Manitowoc Water Pump Problems

Manitowoc water pumps are another commonly replaced item on an ice machine.  Over time they can either lock up or, as hard as it is to believe, gain strength.  What can happen is the pump will eventually increase in power, forcing water too fast through the distribution tube.

When water comes out of the distribution tube too fast, it does not allow the water to cascade down the evaporator, instead splashes over the water curtain. Ice will not form properly or efficiently when this happens, luckily there are 2 ways to fix this issue.

The first fix is to simply apply a clamp to the molded tubing running from the water pump to the distribution tube. This will slow the water flow and allow the water to exit the distribution tube properly. Another option is to simply replace the water pump.

Most Q Series Manitowoc ice makers and older use only 2 different pumps. There is a 115v water pump and a 208-230v water pump, that will work in most cases. If you have an S Series Manitowoc ice maker then your water pump will be different, depending on which model number you have. You can purchase both pumps for just $222.18 from IceMakerPartsShop.com


115v Water Pump - $222.18
208-230v Water Pump - $222.18

Ice Maker Season Is Almost Over

The commercial ice machine business is coming to a close.  Once school starts back up, it normally means a slow down in ice maker service calls and general equipment sales.  So, it becomes important to start focusing on preventative maintenance.

During the summer months it seems that everyone is too busy and simply puts quick fixes in place to keep the ice maker pumping out cubes.  Now is the time to catch up on those PMs and increase your familiarity with the commercial ice makers.  Thankfully there are a number of free tools available online to help with your knowledge of commercial ice machines.

For example, did you know that Manitowoc has online service classes for free? Anyone can signup and login and go through a brief course, split into many different categories. Each class is even automated to test the user at the end of the presentation.

In addition, there is literature available for download, for free. Service Technician Handbooks are available in PDF format, which can be placed on your smart phone. That way there is less of a reason to keep books on your service truck, since you have your phone with you everywhere. Also, having a service handbook in PDF format allows for quick electronic searches.

So, start stocking up on literature now, either in electronic form or by printing them out. This will help ensure you are more efficient next time you are in front of a commercial ice maker.

Welcome To Commercial Ice Talk

This blog was crated to facilitate an open discussion and go-to location for commercial ice machine preventative maintenance, tips, diagnosis, and deals on replacement parts and equipment.  Most major brands will be covered at one time or another on this website, such as Ice-O-Matic, Scotsman, Hoshizaki but the primary focus will be on the market leader, Manitowoc.

Each week will have at least one new post and theme.  Comments will remain open so that a discussion can take place and answers can be addressed.  If pertinent questions are brought up, they will be added to the original post, to help with reading search engine awareness.

Please feel free to suggest topics or questions.