Over the last few years, appliance technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. However, despite this progress, appliances will still experience issues from time to time, and refrigerators are mainly at risk, given that they work day and night.
This blog will have a look at the most common fridge problems you might encounter.
Strange or Loud Noises
Any refrigerator will make some noise, even if they’re brand new. If your fridge starts to make louder or strange noises, however, it could be an issue with the fan, the condenser or an ice buildup. While the problem may not be a big issue at the time, it’s critical to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid the noise worsening and leading to more extensive and more costly problems.
Not Cooling
The main job of your fridge is to keep your food cold, so when it fails, it can quickly become a problem as your food will start to spoil soon. There are a few possible causes, so you’ll have to check a few things. The first is to check the temperature dial to see if it is set to the appropriate temperature. If that is not the issue, check if the gaskets around the door are still fully attached and tight. You can put a piece of paper between the fridge and the door. If you can pull out the paper easily when the door is closed, you might have to change the gasket to prevent cold air from escaping.
The evaporator coils or the motor might be culprits if the above hasn’t solved the issue. Check behind the fridge if the evaporator coils may be clogged with dust. It could also be the condenser or evaporator fan that has stopped moving, meaning the cold air can no longer circulate. The evaporator may also be frosted over, which prevents it from functioning correctly. Finally, the motor or compressor of the fridge may have stopped working altogether.
Fridge Freezing Food
If your fridge goes in the other direction and starts to freeze your food instead of just chilling it, and it was not an accidentally wrongly set temperature dial, chances are that the thermostat or the damper is the issue.
The thermostat controls the evaporator motor and compressor, so if the thermostat sends faulty information, it can go into overdrive. Rotate the thermostat from highest to lowest and then back again. Listen for a click that indicates that it’s working. If it doesn’t click, you may have to replace the thermostat. Also, make sure that your food is not pressed against the back of the fridge, which can trap water droplets on the food, and can often end up freezing.
Fridge Leaking Water
Water leakage is a common problem with fridges. It has the potential for more wide-reaching consequences as it can be a safety hazard and lead to damage beyond the refrigerator.
The most common cause for this is a blocked defrosting drain. Over time, food particles or other dirt can build up, causing a blockage, leading to either water leaking into the fridge or water freezing inside the drain and then leaking. In most cases, you can unclog the drain with very warm water or a long flexible tool to push the clog out.
Ice may also clog the ice maker, leading to leaks.
Excessive Cycling
If your fridge turns on more frequently than it reasonably should, chances are high that there is some dirt buildup around the condenser coils. Unplug your refrigerator and use a cloth or small vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt.
The thermostat may also be responsible if it does not relay the correct temperature. This issue should be addressed sooner rather than later because not only will it increase your energy bills, but it could also lead to more wear and tear on the motor.
No Ice
While we mentioned above that ice can be harmful, you will want your ice maker to dispense some when needed. The most common reason for this not happening is an ice clog inside the chute. If so, take a wooden spoon and carefully break up any ice accumulation. Then pour a large glass of warm water through the chute to dissolve the rest, but make sure to have a towel handy to mop up any spilled water.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can avoid many of the most common fridge problems and refrigerator repairs. If you notice that the fridge is not cooling as well as it should, check the doors are still closing correctly. It could be a loose hinge or a worn-out gasket leading to cold air escaping.
Also, regularly defrost your freezer to remove ice buildup that could lead to leakage if left unattended for too long. Related to that, ensure that the defrost drain has no food particles or other debris stuck in it that could lead to an overflow.
Every house relies on a properly working refrigerator; unfortunately, even the most modern fridge may run into an issue. The important thing is to identify the problem to be able to fix it or repair your refrigerator. Some of the issues can easily be fixed by yourself, but if you are not sure about the cause of the problem or suspect it is a more significant issue, call the professional refrigerator repair technicians of Man With a Wrench.
If you experience problems with your fridge or any other appliance, plumbing, electrical or HVAC, Man with a Wrench is only one phone call or click away. Call us at 1-888-416-3963, book a virtual diagnostic or fill out our convenient online form to find out how we can help you professionally and efficiently with our refrigerator services.
All of our technicians are manufacturer trained and licensed on all major brands.
We understand that most of the repairs needed in your home can’t wait on a service team to squeeze you into their schedules. That’s why we offer same-day service, so you don’t have to wait.