No need to be afraid for refrigerator repair, fixing some minor problems is not as hard as you might think. You just need a little guidance and some manual tools like a screwdriver set, wrench, hairdryer, level, long brush and a vacuum cleaner. Refrigerator repair involves various things but some of these things you can check on your own, like the power system, control panel, condenser coils and other parts present outside the refrigerator’s hermetic system.
A refrigerator is one of the most important electronic appliances in the house. It keeps your food cool and preserves it for long durations. A refrigerator runs all day and night which can naturally cause some trouble here and there spoiling your delicious food. Keeping in mind the importance of refrigerators in your life it becomes essential for you to know a little bit about your device’s health. You as an owner should be able to fix some minor problems on your own as calling a professional every time could be hard on your pocket.
Out of these, the condenser coils are the most important. In fact, cleaning the condenser coils once every year is the best way to increase your refrigerator’s life. Now let us take a look at some of the common problems that you might face and how to troubleshoot common problems without calling refrigerator repair company.
Table of Contents
1. A Leaking Refrigerator Repair
Is your refrigerator leaking? Is there water where it shouldn’t be? A leaking refrigerator is one of the most common problems that most users come across. But you can fix it easily. We must ask, what causes a leak in the refrigerator? There are only three main suspects- Door gaskets, defrost drain and drain pan.
Door Gaskets
If the soft rubber-like door gaskets do not properly seal, water may escape from the bottom. Clean the seal and the part of the refrigerator where the seal makes contact, with warm, soapy water first. If it doesn’t work, completely replace the door gaskets.
Defrost Drain
Examine the defrost drain that runs from the freezer to determine whether it is clogged.
Drain pan
The water in the drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator may have begun to flow out. Clear the water from the drain pan. While the drain pan is out, clean it with warm, soapy water.
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2. Refrigerator Making Too Much Noise
The refrigerator usually makes some completely normal sound. The problem begins when it starts making loud and unusual sounds constantly. So, how do you fix a loud refrigerator? Here’s how-
By Levelling The Refrigerator
Turn the levelling legs using a wrench. Doors should be able to close on their own when opened halfway. So, with the door halfway open, adjust the legs and keep adjusting until the door swings close.
Placing a Soundproof Mat Under Your Refrigerator
It is as simple as it sounds. Just place a dense foam mat under your refrigerator to reduce the loud and annoying sound produced by the vibration of the refrigerator.
A Problem in The Ice Maker
If your refrigerator makes a buzzing sound every few minutes and each buzz lasts for only about 5-6 seconds, the icemaker is unable to make ice due to the water supply being turned off.
Turning off the ice maker using the on/off switch or lifting the ice sensor arm will silence the humming sound.
Make sure that the supply valve, which is often located under the sink, is turned on. Check behind the refrigerator to determine if the supply valve line is still connected to the refrigerator and is not leaking.
Evaporator fan grommets
If the rubber grommets of the evaporator fans are worn-out or broken, they can cause the fan to make a rattling sound. If that happens you have to, unfortunately, change the grommets. Inexpensive grommets are easily available online. To change the grommets, you can get access to it via your freezer compartment.
Before touching the fan, make sure to unplug the unit and remove all the items including the shelves from the freezer. Now, using a screwdriver, open the access door at the back of the freezer and remove the whole fan unit. Replace the grommets and place the fan back in its place.
3. Too Cold or Not Cold Enough
Balance is very important in life. And for the refrigerator too. If your refrigerator or freezer is not cooling properly or freezing things that it shouldn’t, signals a bigger problem. It could happen due to multiple reasons and most of them require professional assistance. But before calling a repair person, you could try some basic things-
Check the temperature setting
It sounds obvious but sometimes accidents do happen. It may have been adjusted to a higher or lower temperature by some unlucky incident.
Check the door gaskets
Refrigerator door seals must establish a perfect seal to keep all of the cold air in. Clean the seals with warm water first, then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Replace the seals if this does not work.
Clean the condenser coils
Try cleaning the condenser coil. Unplug the refrigerator and use a vacuum cleaner with a long attachment to do so. Don’t push too hard as it can cause the coil to snap.
Damper
Cold air may be constantly pouring into the compartment, unhindered by a damper that has been stuck in the open position. The thermostat controls the damper, which is placed between the cooling and freezing compartments.
Check the Thermostat
If the thermostat is not working properly, then you have no other option but to replace it. Refrigerator thermostats can easily be brought online and some inexpensive options are also available. The thermostat is located inside the cooling compartment. To enter the cooling compartment remove the compartment cover and the control assembly cover inside it using a screwdriver.
The thermostat will be a golden brown coloured metal device attached to some wires. Remove the wires and replace the thermostat and plug the wires back again in the same arrangement.
These are some of the basic issues you might run into and some of their fixes that might save you some precious money and time. Be sure to be careful and don’t forget to take basic precautions while carrying out refrigerator repair work on your own.
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