6 Refrigerator Problems With Their Causes And Solutions

By Consumer Advise Team
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In the summer, a refrigerator is unreplaceable for refrigerating foods required for daily use. It does not only keep your food fresh but also reduces the effort of cooking twice a day.

While using any refrigerator, we may often face many problems over years of use. Some of these troubles can be solved ourselves, but you need help from an expert technician for the rest.

Here are the 6 typical problems that most individuals face with their refrigerators. To help you out, we have also given practical troubleshooting guides to each of them. If you have a fridge at your home or plan to buy one, knowing solutions to these problems would easily help you rectify them.

refrigerator problems and solutions

Problem 1: Water leakage from refrigerator all over the floor

Cause and solution

This problem is mostly seen in direct cool single door refrigerators that aren’t frost-free. It is usually caused by an overflowing drain pan installed at the backside of the fridge.

However, the problem gets critical when the defrost drain is clogged with food debris or foreign particles. An obstructed water supply line or ununiform fridge level can also cause water leakage.

Excess condensation around the coil occurs if the fridge is not positioned correctly. To solve this problem, first check the refrigerator level if is slightly tilted from the frontside to the backside.

Next, check the drain pan if it is overflowing. You can detach the pan, drain and fit it again easily. If there is no problem in the pan, check for any obstruction in the water supply line. Last but not least, look for any food debris or crumbs blocking the defrost drain. If it is, use warm water to flush the drain line until it is clean.

Problem 2: Ice build up inside fridge

Cause and solution

A single door refrigerator often builds up ice inside the refrigerated space if the freezer door is kept open. To solve this problem, simply close the freezer door, and if it is faulty, replacement is the only option.

This problem can also happen when the thermostat isn’t set correctly according to the temperature requirement. For example, convertible refrigerators have inbuilt options to match the outside temperature. If you set up the “summer” option in the winter, the fridge will increase the cooling effect, which is not required in the season and can build up ice inside. So, always choose the correct settings.

Problem 3: Freezer isn’t getting cold enough

Cause and solution

Inadequate cooling can be caused when the evaporator fan is jammed or is unable to operate. Lack of proper pressure of the refrigerant can also create this problem. You can refill the refrigerant in such a case.

Otherwise, you should locate the evaporator fan, which is present at the back of a fridge, and give it a good clean. It is always better to clean the compressor inlet and outlet to prevent dirt from getting into the coil. Remember to disconnect your fridge from the power supply before undertaking the task.

Problem 4: freezer is working but the fridge is getting warm

Cause and solution

Several things can cause this problem- a faulty evaporator or door, a failing defrost system, and defective temperature sensors or board. To make the fridge work, follow these steps-

  1. Check the refrigerator door if it is closing properly. If there is a level problem, you can adjust the packing below the front side of the refrigerator to close the door automatically. Call the brand’s customer care if there is any problem with the hinge obstructing the refrigerator from closing.
  2. Next, find out if the evaporator fan is not working. It should be fine if the fan blades turn freely without causing any noise. Otherwise, you have to replace it.
  3. Afterward, check the defrost heater, thermostat, and timer manually to see if any problem exists. You can pass hot water into the defrost line to remove any blockage. If the refrigerator fails again after some days, you need to replace the defrost system.
  4. Next, use a multimeter and check if the thermistor (temperature sensor) sends the signal to the temperature control board. If it is, the board is problematic. Otherwise, you may have to replace the sensor.
ice formation in freezer

Problem 5: The refrigerator’s light is not working

Cause and solution

Like regular light bulbs, the fridge’s lights eventually die out after many years of operation because of their expected lifespan. But, the light holder or connecting board may also have some problems.

It is best to replace the light bulb to make your refrigerator illuminated again. If it does not work even after the replacement, it is better to call the company customer care to troubleshoot further and get the parts replaced if required.

Problem 6: A noisy or vibrating Refrigerator

Cause and solution

A refrigerator causes noise when operating the compressor. A slight humming or buzzing noise is entirely normal. However, things get problematic if the sound is too loud with vibrations. The most common reason for excessive noise generation in a refrigerator is its improper alignment with the floor and the walls.

Apart from it, a faulty condenser motor or compressor can also make noise which needs troubleshooting by an expert technician.

All these problems can happen to any type of fridge- single door, double door, or side by side refrigerator. If the problem is fundamental, you can quickly solve it yourself without help from customer care or local technicians. Most brands also provide important information in the fridge’s user manual, which you can consult for further assistance in troubleshooting a specific refrigerator.


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