If the ice produced by your ice machine smells bad or has an unusual flavor, consider checking the water filters and the quality of the water supply. Ice is not only used to chill soft drinks and beverages but also to add some melting water to improve flavor without pouring in too much liquid. So the ice must taste good.
Most ice machine manufacturers recommend using filtered water to make ice because unfiltered, hard water contains scale deposits and minerals which produce cloudy ice if not removed. These particles can also accumulate inside your ice maker and prevent it from working optimally.
Commercial facilities should use the right water filter to get the best water quality for ice production. The more water is purified, the better it tastes. This guide will further discuss the importance of using filtered water for your ice machine.
Water Contains Hard Minerals
Hard minerals are mineral ions attached to the molecules of water. Water hardness is generally caused by several minerals and metal ions such as magnesium, calcium, barium, zinc, iron, aluminum, and manganese.
The concentration of hard minerals present in your facility’s water supply may vary based on your location and the environment around the source of water supply. Magnesium and calcium compounds are the most common dissolved minerals contributing to water hardness.
It’s better to have your water supply tested for mineral content and organic material such as sodium, iron, and chlorine. Excess chlorine makes ice taste like swimming pool water, while excess iron attracts bacteria, and excess sodium leads to calcium and magnesium buildup in ice, making it cloudy.
Problems With Hard Minerals
Hard minerals impact your ice machine’s lifespan and efficiency over time. When hard water is evaporated or heated, it causes scaling – leaving behind mineral deposits. Scaling can damage any appliance and surface that comes into contact with hard water.
If your water supply contains only a small amount of dissolved minerals, the buildup effect will be much slower. As a result, your ice maker may produce less ice or work harder for ice production. On the other hand, a higher amount of minerals in your water supply means the buildup will occur more quickly. The speed at which water hardness damages your ice maker depends on its mineral content.
Water filtration and regular descaling are solutions to mitigate the effects of mineral deposits in the ice machine. Water filters reduce the content of minerals in water and ensure that the machine runs efficiently. If the hardness is greater, you must have your ice machine descaled more frequently.
Filtering Ice Machine Water Supply
To filter your ice machine’s water supply and determine its hardness, begin with a water test. This method will help you choose an effective solution for water filtration. Some ice makers have specific water filtration needs. You must ensure that water flowing to your ice maker is appropriately conductive (the water’s ability to pass electric current).
Some filtration methods eliminate hard minerals and salts so that water is no longer conducive. Check your ice maker’s documentation to determine whether it requires a minimum conductivity level for filtered water. The next step is to ensure that the equipment has a suitable filtration system for water production at those levels.
Filtration System
To ensure that your ice machine produces ice that tastes good, use a filtration system that can capture a variety of contaminants. This ensures that the substances changing the flavor of ice are removed.
Reverse osmosis systems are often used along with other common methods of eliminating hard minerals from water. For example, the ion-exchange system is used to soften the water supply to your facility.
Water Filter Installation and Replacement
Every ice machine features a waterline interrupted by the water filter that connects to the machine. Commercial ice makers use larger filters that require more complicated installation techniques.
The water supply to your ice maker is filtered by carbon that removes chloramines. If the carbon filter isn’t changed regularly, the filter can worsen ice production. Carbon filters installed in a high-volume ice maker must be replaced every six months.
The lifespan of an ice machine water filter varies depending on its type and the type of appliance it’s installed in. Most of them last for six to twelve months. Water filters for commercial ice machines can be costly.
Choosing the Right Water Filters for Your Commercial Ice Machine
At LA Ice Machine, our commercial ice machine rental programs include water filters, an ice bin or dispenser, and an ice machine. These items are included at a small, fixed monthly fee. All our rental programs start as low as $134.99 per month.
Our rental programs help commercial facilities and business startups reduce their upfront costs. If your commercial ice machine breaks down, our technicians can handle all kinds of repairs. They’re trained to work with all makes and models of commercial ice machines while staying compliant with general safety guidelines.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable commercial ice machine rental program for your hotel, corporate office, restaurant, hotel, or health care facility, our services are tailored to meet your needs. For more information, contact us through our website.
laicemachinellc
