The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in any house. It helps preserve your food, prevents bacterial growth, and overall helps feed your family. So, if it ever gets broken, it needs to get fixed ASAP. All appliances have their ups and downs, luckily, with the help of the internet and troubleshooting, most appliances can be fixed at home without help from a professional.
Here are the top three issues that continuously affect this vital kitchen appliance.
Water Leak
One of the most common refrigerator issues is a water leak. One of the many causes may be a blocked defrost drain, you can find this on the back wall of the freezer near the bottom. This can cause a leak because debris and food can make their way in and block the drain hose. This builds up and forms ice which causes water to leak out. It’s a relatively easy fix since you should only need to drain the hose with warm water. You can also use a bulb baster to get debris out.
If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to remove the drain hose, pull the refrigerator off the wall, and remove the valve on the hose. Wash the valve in hot water and soap, then reinstall it. If your drain hose is not the issue, then it could be an issue with a clogged or frozen water supply. If so, you’ll need to unplug the refrigerator and close the “Shut-Off Valve”. This valve should either be located behind the refrigerator, in a basement, or under the sink. Once it's turned off, check the supply line for any breaks or tears. If the line is damaged, replace it. You can do this and keep your food cold; you just won’t be able to dispense water or ice.
Ice On the Freezer Floor
Sometimes a sheet of ice can form at the bottom of the freezer floor. It may not be a huge issue, but it’s annoying. Usually, a clogged defrost drain is the culprit for the ice buildup. A very easy fix to this issue is to take out all the food from your refrigerator and store it elsewhere, unplug the fridge, and let it defrost on its own.
If you want to be extra sure the issue is fixed, remove the back wall of the freezer before plugging it back in. You should be able to check and take out any food particles or anything blocking the holes on the base of the evaporator coils.
Frozen Food in The Refrigerator
If you’re noticing the food in the refrigerator is starting to freeze, then it’s more than likely an issue with the built-in thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it can cause the refrigerator to run colder than it needs to, making the food frozen.
You should be able to tell if your thermostat is broken by moving it from the lowest temperature to the highest and listening for a clicking sound. If you hear it, then it’s not the issue. However, if you don’t hear the click, you’ll need to use a multimeter to check the thermostat for continuity. If it is indeed faulty in any way, then you’ll need to replace it.
Parts & Appliances
Unfortunately, there are several more issues than just these three when it comes to refrigerators and other appliances. Luckily, Airport Home Appliance will have everything you're looking for, whether you’re looking for a water filter, handles, a new refrigerator, or other appliances. Don’t forget to come to any of our showrooms and browse our in-stock appliances or visit us online anytime!
