--- title: "Ice Dispenser Not Dispensing Ice or Water: Causes and Fixes" description: "An ice dispenser not dispensing leaves a cup under the chute with nothing coming out, a motor that hums without ice falling, a water spout that only drips, or…" url: "https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-dispenser-not-dispensing/" --- # Ice Dispenser Not Dispensing Ice or Water An ice dispenser not dispensing leaves a cup under the chute with nothing coming out, a motor that hums without ice falling, a water spout that only drips, or ice that jams in a solid plug in the chute. ## What it usually means. A countertop or wall-mounted ice and water dispenser holds ice in a hopper above the chute and moves it out with an agitator or a rotating wheel when a lever, a sensor or a push pad is pressed. Water comes from its own valve. When nothing comes out, the reason is often simple: an empty hopper because the ice-making part has stopped, ice that has fused into a block from being held too long or from a warm room, or a sensor or lever that does not register. After that come the parts: a dispense motor or gear that has stopped, a chute door solenoid that does not open, a wheel or agitator worn or jammed, a water valve that does not open, or a board that ignores the push. In hotels and offices, dispensers run without anyone looking inside for weeks, so slime and scale in the chute and the water nozzle are common. A dispenser that stops giving water may simply have a closed supply valve or a clogged filter. The 6 causes, cheapest first Answer these first 01 Does nothing happen when pressed, or does the motor hum without ice falling? 02 Is the hopper full, empty, or holding a solid block of ice? 03 Is the water spout working, and is the ice part working? 04 Is the sensor, lever or push pad clean and responding? 05 When were the chute and nozzle last cleaned, and when was the filter last changed? ## Check these before you book. Ice dispenser not dispensing: 5 checks, and none of them costs anything. 01 Look into the hopper through the top or the front: note whether it is full, empty or holding a block. 02 Check that the water supply valve is open and the filter is within its date. 03 Wipe the sensor or push pad clean and try again. ### Also worth checking - If ice has fused, switch the dispenser off and let it melt as the manual shows; never poke the chute with a tool. - Note whether water works and ice does not, or the reverse, and photograph the data plate for the visit. ### How soon does it need a visit? A dispenser that stops is a normal booking, sooner in a hotel or clinic that depends on it. Water leaking from it toward an outlet goes to the leaking water page first. ## The causes, cheapest first. 6 things ice dispenser not dispensing ice or water turns out to be, from ice fused into a block in the hopper to the ice-making part has stopped. [The cost guide](https://icemachinerepair.center/cost/) 1. 01 no repair ### Ice fused into a block in the hopper Ice held long without use, or in a warm room, melts and refreezes into a block the agitator cannot move. Switching it off and letting the block melt, as the manual shows, frees it. No repair: check it yourself 2. 02 lowest ### A closed supply valve or a blocked filter Water stops, and on many dispensers ice stops too. The valve is opened and the filter changed. [Fixed by ice machine water valve and filter repair](https://icemachinerepair.center/services/ice-machine-water-valve-and-filter-repair/) 3. 03 low to moderate ### Slime and scale in the chute or nozzle A chute clogged with film or a nozzle crusted with scale slows or stops the flow. They are taken apart and cleaned. [Fixed by ice machine cleaning and sanitizing](https://icemachinerepair.center/services/ice-machine-cleaning-and-sanitizing/) 4. 04 low to moderate ### A sensor, lever or push pad not registering An infrared sensor under film or a worn lever switch never tells the dispenser to run. It is cleaned or replaced. [Fixed by ice dispenser mechanism repair](https://icemachinerepair.center/services/ice-dispenser-mechanism-repair/) 5. 05 moderate ### A dispense motor, gear or chute door stopped The motor that turns the agitator or wheel, its gearbox or the chute door solenoid can wear out. The drive is tested and the worn part replaced. [Fixed by ice dispenser mechanism repair](https://icemachinerepair.center/services/ice-dispenser-mechanism-repair/) [On an ice and water dispenser](https://icemachinerepair.center/types/ice-dispenser-repair/) 6. 06 varies ### The ice-making part has stopped An empty hopper points back at ice production. That side follows the not-making-ice page. [Book a diagnostic visit](https://icemachinerepair.center/services/diagnostic-visit/) [See ice machine running but not making ice](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-not-making-ice/) ## What else it could be. Most often confused with ice machine running but not making ice, then slime or mold growing in the ice machine bin. [All problems](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/) Codes that come with it - [`E01` Blue Air · Harvest and freeze cycle](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/blue-air-e01/) - [`E02` Blue Air · Condenser and airflow](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/blue-air-e02/) - [`E03` Blue Air · Harvest and freeze cycle](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/blue-air-e03/) - [`E05` Blue Air · Water supply](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/blue-air-e05/) - [`E06` Blue Air · Sensors and bin control](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/blue-air-e06/) - [`E07` Blue Air · Control board and power](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/blue-air-e07/) [7 more codes, by make](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/) Also related - [**Ice Machine Error Code or Flashing Light: What It Is Telling You** 7 causes](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-error-code/) ### Ice Machine Running but Not Making Ice 6 causes ### Slime or Mold Growing in the Ice Machine Bin 6 causes Clear the area first ### Ice Machine Leaking Water Across the Floor or Under the Bin 6 causes ## The makes it happens on. 20 makes on this site; ice dispenser not dispensing ice or water can show up on any of them. Each mark opens that make's own page. [All 20 brands](https://icemachinerepair.center/brands/) ## Ice Dispenser Not Dispensing Ice or Water, where we come out. 9 metros, each with its own page. [All service areas](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/) [Tampa Bay](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/) FL · 31 areas - [Hyde Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/hyde-park/) - [Davis Islands](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/davis-islands/) - [Palma Ceia](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/palma-ceia/) - [Westchase](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/westchase/) - [Carrollwood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/carrollwood/) - [Belleair](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/belleair/) - [St. Pete Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/st-pete-beach/) - [Palm Harbor](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/palm-harbor/) [Orlando](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/) FL · 30 areas - [Winter Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/winter-park/) - [Windermere](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/windermere/) - [Dr. Phillips](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/dr-phillips/) - [Bay Hill](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/bay-hill/) - [Lake Nona](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/lake-nona/) - [Heathrow](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/heathrow/) - [Celebration](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/orlando/celebration/) [Miami / South Florida](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/) FL · 47 areas - [Brickell](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/brickell/) - [Coconut Grove](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/coconut-grove/) - [Coral Gables](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/coral-gables/) - [Pinecrest](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/pinecrest/) - [Key