Sub-Zero UC-15I Undercounter Ice Machine: Maintenance and Cleaning

ICE MAKER CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the Sub-Zero UC-15I Undercounter Ice Machine, performed at least every six months, is crucial for maintaining its reliability, enhancing performance, and optimizing water and power consumption.

NOTES:

• Water conditions may necessitate more frequent cleaning of the ice-making section, similar to how carpets and pets require more frequent cleaning of the condenser.
• For optimal operation, Sub-Zero recommends an annual cleaning by a qualified service technician, involving partial disassembly for a more thorough cleaning and sanitizing.

RECOMMENDED CLEANING / MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

* Poor water quality may require more frequent cleaning, sanitizing, and water filter replacements.

Cleaning the Exterior

To clean the exterior, use a mild soap and warm water on a sponge. This will remove dust and dirt, including the door and door gasket. Wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth. For stainless steel surfaces, use cleaners specifically designed for stainless steel. Avoid using plain steel wool or abrasive pads, as they can scratch the panels.

Cleaning the Condenser

The condenser is located on the right side of the compressor area, behind the kickplate. It resembles a car radiator. To clean the condenser:

WARNING: DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE ICE MACHINE AT THE ELECTRICAL SERVICE SWITCHES BEFORE CLEANING THE CONDENSER.

1. Extract the four bolts holding the kickplate and pull it forward. Clean the kickplate openings before replacing.
2. Using a brush attachment, vacuum the face of the condenser while moving the brush up and down. (See Figure 4-1: Condenser Cleaning)

CAUTION: Do not bend the metal fins of the condenser, as this will restrict airflow and may cause mechanical failure of the ice maker.

3. After cleaning the condenser, reattach the kickplate with the mounting bolts.

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Interior

An in-place cleaning and sanitizing procedure should be performed every six months.

CAUTION: Damage to the ice machine caused by incorrect chemical usage is not covered by the warranty. Use only Sub-Zero approved ice machine cleaner (part #7013400) and sanitizer (part #7013401).

In Place Cleaning / Sanitizing

This procedure allows for semi-annual in-place cleaning and sanitizing of the interior. Frequent cleaning intervals may be necessary depending on the home's potable water supply quality.

Use ice machine cleaner (#7013400) to remove lime scale or other mineral deposits. Use ice machine sanitizer (#7013401) to disinfect and remove algae and slime.

WARNING: WEAR RUBBER GLOVES AND SAFETY GOGGLES (AND/OR FACE SHIELD) WHEN HANDLING ICE MACHINE CLEANER OR SANITIZER.

NOTE: Before beginning, remove all ice from the bin.

Cleaning Cycle:

1. Prepare 4 oz (118 ml) of undiluted ice machine cleaner (7013400) in a container that fits under the lifted paddles. (See Figure 4-4: Pour Cleaner Into Spray Area)
2. Press the CLEAN button. The ice machine will initiate a 2-minute harvest cycle to remove any remaining ice. Remove this ice from the bin.
3. Wait 3 minutes until the CLEAN light flashes (See Figure 4-3: Clean Light Flashes = Add Cleaner), then add the prepared cleaner by lifting the water paddles and pouring directly into the spray area. (See Figure 4-4) The ice machine will automatically run a 10-minute cleaning cycle followed by 8 rinse cycles, then stop. The CLEAN light will switch off when the cycle is complete (approximately 30 minutes total).

Sanitizing Cycle:

4. Prepare 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of undiluted ice machine sanitizer (7013401) in a container that fits under the lifted paddles. (See Figure 4-7: Pour Cleaner Into Spray Area)
5. Press the CLEAN button again to start the sanitize cycle. (See Figure 4-5: Start Sanitize Cycle, Press "CLEAN")
6. Wait 3 minutes until the CLEAN light flashes (See Figure 4-6: Clean Light Flashes = Add Sanitizer), then add the prepared sanitizer by lifting the water paddles and pouring directly into the spray area. (See Figure 4-7) The ice machine will automatically run a 10-minute sanitize cycle followed by 8 rinse cycles, then stop. The CLEAN light will switch off when the cycle is complete (approximately 30 minutes total).

NOTE: The ice machine will resume its previous operational state after the clean cycle. If it was making ice, it will resume making ice; if it was off, it will remain off.

Disassembly Cleaning / Sanitizing

This procedure should be performed by a qualified service technician as it involves disassembly of the ice machine for a more thorough cleaning and sanitizing.

1. Perform an in-place cleaning as described on page 4-3. The clean cycle takes about 30 minutes. After the clean cycle is complete, disconnect power to the unit and switch off the water supply.

WARNING: DISCONNECT ELECTRIC POWER TO THE ICE MACHINE BEFORE PROCEEDING.

