- Seen this play out more times than I can count. Folks think swapping an ice maker is just “plug and play,” but there’s always that one sneaky gasket or a missed clamp.
- Water damage is no joke—once it gets under the floor, you’re looking at mold, warped boards, and sometimes even subfloor replacement. That’s a whole different ballgame compared to just fixing the fridge.
- For reference, most of my service calls for ice maker installs or repairs run $150–$250, parts and labor included (assuming it’s a straightforward job). Compare that to $1k+ for new flooring if things go sideways... not exactly a fair trade.
- I get the urge to DIY—YouTube makes everything look easy. But those videos never show the “oops” moments or what happens when you drop a screw behind the compressor.
- Had a guy once who tried to save $80 on a valve kit. Ended up with water dripping into his basement for two weeks. Insurance didn’t cover it because it was “improper installation.” He wasn’t laughing.
- If you’re set on doing it yourself, double-check every seal and connection. And don’t skip the leak test—run a paper towel along every joint after you turn the water back on. If it comes up damp, something’s off.
- Not saying nobody should ever try their own repairs, but sometimes paying for peace of mind is worth it. Plus, you get to keep your floors dry... and your spouse happy.
Honestly, sometimes the “cheap” fix ends up being the most expensive lesson.
