Common Refrigeration Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

Your refrigerator is an essential appliance in your home, responsible for keeping your Food fresh and preventing spoilage. However, like any other household appliance, refrigerators can encounter problems over time. The good news is that many of these issues can be resolved with simple fixes that don’t require calling a professional or buying a new fridge.

In this blog, we will explore some common refrigerator problems and provide creative solutions to get your fridge back on track.

Water Leaking on the Floor

One of the most inconvenient and potentially dangerous issues you may encounter with your refrigerator is water leaking onto the floor. There are a couple of common causes for this problem, but don’t worry! They usually have quick and easy fixes.

Blocked Defrost Drain

A blocked defrost drain is a common culprit. This drain is typically located on the back wall of the freezer, just above the slope from the floor to the back. A buildup of food particles or debris can clog the drain hose, leading to ice buildup and water leakage. 

Solution 

• Locate the defrost drain on the back wall of the freezer, just above the slope from the floor to the back.
• Use warm water to flush out the drain hole from the inside.
• If the clog persists, manually remove the buildup by locating the defrost drain hose in the back of the service panel. Wash the rubber valve with hot water and reinstall it.

Clogged/Frozen Water Supply

Another cause of water leakage is a clogged or frozen water supply, which can also affect the ice maker and water dispenser. 

Solution 

• Unplug the refrigerator and find the shut-off valve, which could be located under the sink, behind the fridge, or in a basement/crawl space.
• Ensure the shut-off valve is closed and inspect the plastic supply line for any damage.
• If the supply line is broken or torn, replace it to prevent water leakage.

Remember, even if your water line is damaged, you can still use your refrigerator to keep your food cold. Just be aware that you won’t have access to the ice or water dispenser until the issue is resolved.

Freezer Isn’t Cold Enough

If you notice that your perishable food is spoiling quickly or that your freezer isn’t as frosty as it should be, you likely have a common problem that can be easily fixed. 

Here’s what you can do:

• Check if the back wall of the freezer is cold. 
• Listen for the sound of the evaporator fan running and check if you can feel air flowing from the freezer vents.
• If the fan isn’t running or there is no airflow, it indicates a problem with the freezer evaporator fan. Consider replacing it.
• If you can feel the air flowing and hear the fan running, inspect the refrigerator’s condenser coils, which release heat from inside the fridge. Clean any dust or debris obstructing the coils. If they are clean, consult a professional or consider investing in a new refrigerator.

Refrigerator is Cycling Too Often

A noisy fridge is one of the common refrigerator problems. Several factors can cause your refrigerator to cycle too frequently, with one common culprit being a buildup of debris or dust around the condenser coils.

The following steps can help resolve this issue:

• Unplug the fridge and locate the condenser coils, usually at the bottom and accessible from the front or back.
• Remove any dust or debris using a small vacuum or cloth.
• Clean hard-to-reach areas thoroughly.
• Reinstall the grill and plug the refrigerator back in.

If the problem persists, it might be due to a defective part, such as a condenser fan motor or thermostat sensor. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance.

Fresh Food Compartment Is Warming Up

If you notice that the fresh food compartment of your refrigerator is not staying cool enough, it’s likely due to an airflow problem. Understanding the connection between the freezer and the fresh food section is crucial in troubleshooting this issue.

Solution 

• Verify if the evaporator fan in the freezer is running and if the air is blowing from the freezer vents.
• If you notice an uncommon humming noise or the fan isn’t running, you may need to replace the evaporator fan motor.
• If the fan is running and there is airflow, check for ice clogs in the diffuser duct located in the back of the fresh food section. Thaw any ice blockages and ensure the door has not been left open for extended periods.

If you can’t hear the evaporator fan running or notice an unusual humming noise, you may need to replace the motor for the evaporator fan.

Sheet of Ice on the Freezer Floor

If you find a sheet of ice on the floor of your freezer or notice water dripping into the fridge, a blocked defrost drain could be the culprit. This issue is typically easy to fix, but it requires a bit of defrosting.

Solution 

• Temporarily relocate the Food from the freezer and unplug the refrigerator to allow it to defrost.
• Carefully remove the back wall of the freezer compartment before plugging the unit back in.
• Check for and remove any food or particles clogging the small hole at the base of the evaporator coils.
• Consider adding a drain heater if the problem persists to aid the defrosting process.

The buildup of Frost in the Ice Dispenser

If you’re facing a buildup of Frost in your ice dispenser, there’s no need to worry. This is a common problem that can be resolved with a simple fix. The culprit is often the damper door, which is responsible for opening and closing to allow ice to fall.

The damper door is lined with a special material that forms an airtight seal against the ice chute. If this material becomes dirty or malformed, it can lead to air leakage and the formation of Frost when moist air enters the freezer compartment. 

Solution 

• Inspect the damper door, which opens and closes to allow ice to fall. Clean any dirt or obstructions preventing a tight seal.
• If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the damper door.

Ice Maker is Overflowing

An overflowing ice maker is a relatively common problem with multiple potential causes. The primary culprit is often the water inlet valve. If the water pressure in the valve is too low, it may fail to fully close when the power is shut off, leading to water leakage into the ice maker and subsequent overflow. 

Solution 

• Check if the water pressure is at least 20 psi, as the low water pressure can prevent the valve from fully closing.
• If the water pressure is sufficient, but the problem persists, consider replacing the water inlet valve.

Remember, if you are unsure about refrigeration system problems and their solutions, it is always best to seek professional help to ensure the safety and proper resolution of your refrigerator problem. It also ensures your safety.

Wrap up!

By paying attention to the symptoms and knowing the potential sources of issues, you can identify common refrigeration system problems and solutions.

Remember to unplug your refrigerator before attempting any repairs or cleaning. For issues such as a blocked defrost drain, clogged or frozen water supply, or buildup of debris around the condenser coils, you can usually resolve them with some simple steps. However, if the problem persists or involves more complex components, it’s advisable to consult a professional repair technician.

If you want a cool room installation in Sydney, don’t let it keep giving you headaches and worry. Choose Fresh Refrigeration Repairs and Maintenance for all your refrigeration needs. Our experienced technicians are here to provide top-notch services to ensure your refrigerator is working at its best. Contact now!