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You don’t realize how much you depend on your refrigerator till it breaks down. So when it needs repairs, you may want to get that resolved at the earliest. The good news is that some refrigerator problems are very common and easily fixable. In this guide, we’ll list some signs to look out for and easy DIY tips to get your faulty refrigerator up and running in no time.

  1. Leaky Refrigerator

A leaky refrigerator can be an annoying hindrance. However, troubleshooting the underlying problem is easy as there are only a handful of causes that lead to it.

You can solve this problem by checking –

Door Gaskets – The refrigerator door’s gasket can cause water to pool at the bottom if it is not properly sealed. Try cleaning the seal and the parts of the refrigerator that are in contact with the seal with warm, soapy water. If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, replace the gasket entirely.

You can remove the old gasket by loosening the screws binding the gasket and pulling it off and installing the new gasket in its place. After you’re done, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to improve the seal’s performance.

Defrost Drain – A clogged defrost drain in the freezer can cause water to leak from the refrigerator. You can clear the blockage by pouring down a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 2 cups of hot water.

Drain Pan – The drain pan at the bottom of the fridge can end up collecting water until full causing water to spill out. Remove the drip pan, drain the water, and put it back after cleaning it.

  1. Refrigerator Making Noises

Refrigerators make certain noises that are normal like the refrigerant hissing through the lines, ice clunking into the storage bin, and more. However, any unusual humming, buzzing, vibrating, or whirring noises are causes for concern. Try following these fixes in such cases –

Replace Evaporator Fan Grommets – Your fridge’s evaporator fan distributes air from the coils to maintain consistent temperature. It may produce rattling sounds due to worn out grommets that need replacing. To do so, you need to first remove any items and shelves from the freezer. Open the access door at the back of the freezer with a screwdriver and replace the old grommets with new ones.

Place The Fridge On A Mat – You can use mats made of butyl rubber or mass loaded vinyl to reduce noises emanating from your refrigerator.

  1. Refrigerator Won’t Cool

If you notice the ice cream stored in your fridge melting or a warm wire rack, it’s a clear sign that your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly. We recommend looking into the following fixes –

Check Temperature Settings – Check and adjust the temperature on your thermostat to your preference.

Clean Condenser Coils – Condenser coils that are dirty will reduce the unit’s cooling capabilities. Start with moving your fridge away from the wall and unplug it. Use a vacuum or a cloth to clean the coils at the back. However, it is better to use a vacuum to reach underneath the fridge.

  1. Refrigerator’s Ice Maker Not Working

When ice cubes freeze together and block the ice machine, it may stop working. To resolve this issue, open your ice maker machine, remove the bin, and break the ice clumps.

If this tip doesn’t fix the issue, a frozen water line might be the cause. You can fix this by turning off the valve on the water line and letting the water thaw for some time or use a hair dryer to do it faster.

  1. Refrigerator Is Too Cold

There are times when a refrigerator runs too cold and freezes over. Look into the following issues in such situations –

Check The Damper – The damper is controlled by the thermostat and is placed between the freezing and cooling compartments. If the damper is stuck in an open position, cold air may continually rush into the compartment. You can try to move the damper manually but if it doesn’t budge, we recommend taking the help of a professional.

Replace The Thermostat – You may face this issue if your thermostat malfunctions and needs replacement. You can find compatible replacements online. Once you get the new one, here is how you can replace it –

  • Unplug the fridge and use a screwdriver to remove the cover located at the top of the cooling compartment
  • Use the screwdriver to remove the plastic control assembly cover
  • Take a photo of the wire arrangement around the thermostat to duplicate it easily
  • Now pull out the wires and remove the tube
  • Install the new thermostat while referring to the photo
  • Attach capillary tube
  • Replace the plastic cover and screw it shut

These are some of the most common refrigerator repairs that you may face. The DIY tips in this article are easy to follow and simple to replicate. However, there is always the chance of something going wrong. How do you minimize that?

A home warranty policy may just be the thing. A discounted repair and replacement program for your appliances and systems, home warranties can save you thousands of dollars, and provide professional help from qualified technicians. Check out top home warranty companies in the market and decide based on your preferences.

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