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If your refrigerator if it’s constantly leaking or making noise, you may be wondering if it’s time to replace it. Or if it is the ice machine does not work or frost forms, you may think it’s time to call a service technician. Regardless of your specific problem, don’t panic just yet. Sometimes a good, thorough cleaning or temperature adjustment will do the trick.
We’ll share the reasons behind some of the most common fridge problems and how to fix them – even if you don’t know how does a refrigerator work. 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 at all. Here’s what you need to try to solve the problems yourself. This article is updated periodically.
It always works
An efficient refrigerator should not run all the time. A running fridge is not only noisy, but it can also take a big bite out of your wallet. Refrigerators are already one of the most intensive household appliances. If you let your refrigerator run non-stop, your electricity bill can go through the roof.
Cause 1: One of the most common causes of a refrigerator running too often (or worse, all the time) is the accumulation of debris and dust around the condenser coils. It is especially common if you live in a dusty environment or have several pets.
Fix it: First, disconnect the refrigerator from AC power. For most refrigerators, the condenser coils are located at the very bottom and are usually accessed from the front or back. (However, some newer models have internal coils.) To access the coils, locate the grille and remove it by popping the clips holding it in place or unscrewing it if it’s screwed on. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove most of the buildup. If there is a lot of residue, use a brush or wiping cloth to gently remove the remaining residue. Replace the grill and restore power to the refrigerator.
Cause 2: Setting the fridge temperature too low will cause your fridge to work overtime and may also freeze and spoil some of your food.
Fix it: You usually want your fridge set to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 and 4.4 degrees Celsius). Place the 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. Adjust the temperature in the refrigerator from time to time to slowly bring it to the desired temperature. If this does not solve the problem, consult a professional, as you may have a faulty part, such as the condenser, thermostat sensor or fan motor.
Water is leaking
Water pooling under your fridge is never a good sign, but it’s also quite common and usually relatively easy to fix. Water leaks usually come from one of two problems.
Cause 1: A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs the drain hose, which can lead to ice build-up and, ultimately, water leaking from the freezer and refrigerator.
Fix it: First try flushing the freezer drain with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or straightened hanger to forcefully remove the clog. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to manually remove the debris that is blocking the check valve at the end of the drain hose.
Pull the refrigerator out of the wall and locate the defrost drain hose in the lower back of the service panel. This hose should have a rubber check valve, which helps regulate humidity and is known to trap debris and clogs. Clean the valve with warm 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 will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop the flow of water from the dispenser.
Fix it: First, turn off 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 leaks, kinks or blockages in the plastic inlet.
If there is a break or tear in the line, replace the water supply pipe. Typically, this line is nylon tubing with threaded compression fittings on both ends. You can find DIY water supply kits for sale near you local hardware store ($10). They are easy to connect, although you may need a wrench handy. They don’t need to be over-tightened, so you won’t need as much force.
If the waterline is intact but you see a clear blockage, then ice is the culprit. Simply leave the refrigerator unplugged for about 2 hours to clear the clog. If the clog is anything but clean, consult a professional before attempting to remove it. Once the line has thawed, turn the fridge back on and push it back against the wall.
Watch this: Keep these foods in the fridge (even if they won’t kill you)
Lots of ice build up in the freezer
If the inside of your freezer looks like the arctic tundra, something is seriously wrong. There are several possible causes of frost growing in your freezer and a few quick fixes.
Cause 1: Leaving the freezer door open for too long can increase the humidity level in the freezer, which will cause frost and ice to form.
Fix it: Obviously, 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 could be the cause of frost. To fix this, pull the refrigerator out of the wall and have someone tilt the refrigerator back enough to reach the two front legs of the stand. (Don’t try this alone!)
Unscrew both legs a few turns. This will ensure that the door closes by itself and that the water drains properly from the freezer and refrigerator. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may have a faulty defrost timer, which you’ll want a professional to fix. But first check the following two things.
Cause 2: A faulty seal can also lead to unwanted freezing.
Fix it: 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 fails, try installing a new gasket. Major device manufacturers, e.g GE and Whirlpoolfor example, they directly sell spare parts, including refrigerator seals. Just remember to have your model number handy. This will help you find the specific seal for your particular refrigerator.
To replace the new gasket, start by turning off the refrigerator. Then remove all frozen perishables and place them in a cooler. Lift the edge of the old gasket and use a screwdriver to remove all the screws. With the old gasket removed, align the new gasket and screw it into place. Put all the food back in the freezer and turn the fridge back on.
Cause 3: Too many objects leaning against the back wall of the freezer can block airflow, causing frost to build up.
Fix it: Remove food packages that are too close to the back wall of the freezer or block all freezer openings.
Ice makers in refrigerators are useful, but they can have problems.
The ice maker is not working
So you waited and waited, but your ice maker in refrigerator does not deliver goods. You may not see any ice cubes at all, or the ice may be too small or even hollow. Whatever the scenario, here are some solutions to try.
Cause 1: Water blockage restricts water flow. The blockage is probably caused by ice in the water connection. A curved waterline can also cause the same problem.
Fix it: For a frozen water line and not a kink in the line, first shut off the water supply using the shutoff valve. It is usually located behind the refrigerator or under the sink. One way to remove the blockage is to manually unfreeze the water line. Do this by turning off the power to the refrigerator. After a few hours the ice that caused the blockage should melt. A quicker method is to use heat from a blow dryer or spray it with a turkey cake filled with hot water.
Cause 2: The locking arm is in the wrong position. Many refrigerator ice makers have a shut-off arm that is designed to stop ice production when the storage bin is full, and sometimes they get stuck in the off position.
Fix it: Make sure the closing lever is not engaged. If the hand is frozen in place, first remove the ice storage bin. Then melt any ice buildup with a little hot water. Quickly wipe off excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
Cause 3: Some refrigerators also have sensors that detect the presence of an ice tray. Over time, ice buildup between the bin and the freezer wall can push the bin out of alignment, tripping this sensor. When this happens, the fridge thinks you’ve removed the bin and will stop making ice.
Fix it: Remove the storage bin and allow it to thaw for several hours. Meanwhile, melt the ice around the bucket sensor with a small amount of warm water. Use a clean towel to remove any remaining water. Put the bucket back in its place and you should be good to go.
Do not take the refrigerator away yet. You may be able to get it working properly again.
Chill, the fridge might be fine
Hopefully, these simple steps will troubleshoot your refrigerator and you’ve solved your appliance problems without fancy tools or a lot of hassle. You also didn’t have to shell out big bucks for a brand new icebox – score! But if you’re still having hiccups, it might be time to get in touch repair avg. In the end, you might even consider it buying a new refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
What should be checked first when the refrigerator stops working?
First you should check if your refrigerator is getting power. You would want to check if the plugs or wires are loose or damaged or if the problem is with the outlet. If you can confirm that there is nothing wrong with this, then the problem is probably with the fridge itself.
What is the most common refrigerator failure?
One of the most common problems with the refrigerator is dirty capacitor windings. These coils, located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator, release heat from the refrigerant. When they become clogged with dust and debris, the refrigerator cannot cool effectively, causing temperature problems. Cleaning the coils regularly – about every six months – can prevent this and keep your fridge running smoothly.