Biscayne](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/key-biscayne/) - [Aventura](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/aventura/) - [Sunny Isles Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/sunny-isles-beach/) - [Bal Harbour](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/bal-harbour/) - [Miami Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/miami-beach/) - [Golden Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/golden-beach/) - [Weston](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/weston/) - [Boca Raton](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/boca-raton/) - [Palm Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/south-florida/palm-beach/) [New York Metro](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/) NY · 75 areas - [Upper East Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-east-side/) - [Upper West Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-west-side/) - [Tribeca](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/tribeca/) - [SoHo](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/soho/) - [Greenwich Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/greenwich-village/) - [Battery Park City](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/battery-park-city/) - [Brooklyn Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/brooklyn-heights/) - [Park Slope](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/park-slope/) - [DUMBO](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/dumbo/) - [Forest Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/forest-hills/) - [Great Neck](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/great-neck/) - [Southampton](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/southampton/) - [Scarsdale](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/new-york/scarsdale/) [Houston](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/) TX · 36 areas - [River Oaks](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/river-oaks/) - [Memorial](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/memorial/) - [Tanglewood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/tanglewood/) - [Greater Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/greater-heights/) - [Kingwood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/kingwood/) - [Bellaire](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/bellaire/) - [Bunker Hill Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/bunker-hill-village/) - [Piney Point Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/piney-point-village/) - [Hunters Creek Village](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/hunters-creek-village/) - [Sugar Land](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/sugar-land/) - [Cinco Ranch](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/cinco-ranch/) - [The Woodlands](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/the-woodlands/) - [West University](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/houston/west-university/) [Chicago](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/) IL · 50 areas - [Lincoln Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lincoln-park/) - [Near North Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/near-north-side/) - [West Loop / Near West Side](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/west-loop-near-west-side/) - [Wilmette](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/wilmette/) - [Winnetka](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/winnetka/) - [Glencoe](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/glencoe/) - [River Forest](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/river-forest/) - [Oak Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/oak-park/) - [Hinsdale](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/hinsdale/) - [Lake Forest](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lake-forest/) - [Highland Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/highland-park/) - [Gold Coast](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/gold-coast/) - [Lakeview](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lakeview/) [Los Angeles](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/) CA · 95 areas - [Beverly Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/beverly-hills/) - [Bel Air](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/bel-air/) - [Holmby Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/holmby-hills/) - [Brentwood](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/brentwood/) - [Pacific Palisades](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/pacific-palisades/) - [Santa Monica](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/santa-monica/) - [Hancock Park](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/hancock-park/) - [Studio City](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/studio-city/) - [Calabasas](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/calabasas/) - [Manhattan Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/manhattan-beach/) - [Palos Verdes Estates](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/palos-verdes-estates/) - [Pasadena](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/pasadena/) - [San Marino](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/san-marino/) - [Malibu](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/malibu/) [San Diego](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/) CA · 31 areas - [La Jolla](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/la-jolla/) - [Carmel Valley](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/carmel-valley/) - [Point Loma](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/point-loma/) - [Del Mar](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/del-mar/) - [Rancho Santa Fe](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/rancho-santa-fe/) - [Coronado](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/coronado/) - [Encinitas](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/encinitas/) - [Solana Beach](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/san-diego/solana-beach/) [San Francisco Bay Area](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/) CA · 74 areas - [Pacific Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/pacific-heights/) - [Presidio Heights](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/presidio-heights/) - [Russian Hill](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/russian-hill/) - [Noe Valley](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/noe-valley/) - [Sea Cliff](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/sea-cliff/) - [Hillsborough](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/hillsborough/) - [Atherton](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/atherton/) - [Woodside](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/woodside/) - [Palo Alto](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/palo-alto/) - [Los Altos Hills](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/los-altos-hills/) - [Tiburon](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/tiburon/) - [Piedmont](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/piedmont/) - [Marina](https://icemachinerepair.center/locations/bay-area/marina/) For the heart of your home. ## Questions about ice dispenser not dispensing ice or water. ### Why does the ice dispenser hum but no ice comes out? The motor is trying to turn but the ice is fused into a block or the drive is jammed. Switch it off and let the block melt before trying again. ### The dispenser gives water but no ice. Where do we start? Look at the hopper. If it is empty, the ice-making side has stopped; if it is full, the dispense drive or its sensor is the likely cause. ### Can we clear a jammed chute with a knife or spoon? No. It can damage the chute door, the wheel or a sensor, and on a machine with the evaporator above, the tubing. Let the ice melt. ### How often should a hotel ice dispenser be cleaned? The maker's manual sets the interval and the steps. Dispensers in busy corridors often need their chutes and nozzles cleaned more often than that. --- **[Read on the site: Ice Dispenser Not Dispensing Ice or Water: Causes and Fixes](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-dispenser-not-dispensing/)** **[Book a visit with IceMachineRepair.center](https://icemachinerepair.center/schedule/)**