ice maker is super loud, like a grinding or rattling noise, mostly when it's dropping ice into the basket.

Diagnosis

The grinding or rattling noise occurring during the harvest cycle is typically caused by "ice bridging" or mineral calcification on the evaporator pins. In the DUMOS 26lbs model, the ice is formed around small metal pins that must be mechanically pushed or twisted to release the bullet cubes. When mineral deposits (limescale) build up on these pins, the ice adheres too strongly to the metal. The motor then struggles to push the ejector arm, resulting in a loud, mechanical grinding sound as the gears strain against the frozen resistance.

Alternatively, the rattling sound often stems from the ice basket not being seated flush against the chassis. If the basket is slightly skewed or if ice has accumulated in the gap between the basket and the internal housing, the vibration from the harvest motor causes the plastic basket to chatter against the machine frame. You can confirm this by placing your hand on the side of the machine during the noise; if the vibration stops when you apply pressure to the basket, it is a seating issue. If the noise is a high-pitched metallic grind, it is an internal mechanical obstruction or scale buildup.

How to Fix It

To resolve mechanical grinding and clear mineral obstructions, follow these precise steps:

1. Power down the unit and unplug it from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shock during the cleaning process.
2. Remove the ice basket and the scoop. Empty all remaining ice from the reservoir.
3. Prepare a descaling solution using a 1:1 ratio of distilled white vinegar and warm water (approximately 110°F).
4. Fill the water reservoir to the "MAX" line with this solution. Do not exceed the max line, as this can cause overflow into the internal electronics.
5. Plug the unit back in and run one full ice-making cycle. Allow the machine to complete the "harvest" phase where the cubes drop.
6. Once the cycle finishes, drain the reservoir completely by removing the rubber drain plug located at the bottom of the unit. Let it drain for 2 minutes.
7. Fill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water and run two additional "rinse" cycles to remove any lingering vinegar scent.
8. Ensure the ice basket is pushed firmly into the slot until it clicks or sits completely flush against the interior walls.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for Foreign Objects: Use a flashlight to inspect the evaporator tray for any small pieces of plastic or hard mineral chunks that may have broken off. Use a soft-bristled nylon brush to gently scrub the metal pins. Never use a metal knife or screwdriver to pry ice off the pins, as this will puncture the refrigerant lines and permanently kill the unit.
• Level the Machine: Place a bubble level on top of the DUMOS unit. If the machine is tilted forward or to the side, the ejector arm may be hitting the ice at an improper angle, causing the rattling. Adjust the surface or use a shim to ensure the unit is perfectly level.
• Replace Water Source: If you are using hard tap water, the scale will return within a week. Switch to bottled or distilled water. If the grinding persists even with distilled water, the internal gear assembly may be worn, requiring a factory reset by leaving the unit unplugged for 24 hours to allow all internal ice pockets to melt completely.
• Basket Alignment Modification: If the rattling is strictly the basket vibrating, apply a small strip of food-grade silicone adhesive tape to the contact points where the basket meets the machine frame to dampen the vibration.

Heads Up

• Avoid Overfilling: Do not manually push ice down into the basket to make more room; this puts undue pressure on the ejector arm and can lead to the grinding noise you are experiencing.
• Weekly Maintenance: Perform the vinegar rinse every 14 days if you live in a hard-water area to prevent the "ice bridging" that causes motor strain.
• Temperature Control: Ensure the machine has at least 6 inches of ventilation space on all sides. If the unit overheats, the ice doesn't freeze uniformly, leading to irregular shapes that jam the harvest mechanism.
• Drainage: Always drain the reservoir before leaving the machine unused for more than 24 hours to prevent biofilm buildup and mineral sedimentation.