2. Mix 16 oz (473 ml) of undiluted ice machine cleaner (7013400) with 2 gallons (7.6 liters) of warm water.

NOTE: This mixture can be divided into two equal batches. Halving the ingredients and mixing them in separate vessels may be helpful.

WARNING: WEAR RUBBER GLOVES AND SAFETY GOGGLES (AND/OR FACE SHIELD) WHEN HANDLING ICE MACHINE CLEANER OR SANITIZER.

CAUTION: Do not mix Cleaner and Sanitizer solutions together. This is a violation of Federal law.

3. After removing parts as described in "Removal of Parts for Cleaning and Sanitizing," take components to a sink. Use half of the cleaner/water mixture to clean all components. The cleaner solution will foam on contact with lime scale and mineral deposits. Once foaming stops, use a soft-bristle nylon brush, sponge, or cloth (NOT a wire brush) to clean the parts. Disassemble the spray bar, remove nozzles and inserts, and soak for 5 minutes. For heavily scaled parts, soak for 15-20 minutes. Rinse all components with clean water.
4. While components are soaking, use the other half of the cleaner/water solution and a nylon brush or cloth to clean the inside of the ice bin. Clean the inside of the door, door gasket, bin, top of the evaporator, and evaporator bucket. Rinse all areas thoroughly with clean water.

CAUTION: Do not immerse the water pump motor in the cleaning or sanitizing solution.

5. Mix 1 oz (30 ml) sanitizer with 2 gallons (7.6 liters) of warm water.

NOTE: This mixture can be divided into two equal batches. Halving the ingredients and mixing them in separate vessels may be helpful.

WARNING: WEAR RUBBER GLOVES AND SAFETY GOGGLES (AND/OR FACE SHIELD) WHEN HANDLING ICE MACHINE CLEANER OR SANITIZER.

CAUTION: Do not mix Cleaner and Sanitizer solutions together. This is a violation of Federal law.

6. Use half of the sanitizer/water mixture to sanitize all removed components. Apply the solution liberally to all surfaces with a cloth or sponge, or soak the parts. Rinsing is not required.
7. Use the other half of the sanitizer/water solution and a sponge or cloth to sanitize the inside of the ice bin. Sanitize the inside of the door, door gasket, bin, top of the evaporator, and evaporator bucket. Rinsing is not required.
8. Replace all removed components.
9. Reapply power and water supply to the ice machine. Perform an in-place sanitizing as described on page 4-3.

REMOVAL OF PARTS FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING

Removal of parts for annual cleaning and sanitizing should be performed by a qualified service technician. Before removing components, perform an in-place cleaning as described on page 4-3. The clean cycle takes about 30 minutes. After the clean cycle, disconnect power and water supply. Read the Disassembly Cleaning / Sanitizing procedure on page 4-4.

WARNING: DISCONNECT ELECTRIC POWER TO THE ICE MACHINE BEFORE PROCEEDING.

Top Cover Removal

To remove the top cover (See Figure 4-8):

1. Extract the two screws along the back of the cover.
2. Lift the back edge of the top cover up slightly.
3. Pull the top cover towards the rear of the unit until the retaining clips at the front disengage, then lift it off.

Splash Shield Removal

The splash shield is held by the same screw that secures the control box cover. To remove the splash shield, first remove the top cover, then extract the screw and lift the splash shield straight up (See Figure 4-9).

Water Shutter Assembly Removal

The water shutter assembly (evaporator cover, water paddles, and paddle rod) is designed to prevent spraying water from escaping the evaporator/spray bar enclosure. A steel rod supporting the water shutters sits in grooves molded into the evaporator cover.

To remove the water shutter assembly, the top cover must be removed first. Then (See Figure 4-10):

1. Reach into the bin area and pull the evaporator/spray bar enclosure forward approximately 1/2" (13 mm).
2. Grasp both ends of the evaporator cover and lift the assembly straight up.
3. The rod and paddles can now be pulled from the grooves in the evaporator cover.

Ice Chute Removal

The ice chute is positioned over the spray nozzles, allowing ice to fall into the bin. To remove the ice chute, grab the protruding spray hole on one end, lift up, and pull forward out of the evaporator/spray bar enclosure (See Figure 4-11).

NOTE: When reinstalling the ice chute, ensure it is firmly positioned over the spray bar, with the front edge inside the water trough. Align spray nozzles with spray holes to prevent water from falling into the bin.

Water Trough Drain Tube and Standpipe/Overflow Tube Removal

To remove the drain tube and overflow tube (See Figure 4-12):

1. At the top of the drain tube, disengage the tube clamp teeth and remove the clamp from the tube and water trough nipple.
2. Pull the drain tube up out of the bin drain.
3. Pull the drain tube and standpipe/overflow tube down out of the water trough (water in the trough will drain into the bin).
4. Remove the standpipe/overflow tube from the drain tube by pulling.

