A well-functioning refrigerator is an essential appliance for every home. Our fridge helps keep all the perishable foodstuffs, medications, and beverages fresh. However, our refrigerator is the hardest working appliance that runs continuously around the clock to ensure your food stays fresh. Due to the rigorous use, the wear and tear may take a toll on your fridge, leading to functional problems. While the complicated refrigerator repair problems are best left to professionals, we have highlighted the common refrigerator problems, how to diagnose them, and explained quick fixes that help you in restoring the refrigerator functionality. Let’s begin.
Common Refrigerator Repair Problems
1. Refrigerator Running or Cycling Constantly
One typical fridge problem is running or cycling too frequently. True, the unit needs to work round the clock to keep food chilled. However, when the fridge runs continuously, it can consume too much power, increasing the energy bill. Dust buildup or other kitchen grime around the unit’s condenser coils is the leading cause of the fridge running continuously.
You can check this by turning off your fridge and looking at the coils located towards the bottom of the appliance. If the issue remains after cleaning, the temperature in the refrigerator might be set too low. The settings can force the fridge to run continuously to achieve a low temperature. Adjust the temperature of your fridge to check if it affects the cycling. If the problem persists, contact a professional fridge technician.
2. Frost Accumulation in Ice Dispenser
Frost Accumulation in Ice Dispenser is a viral issue with most refrigerators. Fortunately, if your refrigerator has problems due to this, you can do it yourself. For ice to drop from the ice dispenser, it must be capable of opening and closing. The edges of damper doors are usually covered in a sealant material that keeps ice shoots airtight. As a result, if the damper sealant material is dented or unclean, it is more likely to malfunction.
A loose closure is frequently caused by a dent in the damper door liner. The looseness allows wet air to enter the freezer chamber even more. As a result, the frosty form of the let-in air freezes. As a result, cooling and ventilation issues develop. If your refrigerator has frost accumulation, look for loose sections of the damper door edges. A dirty damper door lining is a common source of frost buildup. In such cases, you need to clean it up. If the damper lining is broken, however, you may need the help of a fridge repair specialist.
3. Refrigerator is freezing instead of Only Cooling
This issue develops when you discover that your food is frozen rather than just cooling. Since the thermostat controls the refrigerator temperature, it is frequently the issue’s root. The thermostat also controls the compressor and evaporator motor. As a result, when the thermostat fails, the fridge may run more intensively than normal. Because of the increased intensity, the fridge becomes overly cold, causing food to freeze.
Turn the thermostat knob from the upper to the lower setting. Then work your way down from highest to lowest. As you turn in both directions, pay heed to a particular click. Your thermostat is probably in good working order if you hear the click. So set it to your preferred temperature. If you do not hear the click, you need to use a multimeter to test the thermostat. The thermostat is normally tested for continuity with a multimeter. If your thermostat does not indicate continuity, you may need to call a professional who will help you with the thermostat replacement.
4. Fridge Water Dispenser Doesn’t Work
Many recent refrigerators models include an in-built water dispenser that makes it easy to get cold, fresh water for your home. Water dispensers in your freezer can malfunction for various reasons. Your refrigerator door’s water tub freezes, preventing the water from entering the dispenser. Fortunately, the tub is easy to detach and thaw, restoring water flow. A faulty water inlet valve is another possibility. The inlet valve opens allowing water to flow to the dispenser. However, it might be faulty. Another possibility is that you may potentially have low pressure, which means water isn’t being pumped to the dispenser’s input valve. If you are having trouble fixing this problem. Consider calling a professional appliance repair specialist.
5. Water Leakage
Water Leakage is a common Sub Zero repair problem that requires quick fixing. The leaks are especially problematic since they have the potential to lead to household accidents. For instance, if water pours onto the floor, it will likely cause a slip accident. It can be more rampant if there are youngsters present. The problem is slightly difficult to tackle because it could stem from several causes. However, the most common reasons have fast solutions. Defrosting drain obstruction is a common source of water leaks onto the floor. Fridges’ defrost drains are normally located immediately over the freezer and tilted from the freezer behind. As a result, bits of food and other waste can easily fall into the drainage system and block it.
Ice accumulation and water leaks are inextricably linked to dirt clogging. Fortunately, de-clogging the opening with relatively hot water is an easy solution. You may also help the de-clogging process by using a long flexible instrument like pipe cleaners. Ice clogs are another cause of water leaks from the fridge onto the floor. Ice clogs often cause the icemaker to break down, leading to water leaks. As a result, you will need first to turn off the fridge and locate the shut-off valve. Refrigerator’s shut-off valve is often located behind your fridge, beneath the sink, or at the bottom of the fridge. Once the valve has been located, check that it is closed and inspect the supply lines. If you find that the supply lines are broken or have tears, they need replacement. Finally, call a refrigerator repair specialist if you cannot figure out a way around these issues.
