Refrigerator repair - common problems and solutions

Some refrigerator problems can be handled with little to no professional help, while others require expert intervention. This article will show you the common problems refrigerators encounter and how to salvage them.

1. Common refrigerator problems and how to fix It

1.1 Poor refrigerator cooling

When the refrigerator fails to do the primary job it was designed to do, it becomes a burden. In a case like this, you can put things in your refrigerator for hours, and rather than freezing, it becomes warmer.

Before raising an alarm, confirm the following.

Solution:

Check the thermostat and see if its set to the recommended temperature level, which is primarily 37°F. Leave it for a while and see if theres any improvement.

If your refrigerator is still not cooling enough, you can proceed to clean the condenser coils. First, unplug the refrigerator from the socket. Then, use a brush to clean the condenser coils.

Another culprit of inadequate refrigerator cooling is a malfunctioning evaporator fan. If you notice any strange noise from the fan, replace it immediately.

1.2 Water leakage

Have you ever walked into a pool of water on your kitchen floor and traced it to the refrigerator? Or have you seen a puddle of water inside your refrigerator?

Water leakage is a common refrigerator issue, and a few typical culprits responsible include improperly sealed door gaskets, clogged drain tubes, faulty refrigerator water inlet valves, etc.

Solutions:

Clean or repair your refrigerator door gasket.

If the leakage persists after you clean the rubber gasket attached to the door of your refrigerator with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, you can replace the gasket completely.

If the water leakage is caused by a clogged drain tube, switch off the refrigerator, unplug it, and locate the drain tube. Carefully clean any debris, accumulated dirt, or ice that might be obstructing it using warm water and a pipe cleaner.

Finally, if a faulty water inlet valve causes the water leakage, inspect and replace it immediately.

1.3 Weird noise

Some refrigerators generate a loud noise because they dont have noise-cancelling features. However, strange noises like vibrating, whirring, or buzzing will continue to raise eyebrows. They are distracting and unpleasant to the ears.

Common reasons why your refrigerator is generating a lot of unpleasant noise include loose parts or poor compressors.

Solutions

If you observe that the condenser or the compressor is worn out, you may try tightening it up or replacing any loose parts.

Also, your refrigerator can generate excessive noise because of an unlevelled balance. Adjust the balance.

1.4 Refrigerator overheat

Overheating is a severe problem that can damage the compressor and other core components of your refrigerator.

Solution:

Ensure Proper ventilation. Avoid placing your refrigerator in a crowded area without any form of ventilation. Insufficient air flow can result in overheating. Also, its essential to clean the condenser fan, which must have accumulated a lot of dirt over time.

1.5 Frost buildup

Frost buildup occurs when air penetrates inside the refrigerator, either because the door was left open for a long time or theres a small opening. Over time, the air condenses and turns into ice, freezing on surfaces. The common causes of frost buildup are door seal or gasket issues or frequent door openings.

Solution:

If the door seal or gasket has any visible damage, replace it to get a tight seal.

Limit frequent opening of the refrigerator’s door. Schedule defrosting and ensure you clean the refrigerator of every excess water after defrosting to avoid a frost build-up.

2. What is the most common problem in the refrigerator?

One of the most common issues peculiar to refrigerators is improper cooling. Other common problems include leakages and loud noise. Improper cooling is a big problem that should be addressed immediately because it can result in food spoilage.

Some of the common causes of improper refrigerator cooling include a faulty compressor, blocked vents, a malfunctioning thermostat, or even a poorly sealed refrigerator door.

3. What is the most common fridge failure?

One of the most common things that require repair in a refrigerator is the compressor. Its either a malfunctioning compressor or a bad compressor. When the compressor is faulty, it results in inadequate refrigerator cooling or sometimes no cooling at all.

Other common culprits of fridge failure include a clogged evaporator coil and the fan motor. To improve efficiency, you should periodically clean your condenser coils.

4. Tips for maintaining your refrigerator

It’s essential to invest in a quality refrigerator; however, what matters more is maintaining your investment. Here are simple tips to include in your routine for the longevity and optimal performance of your refrigerator.Clean regularly.

This should go without saying, but research has proven that many people go year in and out without cleaning their refrigerators. It’s ironic if you expect a refrigerator that hasnt been cleaned in years to perform optimally. Wipe down the shelves, the compartments,  and the gasket of your refrigerator with a mild solution of water and baking soda.

Its also crucial to clean the condenser coils at the back or under the refrigerator at least twice a year. Please always unplug your refrigerator before commencing any type of cleaning.

4.1 Avoid overloading your refrigerator

Avoid the temptation to load anything into your refrigerator till every form of airflow is restricted entirely. Overloading makes it difficult for the compressor and can develop into many other faults.

4.2 Clean your refrigerator’s drip pan

Not all refrigerators come with a drip pan. If yours has one underneath, make it a duty to clean it from time to time to avoid mold buildup and odor.

4.3 Handle your refrigerator door carefully

Avoid slamming the door of your refrigerator with too much force, as this can damage the gasket and eventually cause a leak. Once you take something out of your refrigerator, carefully close it immediately to conserve energy.

4.4 Professional routine maintenance

Schedule professional routine maintenance at least once or twice a year. Call in an expert technician to inspect your refrigerator and curb potential issues before they escalate.

Remember, you are not an expert, and if you insist on handling some problems, they may become worse and more critical to correct. Avoid the urge to DIY every fault that your refrigerator develops. Know when to call in an expert.

At Daibau.ng, we have experienced technicians all over Nigeria. If you are looking for refrigerator repair near me, we can help.