Follett LO WATER

What does Follett LO WATER mean?

The Horizon icemaker controls reservoir water level with feed solenoid and level sensors. If water is not detected at the normal low sensor within 120 seconds during operation, a soft LO WATER error stops the machine while the feed solenoid stays energized; it clears automatically when water returns. A hard LO WATER error occurs if water is absent at the bottom reservoir sensor within 60 seconds of power-up or the sensors are disconnected or damaged.

Symptoms

• Machine stops making ice with the LO WATER condition active.
• Soft fault: water feed solenoid remains energized while the machine is shut down.
• Machine will not start if water is not present at the lowest reservoir sensor.
• On 7 and 15 Series dispensers the Low water LED lights for insufficient supply or no low-bin LED at startup.

Common causes

• Water supply shut off or restricted to a running machine.
• Water not reaching the normal low sensor within 120 seconds (soft error).
• No water at the bottom reservoir sensor within 60 seconds of power-up (hard error).
• Reservoir level sensors disconnected or damaged (hard error).
• Water total dissolved solids below 10 ppm, which can prevent the conductivity-based sensors from reading level.
• Clogged inlet, feed solenoid or filter restricting fill.

Diagnostic steps

1. 01

   Confirm water supply

   Verify the inlet supply is on and within the specified pressure range, since shutting water off to a running machine triggers a soft LO WATER error.

2. 02

   Check whether it is soft or hard

   A soft error clears automatically once water refills to the normal low sensor. A hard error at power-up points to no water at the bottom sensor or to a sensor problem.

3. 03

   Inspect the reservoir level sensors

   Check that the level-sensing rods are connected and undamaged; the manual states a hard error occurs if the sensors are disconnected or damaged.

4. 04

   Verify water conductivity

   Confirm dissolved-solids content is above 10 ppm; the manual notes the conductivity-based level control will not function properly below that, including on reverse-osmosis water.

5. 05

   Check fill path

   Inspect the inlet, water filter and feed solenoid for restriction or failure that would keep water from reaching the normal low sensor within the timeout.

When to call a professional

Verifying reservoir sensor wiring, feed-solenoid operation and water conductivity requires working inside the icemaker near electrical components and water. Follett warns not to operate with the cover removed and to disconnect power before servicing. If the fault is a hard LO WATER at power-up, points to damaged or disconnected level sensors, or persists after confirming supply, have a Follett-authorized service technician diagnose the sensing circuit and solenoid.