Kendra is a chef who lives in Riverside County, California. Every Christmas, her family members all gather at her home to enjoy her cuisine. Her meals were so delicious that it’ll make you lick your fingers. Kendra depends on her refrigerator to keep her food ingredients and beverages fresh so that everyone would enjoy a healthy meal.

It’s four days to Christmas and Kendra has bought all the ingredients she needed to make a special delicacy for her family. However, she was shocked to turn on her refrigerator only to find out that it wasn’t working. She tried checking the power outlet, to ensure it was properly plugged in, but that wasn’t the case as everything seemed fine. That was when she realized she needed a refrigerator repair.

Are you having the same issues as Kendra? Then what you need is a refrigerator repair service. However, before you call the experts, we’ve laid out some DIY quick fixes you can try for your refrigerator repair. Join us as we unveil them.

Let’s begin!

Key Highlights

• Learning how to troubleshoot and fix common refrigerator repair problems at home can help you save time and money on repair services.
• Sometimes what you may need to replace your faulty door seals and clear your blocked drain lines to keep your refrigerator running efficiently. 
• If you regularly maintain and clean your refrigerators, you can extend its lifespan, improve its efficiency, and prevent frequent refrigerator repairs.
• It’s important to know when it’s time for you to seek professional help, especially when you encounter a more complex refrigerator issue.

Understanding Common Refrigerator Problems

Your refrigerator can get faulty with time just like the kitchen appliances in your home and this could be as a result of several issues. However, understanding the root causes of these problems will help you diagnose and fix them more efficiently. Let’s delve deeper and discuss two major problems that would require a refrigerator repair, including common refrigeration problems and the type of refrigerator they may occur in, in your home.

Why Is my refrigerator not cooling?

It can really be frustrating to turn on your refrigerator when you need it and you notice that it’s not cooling properly. If you don’t know what to do, it can ruin your day. There are several reasons why your refrigerator may fail to cool properly. Most times, it may be a malfunctioning condenser fan. 

Your condenser fan is responsible for circulating air over your condenser coils, and this helps it to cool your refrigerant. If it gets faulty, then the cooling process of your refrigerator may not work properly. You’ll need to fix it quickly to prevent poor cooling performance and high refrigerator repair costs in the future.

Here’s what you can do: start by checking if your condenser fan is running. You can find it at the back of your refrigerator, near your compressor. If the fan is not running, it may be due to a faulty motor or a blocked fan blade. In some cases, your fan may be running at a slow speed which will also affect your refrigerator cooling efficiency. 

So, try to clean your fan blades to ensure a proper airflow. Doing this may help you solve the problem, however if it’s a faulty motor or a persistent issue, it’s wise to seek professional help from a qualified appliance repair service technician.

Solving the mystery of the leaking fridge

Sometimes, it may not be a faulty condenser fan, it could be a water leakage in your refrigerator. If you notice water pooling around your refrigerator, you should address it promptly as it can damage your flooring, surrounding cabinets and may even lead to costly refrigerator repairs if you ignore it. 

In most cases, the source of the leak can be traced back to your water supply line or your appliance itself. If you want to find the cause of the leak, you can start by checking your water supply line behind your refrigerator. If you see any signs of leakage or damage to your supply line, that simply means you may have to replace your water line. 

You should inspect your ice maker and water dispenser for any seal tears or loose rubber insulation as they can also lead to water leakages. However, if you notice that your defrost drain is clogged or the issue seems complex, you may need to call an expert for help.

DIY Hacks for Your Refrigerator Repair

You may not always need professional assistance as you can solve some common refrigerator problems with a simple DIY hack. Keep reading as we’re about to give you a step-by-step guideline to help you fix some simple refrigerator issues.

Replace faulty door seals to retain cold air

As you use your refrigerator, your door seals can become worn out or damaged with time. This would lead to cold air leakages and a poor cooling efficiency from your refrigerator. When this happens, you may need to replace your faulty door seals to keep your refrigerator running effectively.

If you want to find out if your door seals need replacement, here’s what you can do: Try to look for any sign of wear, such as cracks, tears, or gaps. If you see any of these, then you need to replace your door seals by removing your old seals from your freezer door and refrigerator. You can do this by gently pulling them away from your door. 

You’ll need to also clean your door surface thoroughly to remove any residue or adhesive. When you’re done with this cleaning process, try to fit in your new door seals to the doors by making sure they align properly and create a tight seal when you close it. 

