What the filter does
Most commercial ice machines in hotels, bars and canteens are fed through an inline cartridge that reduces sediment, chlorine taste and scale-forming minerals. In hard water areas of Gauteng and parts of the Western Cape, scale builds quickly on the evaporator plate and water distribution tube if the filter is spent. That slows the harvest cycle, produces thin or hollow cubes and can eventually stop the machine.
Signs the cartridge is overdue
- Ice looks cloudy or has a taste or smell
- Cubes come out smaller or hollow
- Harvest cycles take longer than normal
- White scale is visible on the evaporator or in the water trough
- Water flow to the machine is weak
Most cartridges are rated for six months or a set number of litres, whichever comes first. Busy bars may need a change every three to four months. Write the change date on the housing with a marker so the next person knows.
Changing it properly
Close the water supply valve and switch the machine off. Release pressure using the button on the filter head if there is one, then twist out the old cartridge. Fit the new cartridge, open the water slowly and flush the recommended amount of water to drain before reconnecting to the machine. This clears carbon fines that can make the first batch of ice grey.
Check the braided supply hose and the head O-ring at the same time. A perished O-ring is the usual cause of small leaks behind the machine.
Ordering the right spares
Cartridges are not all interchangeable. Look at the model on the filter head, not only the ice machine plate, and send us a photo of the head and the old cartridge. We dispatch from Midrand nationally, and many kitchens keep one spare cartridge and an O-ring kit on the shelf so the change happens on time instead of when the ice runs out.
