Common Problems and Solutions to Keep Your Fridge Running

It can be incredibly frustrating when your refrigerator stops working properly. A malfunctioning fridge fails to keep your food cold, leading to spoilage and waste. Thankfully, many common fridge issues can be addressed with some simple troubleshooting and maintenance.
 

Continue reading to learn some of the most widespread refrigerator problems and tips to resolve them.

Fridge is Not Cooling Properly

Sometimes your fridge might not be cooling properly due to which your food might get spoiled.

The most probable culprits are a failed compressor, clogged condenser coils, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

Start by means of checking the inner temperature with a fridge thermometer. If it is higher than 40° F, there's a problem.

Coil blockages can save you proper warmth dissipation. Examine the condenser coils, which release warmth from the refrigerant. If dirt or puppy hair is found, clean them with a broom or vacuum.

Next, take a look at the compressor at the lowest end of your unit. Listen for peculiar noises like clicking. These noises can be signs of a failing compressor. If diagnosed as damaged, the compressor will need replacing.

Finally, faulty thermostats cause fridges to cycle too much or no longer enough. Test them with a multimeter and replace them if defective. Contact a technician in case you're uncertain of how to test the thermostat.
 

Water Leaking from Fridge

Excess moisture or leaking onto the floor can cause many problems inside the functioning of the refrigerator. It in all likelihood stems from a clogged defrost drain, failed door seal, or bad water inlet valve.

Start by analyzing the defrost drain pan at the lowest of your refrigerator for debris like slime. If the drain is clogged, use a zip tie, twine, or pipe cleaner to loosen the gunk. Be mild and don't scratch the piping.

Next, check out your door seal. A cracked or warped seal permits cold air to escape. Try reshaping warped sections and update them if unfixable.

Finally, a constant trickle of water requires replacing the water inlet valve at the back of your fridge. Contact a professional fridge repair service for assistance—this isn't typically a DIY restore.
 

Fridge is Noisy

Strange noises like humming, clicking, sizzling or loud compressor sounds could signal issues with the internal components.

Start by identifying and assessing noise sources. Use a handheld mirror to inspect evaporator and condenser fan blades for cracks and obstructions. Remove debris with tweezers or tape.

For compressor sounds, check for clutter blocking ventilation in the unit. Also, allow space between the fridge walls and surrounding objects.

For other noises, contact a professional fridge repair service to inspect issues with the refrigerant levels, condenser tubes or motors. Specialized tools and expertise are needed to safely address these complex parts.
 

Conclusion

Just like any other appliance, your fridge might also show some signs of malfunctioning. This could be due to high work overload, less maintenance or long years of work. With some diligent troubleshooting and mechanical skills, you can fix many common fridge breakdowns yourself. But don't hesitate to contact a repair technician if the problems exceed your abilities.