s ventilation which can cause it to overheat.
2. Give Your Ice Machine Technician Some Room
Installing a commercial ice machine in the most optimal space isn’t always possible. In these cases, you need to make sure the machine’s components are accessible at the very least – 2 feet of space should be enough. The location of ice machine components can differ depending on the brand of ice maker you have. Below you’ll find where these components are located so you can provide enough room for technicians to access them.
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Hoshizaki Ice Machines
If you have a Hoshizaki air cooled ice machine, your technician will need access to the front, top, and right side of the unit. Water cooled ice machines require access to the back, top, and right side of the machine. If these areas are not clear, the ice maker technician will have a very difficult time reaching refrigeration components like the hot gas valve, evaporator plates, and solenoid valves during your Hoshizaki ice maker’s service appointment.
Manitowoc Ice Machines
Most Manitowoc ice makers have their essential parts accessible from the front of the machine. To prepare for your ice machine service appointment, clear about 5 inches of space in the back of the machine so the technician can reach the plug. For air-cooled units, you’ll need to provide 2 feet space on the sides, so the ice machine technician can reach the air filters. The ice maker air filter should not only be accessible to the technician, but to users as well. If you have an air-cooled system with top air discharge installed, you’ll need to clear 2 feet above the machine.
Users should clean the air filter on a weekly or monthly basis depending on your work environment. If your machine is in a busy kitchen of dusty warehouse, you’ll want to clean it more frequently. Its a good idea to add this to your ice machine cleaning schedule.
*If you have a remote condenser, ice maker technicians will need to have access to it to provide ice machine service.
3. Contain Ice Machine Leaks
It goes without saying that ice makers need water to produce ice. If your ice maker is leaking, you need to make sure that something is catching that water. When water mixes with grease from a kitchen floor, it creates a very slick surface that technicians or employees can slip on during the ice machine service appointment.
4. Keep Electrical Components Away from Water
Water can be especially dangerous if unsecured electrical components are present. That means making sure wires, lamps, breakers, or other electrical appliances are free from the water prior to your ice machine service appointment. If electricity manages to ground itself through a water puddle, a person could be shocked or electrocuted.
5. Put Away Hazardous Chemicals and Cleaners
Finally, make sure your ice machine is free of dangerous chemicals and waste. Ice machine technicians often have the challenge of moving around in small areas. If hazardous chemicals used for disinfecting or sanitizing are not in a secure place, they run the risk of being knocked over, which can be dangerous to anyone working around them.
Want Fast Service? Keep Your Ice Maker Technician Safe.
Our technicians want your ice machine in top form as much as you do. By maintaining a safe environment with few obstacles, you can be sure technicians will have enough access to your ice machine to do a thorough job. Maintaining a safe and open environment has the added benefit of keeping your employees safe and your machine running smoothly.
With an Easy Ice subscription, you’ll have access to 24/7 support and the most experienced ice machine technicians in the nation. A subscription also includes ice machine repairs and service for a low monthly fee. There’s no better way to ensure you and your customers have a reliable supply of ice!
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