4 common refrigerator problems and how to fix them
If your refrigerator constantly leaking water or making noises, you may wonder if it’s time to replace it. Or if the ice machine not working or frost develops, you may think it’s time to call a repairman. Regardless of your specific problem, don’t panic yet. Sometimes a good, thorough cleaning or temperature setting is sufficient.
We will share with you the reasons behind some of the most common refrigerator problems and how to fix them even if you don’t know how a refrigerator works. These simple solutions can save you a lot of money. And there’s no need to buy a bunch of new tools, most of these solutions don’t require any tools at all. Here’s what you need to fix the problems yourself. This article is updated periodically.
It’s always running
An efficient refrigerator should not run all the time. A refrigerator that does that not only makes a lot of noise, it can also take a big bite out of your wallet. Refrigerators are already one of the most energy-intensive household appliances. If you leave your refrigerator running non-stop, your energy bill can skyrocket.
Cause 1: One of the most common causes of a refrigerator running too often (or worse, constantly) is a buildup of dirt and dust around the condenser coils. It is especially common if you live in a dusty area or have multiple pets.
To repair: First unplug the refrigerator from the wall socket. On most refrigerators, the condenser coils are located at the very bottom and are usually accessible from the front or back. (Some newer models have internal coils, however.) To access the coils, locate the grille and remove it by loosening the snaps that hold it in place, or by unscrewing it if it is screwed on. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the grille. most of the construction. If a lot of dirt remains, use a brush or cloth to gently remove the remaining dirt. Replace the grille and restore power to the refrigerator.
Cause 2: If you set the refrigerator temperature too low, your refrigerator will work overtime and some of your food may freeze and spoil.
To repair: Normally you want your refrigerator set to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 and 4.4 degrees Celsius). Place a thermometer in a glass of water, place the glass on the middle shelf of the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 8 hours. Regularly adjust the temperature setting of your refrigerator so that it slowly reaches the desired temperature. If this does not solve the problem, consult a professional. There may be a defective part, such as a condenser, thermostat sensor or fan motor.
Water is leaking
Water pooling under your refrigerator is never a good sign, but it is also quite common and can usually be resolved relatively easily. Water leakage is usually the result of one of two problems.
Cause 1: A clogged defrost drain is one of the most common causes. This happens when food particles or other debris clog the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and eventually water leaking from the freezer and refrigerator.
To repair: First try flushing the drain from the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or straightened coat hanger to forcefully remove the clog. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to manually remove the debris clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.
Pull your refrigerator out from the wall and locate the defrost drain hose in the service panel at the bottom rear. This hose should have a rubber check valve, which helps regulate humidity and is known for trapping dirt and clogs. Clean the valve with hot, soapy water and reinstall the valve.
Cause 2: From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to pool under the refrigerator. It also affects the ice production of the ice maker and slows or stops the flow of water from the dispenser.
To repair: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shutoff valve, usually under the sink, behind the refrigerator, or under the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed and look for any leaks, kinks or blockages in the plastic supply line.
If there is a break or crack in the pipe, replace the water supply pipe. Typically, this line is a nylon tube with threaded compression fittings at both ends. You can find DIY water pipe kits for sale at your company local hardware store ($10). They are easy to connect, although you may need to have a key at hand. You shouldn’t over-tighten the fittings, so you don’t need as much force.
If the water line is intact but you see a clear clog, ice is the culprit. Simply leave the refrigerator unplugged for about 2 hours to clear the blockage. If the clog is anything but clear, consult a professional before attempting to remove it. Once the line has thawed, plug the refrigerator back in and push it back against the wall.
Check this out: Keep these foods in the refrigerator (even if they don’t kill you)
Lots of freezing ice formation
If the inside of your freezer looks like the Arctic tundra, something is seriously wrong. There are a few possible causes of frost growth in your freezer and some quick fixes.
Cause 1: Leaving the freezer door open for too long can cause the humidity in the freezer to rise, which can lead to frost and ice formation.
