Even well-maintained slush machines can occasionally need troubleshooting. This guide will help you quickly identify common issues, understand likely causes and apply practical fixes — keeping downtime low and drinks flowing.
Symptoms: Liquid dripping from taps, rear tanks or sitting beneath the machine.
Common Causes:
Loose or worn seals/gaskets
Tap seals not in placed correctly
Residue build-up interfering with valve closure
How to Fix:
Inspect all the seals: tap seal, rear tank gasket seal and shaft seal
Replace any worn parts as needed
Maintenance Tip: Replace seals annually to maintain optimal performance.
Symptoms: Machine runs but mix doesn’t freeze properly; liquid remains too soft.
Common Causes:
Blocked airflow due to dust or obstruction around vents
Incorrect syrup-to-water ratio
Machine placed in a hot or poorly ventilated area
Condenser buildup preventing effective cooling
How to Fix:
Ensure at least 15 cm of clearance around the machine for airflow
Clean vents and condenser with a soft brush or vacuum weekly
Check the mix ratio — aim for manufacturer’s recommended dilution
Move the machine to a cooler, well-ventilated spot
Pro Tip: If freezing intermittently, check that the ambient room temperature isn’t too high — extreme heat can reduce cooling efficiency.
Symptoms: Slush freezes solid in tank, spiral not moving, unusual motor noise.
Common Causes:
Snapped or damaged plastic spiral (auger)
Broken or worn drive shaft
Faulty gear motor
Obstruction inside tank
How to Check:
Turn off and unplug the machine.
Empty the slush tank and remove.
Slide off and inspect the spiral for cracks or snapping.
Check if the drive shaft steel rod is rotating
Solution:
Replace snapped spiral or damaged drive components.
If the motor hums but does not turn, the gear motor may need replacing.
Contact technical support if unsure.
⚠️ Running a machine with a non-rotating agitator can cause the mix to freeze solid and may damage internal components.
Symptoms: Slush is icy, solid or difficult to dispense.
Common Causes:
Too much freezing; low syrup level in tanks
How to Fix:
Rebalance your mix with a slightly higher syrup ratio
Use fresh syrup and ensure it’s mixed thoroughly
Quick Test: A well-balanced slush should be thick yet pourable and easily dispensed.
Sounds: Clicking, knocking, humming or gurgling.
Common Causes:
Normal compressor cycling (especially in warm conditions)
Congested condenser or fan airflow
Low refrigerant (rare in newer machines)
How to Fix:
Confirm the noise is a regular cycling sound — this is normal
Clean the condenser region and ensure airflow isn’t blocked
If noises persist, contact a certified technician
Note: Knocking when freezing starts or stops is often due to thermal expansion; this is standard and not harmful.
Symptoms: Machine feels extremely hot; trips breakers or stops intermittently.
Common Causes:
Restricted airflow around the condenser
Placed too close to walls or other heat sources
Faulty internal fan
How to Fix:
Keep machines at least 15–20 cm from walls
Avoid placing near ovens or direct sunlight
Check fan operation and clean vents
Weekly Clean: Always clean tanks, lids, agitators and drip trays
Condenser Care: Remove dust and debris regularly
Seal Check: Inspect and lubricate seals each month
Placement: Ensure the machine has plenty of space for air circulation
Record Keeping: Maintain a service log for parts replaced and cleaning done
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, or if the problem is electrical, refrigerant-related, or persistent, contact us immediately. Professional service and on-site support ensures your slush machine continues delivering quality drinks with minimal disruption.