6. Ice Sheet on Freezer Floor
A clogged drain’s main indicator sign is the ice sheets. The ice sheets may also lead to water leaks. Fortunately, this problem is simple to resolve. Transfer your foodstuff from the fridge, disconnect the refrigerator from the power, and allow it to defrost. To get rid of ice sheets, you might use methods that are more intricate. Start by removing the freezer’s back wall and any bits of food blocking the opening under the evaporator coils. If these fixes do not work, it is time to seek help from refrigerator repair experts.
7. Refrigerator not turning on
A refrigerator may not turn on for a variety of reasons. A defective capacitor is a common culprit that leads to refrigerator failure. Thermostats are responsible for instructing the ignition capacitor to activate the compressor. When the compressor turns on, it stimulates the refrigeration cycles. A damaged capacitor implies there is no refrigeration cycle stimulation and, in certain cases, ignition. A defective thermostat can also result in a refrigerator that is not working. The problem occurs because the thermostat initiates the refrigerator’s ignition process. To solve the issue, get assistance from a reliable local refrigerator technician.
8. Fridge Use Rises Energy Bill
There might be an issue with your fridge if you see a sudden spike in your household energy bill. Remember that a fridge is an energy-intensive appliance at home, and its functioning may greatly influence your overall energy consumption. You may test your fridge’s energy use using a Kill a Watt meter and compare it to the manufacturer’s standards. If your refrigerator consumes much more electricity than it should, it might be the source of your rising utility expenses.
While this is normal with older units that have to work extra hard to keep the cold, the newer versions can also consume too much energy, especially when they have a defective part. For example, defective door sealants can allow room temperature air to get into the fridge, making it work extra hard to maintain the cold temperature. A licensed appliance repair technician can help you in fixing this problem.
9. Overflowing Ice Maker
It is not always the case that your refrigerator has stopped operating. one simple reason is that the icemaker simply full. The problem also occurs due to a variety of other factors. A malfunctioning water inlet valve, for instance, is another common cause of an overflowing ice machine. The water valve will not close completely even when the electricity is turned off. Since the water pressure is below the required level, half-closure is necessary. Your icemaker will experience water leakage and overflow because of the previously mentioned. Lower the water pressure to a minimum of 20 psi to fix the problem. Finally, if your water pressure is set to 20 psi and still the icemaker overflow, check your water pressure. The water valve in the fridge may also be defective. Contact fridge repair technicians to replace it.
10. Freezer is Cool, but Fridge Stays Warm
When this occurs, the freezer stays chilly; however, the fresh foods section stays warm or does not cool. The following are the problems that can lead to this problem. One, frosted evaporator coils can result from defective defrost heater assembly, causing the coils to become filled with frost. Another cause is the failure of the fan motor. The cold air in the fresh foods compartment will not circulate when this happens. Additionally, the refrigerator will not get enough cold air when the damper does not open properly. Experienced repair technicians will help you in fixing the problems. Unfortunately, this problem is common even in the high end, luxury brands refrigerators. If this is one of the Viking refrigerator repair issues affecting your fridge, get in touch with an experienced repair technician in your local area to help you in fixing the problems.
11. Loud Noise from Refrigerator
The fridge should run quietly so as not to disrupt your routine. If one of your fridges is making a lot of noise, it is most likely a fan problem. Both an evaporator and condenser fans are included in most freezers. The condenser fan is responsible for cooling your unit’s condenser coil. Once the compressor starts running, the evaporator fan is responsible for drawing air over the evaporator coils. Both of these fans function concurrently, and issues with one of the motors might make your fridge much noisier. To determine whether their motors are faulty, you may check the fans, but make sure your fridge is unplugged first.
12. Light Not Working
The light in the fresh foods section allows you to see the contents in the fridge easily. However, just like any other par in the fridge, it is vulnerable to damage. In most situations, the light bulb is faulty, and changing it solves the problem. If the LED strips or light are still not working after replacement, the fault is most likely with the light board or socket, which an expert should check.
Summary
A modern kitchen is never complete without a high-end refrigerator. A refrigerator is one of the used kitchen appliances, and since it needs to run continuously, it is prone to breakdowns. You can ensure that your fridge runs all the time smoothly by having it serviced by certified technicians.
Appliance Cowboys refrigerator repair experts have adequate training, experience, and the proper tools for fast diagnostics and repairs. Fast diagnosis and repairs need proper training, expertise, and the right instruments. Refrigerator repair specialists are also trained to do repairs safely, saving you money and time. The best part is that getting a new fridge does not require you to delve deeper into your wallet. The experts will get your existing refrigerator up and running again at a fraction of the cost.