To repair: Of course, try not to leave the freezer door open longer than necessary. Try opening the freezer or refrigerator door and see if it closes on its own; if not, this may be the cause of the frost. To fix this, pull the refrigerator out from the wall and have someone lean the refrigerator back far enough so you can reach the two front feet. (Don’t try this alone!)
Unscrew both feet a few turns. This ensures that the doors close automatically and that the water drains properly from the freezer and refrigerator. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a faulty defrost timer that will require a professional. But first check the following two other things.
Cause 2: A defective seal can also lead to unwanted frost.
To repair: First try cleaning the seal around the inside of the freezer door with warm water, soap and a washcloth. Use a towel to dry the seal and surrounding areas and close the freezer. If this doesn’t work, try installing a new gasket. Major device manufacturers such as GE And Hot tubfor example, sell replacement parts directly, including refrigerator gaskets. Don’t forget to have your model number handy. That will help you track down the specific gasket for your particular refrigerator.
To replace a new gasket, start by unplugging the refrigerator. Then remove any frozen perishables and place them in a cooler. Lift the edge of the old gasket and use a screwdriver to remove all the screws. Once the old gasket is removed, align the new gasket and screw it into place. Place all food back in the freezer and plug the refrigerator back in.
Cause 3: Too many items resting against the back wall of the freezer can block airflow, which can lead to ice buildup.
To repair: Clear away food packages that are too close to the back wall of the freezer or blocking the freezer vents.
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Refrigerator ice makers are useful, but can cause problems.
The ice maker is not working
So you waited and waited, but your refrigerator ice maker does not deliver the goods. You may not see any ice cubes at all, or the ice may be too small or even hollow. No matter the scenario, here are a few solutions you can try.
Cause 1: A blockage in the water pipe restricts the water flow. A blockage is probably caused by ice in the water connection. A kinked water pipe can cause the same problem.
To repair: In the case of a frozen water pipe instead of a kink in the pipe, first shut off the water supply with the shut-off valve. This is usually located behind the refrigerator or under the counter. One way to remove the clog is to manually thaw the water line. Do this by disconnecting the power supply from the refrigerator. After a few hours, the ice causing the blockage should melt away. A faster method is to use the heat of a hair dryer, or spray it with a turkey baster filled with hot water.
Cause 2: A trip arm is in the wrong position. Many refrigerator ice makers have a shut-off arm designed to stop ice production when the storage bin is full, and sometimes they get stuck in the off position.
To repair: Make sure the trip arm is not engaged. If the arm is frozen in place, remove the ice storage bin first. Then melt any ice deposits with a little hot water. Quickly wipe away excess moisture with a clean tea towel.
Cause 3: Some refrigerators also have sensors that detect the presence of the ice bin. Over time, ice buildup between the container and the wall of the freezer can cause the container to become unbalanced, triggering this sensor. When that happens, the refrigerator thinks you’ve removed the bucket and stops making ice.
To repair: Remove the storage container and allow it to thaw for a few hours. In the meantime, melt away any ice around the baking sensor with a small amount of hot water. Use a clean towel to remove any remaining water. Put the trash can back in place and you should be good to go.
Don’t cart away your refrigerator just yet. Maybe you can get it working properly again.
Cool it down, your refrigerator might be fine
Hopefully these simple steps have resolved your refrigerator problems and resolved your appliance issues without fancy tools or a lot of hassle. You didn’t have to spend a lot of money for a brand new cooler either – score! But if you’re still experiencing hiccups, it may be time to call for help repair professionals. Eventually you might even consider it buy a new refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?
First check whether your refrigerator has power. Check to see if any plugs or wires are loose or damaged, or if the problem is coming from the electrical outlet. If you can confirm that there is nothing wrong with it, then the problem is most likely caused by the refrigerator itself.
What is the most common refrigerator malfunction?
One of the most common refrigerator problems is… dirty condenser coils. These coils, located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, release heat from the refrigerant. If they become clogged with dust and dirt, the refrigerator cannot cool efficiently, causing temperature problems. Regular cleaning of the coils (about every six months) can prevent this and keep your refrigerator running smoothly.