If you have a heat gun or hair dryer, use it to warm the seals, which will help them conform to the shape of your doors. Then, apply your adhesive to secure your seals in place. With this simple DIY repair, you can greatly improve the cooling efficiency of your refrigerator.

Clearing blocked drain lines to prevent leaks

Don’t let your drain lines get clogged, it can lead to water leaks in your refrigerator. Your drain lines are supposed to help you carry away the defrost water from your freezer. However, with time, your lines can get blocked with debris or ice, causing water to back up and leak into your refrigerator or the floor in your home.

If you want to clear your blocked drain lines, unplug your refrigerator and try to access your drain opening. You’ll find it at the back of your freezer compartment, near the bottom. Use your turkey baster or a small funnel to pour hot water into your drain opening. This will help you melt any ice or debris that is preventing the flow of water from your drains. 

You can also use a soft brush or pipe cleaner to gently remove any additional clogs. When you’re done with this, check if you’d notice any refrigerator leaks or water buildup. If there are some leaks, you might want to consider seeking professional help to prevent further damage to your refrigerator.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Frequent Refrigerator Repairs

Just like your body system, you’ll need regular maintenance checks to keep your refrigerator in a good working condition. Let’s show you an important maintenance tip to help you extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and prevent frequent repairs.

How regular cleaning extends your refrigerator’s life

Sometimes, what you just need is regular maintenance to improve the appearance of your refrigerator and keep it working all year round. By keeping your refrigerator clean, you can prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and food particles that can affect its performance. 

You can start by emptying your refrigerator and removing all the shelves and drawers. Then use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the interior surfaces of your refrigerator, including the walls, shelves, and drawers. If you come across those stubborn stains or odors that seem difficult to remove, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to eliminate them. 

After that, you’ll need to rinse the surfaces of your refrigerator thoroughly and dry them before placing your shelves and drawers back into your refrigerator. That’s not all, the exterior surfaces of your refrigerator deserve some cleaning too. 

So use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner to wipe down the doors, handles, and back cover panel of your refrigerator. You should never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish of your refrigerator. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s show you some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

Can I fix a noisy fridge myself?

Yes, you can attempt to fix unusual noises in your fridge. One common cause of a noisy refrigerator is a faulty evaporator fan motor. You can try cleaning or replacing the evaporator fan to resolve the noise issue. However, if the noise persists or you’re unsure about the cause, it’s best to consult a professional for further assistance. If the problem is with the compressor, the best solution may be to invest in a new fridge.

What should I do if my refrigerator stops cooling suddenly?

If your refrigerator suddenly stops cooling, it could be as a result of a faulty circuit board or a tripped breaker in your electrical breaker panel. You can start by troubleshooting common issues such as checking your power supply and ensuring the temperature controls are set correctly. If the problem persists, you should quickly plug in your refrigerator and schedule a refrigerator service with a professional technician. They’ll diagnose and repair the issue.

How often should I clean my refrigerator coils?

Cleaning your refrigerator coils regularly is essential for proper maintenance. You need to clean your coils at least twice a year or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty environment. If dust and debris accumulate on your coils, it can prevent them from releasing heat. So,clean your coils to improve your energy efficiency and prevent potential cooling issues. If you’re unsure about how to clean your coils, you can schedule a service with a professional technician.

When to Seek Professional Help

Here’s the truth: using DIY refrigerator repairs can help you solve many common refrigerator problems, however there are certain instances when it is necessary to seek professional help, also known as a service call. For instance, if you have tried to use these DIY fixes we’ve listed out for you and the problem persists, it may indicate a more complex issue that requires the expertise of a trained appliance service technician.

Also, if you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with these repair processes, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to avoid further damage to your refrigerator. Sometimes your refrigerator may have exceeded its lifespan and the cost of repair may outweigh the value of your refrigerator. In such cases, you may want to consider opting for a more cost-effective solution by investing in a new refrigerator or seeking professional help from a repair service that specializes in major appliances. If you contact professional technicians like STAR Appliance Repairs, they can help you diagnose the condition of your refrigerator and provide you with the best course of action.

If you’re looking for an expert refrigerator repair technician, STAR Appliance Repairs is your right choice nearby. We service all of Orange County, California and Riverside County, California. We can help you fix your faulty door seals, clogged drain lines, and any complex repair problems in your refrigerator even if its a major brand. That’s not all. We can help you install and conduct routine maintenance checks for your refrigerator at affordable rates. We have years of experience beyond two decades. Schedule service and let’s help you keep your refrigerator working perfectly for a long time.