Water Trough Removal

To remove the water trough (See Figure 4-13):

1. Depress the tabs on the right and left side of the water trough.
2. Allow the front of the trough to drop as you pull forward to disengage the rear pins, then pull from the bin.

Spray Bar Assembly Removal and Disassembly

To remove the spray bar assembly, the ice chute and water trough must be removed first (See Figure 4-14).

1. At the water pump outlet, disengage the tube clamp teeth and remove the clamp from the tube and pump outlet, then pull the tube up off the pump outlet.
2. Lift the spray bar assembly up and pull forward out of the evaporator/spray bar enclosure.
3. With the spray bar assembly removed, disengage the clamp from the tube at the spray bar inlet, then pull the tube from the spray bar.
4. Unscrew the water nozzles from the spray bar.
5. Pull the nozzle inserts out from the spray bar outlets.

NOTES:

• The spray bar also disassembles for easy cleaning.
• When reassembling, apply food-grade lubricant to spray bar components as necessary.

Water Pump Removal

To remove the water pump, first remove the ice chute, water trough, and spray bar assembly (See Figure 4-15).

1. From inside the ice bin, extract the mounting screw and eccentric washer securing the water pump to the upper bin liner.
2. Grasp the pump and pull straight down until the water pump disengages and the electrical connector is visible. Disconnect the electrical leads.
3. Extract the grounding screw and wire from the top of the pump, then pull the pump from the bin.

CAUTION: Do not immerse the water pump motor in the cleaning or sanitizing solution.

REMOVAL FROM SERVICE/ LONG TERM STORAGE / WINTERIZATION

Special precautions must be taken if the ice machine is to be switched off for an extended period or exposed to ambient temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or below.

Follow the procedure below:

1. To prevent mildew growth, perform an in-place cleaning and sanitizing as described on page 4-3.
2. Disconnect the electric power at the circuit breaker or electric service switch.
3. Turn off the water supply.
4. Remove the water from the water trough.
5. Disconnect and drain the incoming ice-making water line at the rear of the ice machine.
6. Disconnect the vinyl hose from the water pump and allow it to drain.
7. Ensure no water is trapped in any water or drain lines. Compressed air can be used to blow out the lines.
8. Mix 0.5 oz (15 ml) of undiluted ice machine sanitizer (7013401) with 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of warm water.
9. Put the sanitizer solution into a spray bottle and spray all interior surfaces. Do NOT rinse; allow to air dry.
10. Block the door partially open to provide air exchange and prevent mildew growth.

CAUTION: If water is allowed to remain in the ice machine in freezing temperatures, severe damage to some components could result. Damage of this nature is not covered by the warranty.

WATER FILTER REPLACEMENT

The incoming water does not need to be turned off to replace the water filter. Follow the procedure below (See Figure 4-16).

1. To remove, turn the filter 1/4 turn counterclockwise, and it will pop out.
2. To install, push the filter in while turning clockwise.

ADJUSTMENTS

There are two settings that may be adjusted:

• Cube Weight
• Bin Ice Level

Cube Weight Check and Adjustment

The cube weight can be increased by adjusting the freeze cycle finish time from the factory setting (See Figure 4-17).

To check for additional finish time (See Figure 4-18):

1. Press and hold the POWER button for five (5) seconds.
2. Count the flashes on the ICE light. The light will flash once for each additional minute of freeze cycle time.

To adjust finishing time (See Figure 4-19):

1. Press and hold the POWER button.
2. Press and release the CLEAN button once for each additional minute of freeze cycle time desired.
3. Adjust in one (1) minute increments. Allow the ice machine to run several freeze/harvest cycles, then inspect the ice cubes. If a heavier cube weight is desired, add another minute of freeze time by repeating the process.

NOTE: Five minutes is the maximum additional finish time that can be added. Pressing the CLEAN button 6 times will reset the finishing time to zero (0) additional minutes.

Testing and Adjusting Bin Thermostat

The bin thermostat stops ice production when the bin is full, with ice touching the bin thermostat tube (See Figure 4-20).

The thermostat is functioning correctly if, when three ice cubes are placed on the thermostat tube for 5 minutes, the ice machine stops. The ice machine should restart 5 minutes after the cubes are removed.

If ice production stops before the bin is full or continues after the bin is full, the bin thermostat can be adjusted as follows (See Figure 4-21):

1. Extract the four bolts holding the kickplate and pull it forward.
2. Turn the thermostat adjustment screw counterclockwise to decrease the level of ice; turn clockwise to increase the level of ice.
3. Reassemble the kickplate.