HOUSTON ICE MAKER INSTALLATION
Take Your Houston Kitchen to the Next Level
Few things are worse than realizing you forgot to make or buy ice just before guests arrive at your home. No one likes dealing with the messiness and time-consuming nature of making ice in small batches via ice trays or the expense and inconvenience of purchasing large, cumbersome bags from a grocery store. Newer homes tend to incorporate ice makers into their kitchens, but this amenity could be yours even if you have an older home.
Our Houston ice maker installation experts at Santhoff Plumbing can upgrade your kitchen and ensure you have a steady supply of crushed or cubed ice to enjoy whenever you need it. Our technicians have over 40 years of experience and can efficiently carry out the installation process with as little disruption to your home as possible. Our family-owned and -operated plumbing company is also available to assist with all of your kitchen plumbing needs, and our satisfaction guarantee means you can always count on us for quality, dependable service.
Ready to take the plunge and enjoy the benefits of an ice maker? Call (713) 665-4997 or contact us online to request a service appointment today.
How Do Ice Makers Work?
Without an ice maker, you will need to buy ice from a store or freeze water yourself using trays. An ice maker is a machine specifically built to provide you with fresh ice on demand. Utilizing the simple principles of refrigeration, an ice maker takes water from a designated source, freezes it into cubes, then stores them until needed.
To begin the process, water is drawn from a designated source into the ice maker’s reservoir, where it is frozen by coils containing refrigerant. As the water begins to freeze, small blades scrape along the inside walls of the ice trays to separate individual cubes. Once these cubes reach their desired size, they are automatically dropped into a storage bin below. The entire freezing process usually takes about 90 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes and the amount of water used.
The most important part of any ice maker is its ability to keep the temperature inside cold enough to ensure crispness and prevent bacteria or other contaminants from spoiling the ice. Evaporator fans, condenser coils, and other specialized cooling mechanisms achieve this by working to maintain optimal temperatures within the interior environment at all times. This ensures you receive fresh, clean ice whenever you request it.
Some ice maker models may also include additional features like self-cleaning functions. Our Houston ice maker installation experts can help you find the model that best suits your home and budget and walk you through how the unit will be integrated into your existing kitchen.
BENEFITS OF INSTALLING AN ICE MAKER
Many occasions, including social functions, call for beverages made better by fresh ice. You should not ever have to worry about whether you have ice or how you will get it. With a properly installed ice maker, ice is always waiting for you.
Some of the key benefits of installing an ice maker in your kitchen include:
- Ice makers produce ice fast. You cannot get ice instantaneously when you freeze water in an ice tray. Even in ideal circumstances, it will take you anywhere between three and four hours for water to freeze in your kitchen’s freezer. That means you will be out of luck if you forgot to put in ice trays the night before a house party, game night, or barbecue. These worries vanish when you install an ice maker. The typical ice maker can produce ice in approximately 90 minutes, though your unit should be working continuously to have ice ready when you need it.
- Ice makers can store a significant amount of ice. Chances are you only have one or two ice trays. Even if you have more, only so many can fit in your freezer. This means that, without an ice maker, you will only have a limited amount of ice at any given time, even with proper preparation. You could buy large quantities of ice from a store, but why continue to pay that expense when a better solution is available? The average ice maker can store between five and ten pounds of ice cubes at any time, and the unit will reinitiate the production process when ice is dispensed, giving you a continuous, uninterrupted supply that requires little to no action on your part.
- Ice makers keep your ice clean. Ice made from trays can become contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants if it is not handled and stored correctly. If the ice tray is left exposed to room temperatures, for example, moisture or condensation can build up on the cubes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Additionally, airborne particles, dust, and dirt can settle onto the cubes and trays, making them less safe to consume. Conversely, ice makers use special cooling mechanisms like evaporator fans and condenser coils to help keep the temperature inside cold, which stops bacteria and other contaminants from spoiling the ice.
HOW WE INSTALL ICE MAKERS
Installing an ice maker safely and correctly requires the expertise of a professional plumber. After helping you select the right ice maker model for your home, one of our technicians will perform a comprehensive inspection to ensure the kitchen area is ready for installation and that all pertinent components, such as water lines, valves, and wiring, are in good condition. We will then attach the supply line to the existing water line and connect it to the ice maker’s inlet valve.
Next, we will verify that the power source is connected correctly to ensure safety during operation. A corded ice maker must be hooked up to a three-prong outlet with proper grounding according to local codes and regulations. We will also check that all connections have been securely tightened before testing and using the device.
Once everything has been safely installed and tested, our Houston ice maker installation experts can provide peace of mind by reviewing proper maintenance techniques for your new appliance. This will include information on when to change out filters, clean out drains, and sanitize the storage bin or tray. Our team at Santhoff Plumbing will also be here to assist you if you encounter any issues with your ice maker down the line.
Never worry about where you will get your ice again. Contact us online or call (713) 665-4997 if you are ready to install an ice maker in your home. Payment plans are available.