Troubleshooting Tips For A Leaky, Non-Cooling Refrigerator
Posted on: 29 May 2017
Refrigerator problems are not uncommon. A problem does not automatically mean you need to call in your repairman. In some instances, it is possible to make minor repairs yourself and resolve the issue. If your refrigerator is experiencing problems, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take.
The Refrigerator Is Leaking Water
Water leakage can occur due to a number of reasons. One of the most common is the defrost drain becomes clogged with food and other debris and prevents the refrigerator from draining as it should. At that point, ice starts to accumulate in the refrigerator, which can begin to push water from the refrigerator.
If the drain is clogged, you can use warm water to attempt to clear it. A simple way to do this is to use a pipe cleaner to remove the clog. Use warm water poured into the drain to flush the remove the remaining debris.
If the problem continues, you will need to clean the rubber check valve found at the end of the defrost drain hose on the back of your refrigerator. Refer to your owner's manual if you do not know the exact location of the hose. You can use soapy water to clean the hose.
The Freezer Is Not Cooling
Occasionally, the freezer might not seem as if it is cooling as it once did. If you have already checked the power cord to the refrigerator, the next step is to ensure the thermostat settings are accurate. The settings are sometimes inadvertently changed as food items are moved around in the freezer.
You also need to ensure that there is no food blocking the vents in the back of the freezer. Move the food around in your freezer and wait an hour to see if the freezer is once again cooling.
If the problem persists, it is possible that the refrigerator coils are clogged. The coils can become clogged from dirt and dust. It is a common issue that can be easily resolved by vacuuming them. Depending on the model of your refrigerator, the coils could be located on the back or underside of the refrigerator.
Continued problems could indicate the condenser fan or its blades need to be replaced. You can order the appliance parts and install the parts yourself. If you are planning to call a repair technician, you can still order the parts and provide them to cut down on your repair bill.
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