Let’s face it, when there’s a problem with your refrigerator, it’s a real headache. Since we all need to eat food in order to survive, we all know the importance of storing the most basic staples such as milk, eggs, and vegetables in a functioning refrigerator.

So when something goes wrong with your fridge, it’s like a snowball effect. Your food starts to rot, your whole family starts to get hungry and you have to figure out what’s the problem with your refrigerator.

Knowing how your refrigerator works isn’t as complicated as it seems; just follow these helpful tips on how to solve these common refrigerator problems.

Caution: Remember to always unplug your refrigerator before making any repairs.

common-refrigerator-problems

Water is Leaking Inside Your Refrigerator

At first, water leaking inside your refrigerator is a small problem, but it soon becomes a big puddle that you’ll have to clean up. Good news is that solving this problem is simple. Water leaks in fridges happen due to the drain tube getting blocked.

The solution: Look for the drain tube on your refrigerator; it’s normally located behind or beneath the fridge. Remove the drain tube and clean it with some bleach and hot water to unblock it. Reinstall the drain tube and that should do it.

Refrigerator Interior Light is Off and is Not Working

Many people deal with the refrigerator interior light shutting off. It’s a common problem, but here is the solution. First, check to see for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If that’s not the issue, check behind the refrigerator and examine the plug. Replace the cord if it’s damaged.

Refrigerator is Not Working and You Hear a “Clicking” Sound

If you hear a “clicking” sound coming from your fridge, that usually means you have a faulty compressor. An electric compressor compresses the gas inside the coils of your fridge. This determines how the cooling system functions. The solution is to check the fan and test the thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t working, have it replaced.

Frost is Forming Rapidly in Your Refrigerator

Sometimes we forget to shut the refrigerator door properly, even though it may look closed, it might still be slightly ajar and this causes frost to build up.

The solution: Adjust the hinges on the fridge door, so it shuts tightly. Practice a few times opening and closing the fridge door and make sure it’s shut properly. Make adjustments if necessary. If it’s still not shut tightly, it’s time to clean or replace the gasket, as leaks in the fridge door seal make it hard to uphold an appropriate temperature.

Torn or Worn Out Gaskets

After years of constant opening and closing, your refrigerators gasket gets worn out or torn causing water and frost to appear. The good news is that replacing a fridge gasket is easy.

  1. Soak your new gasket in hot water for about thirty minutes, this will make them flexible and easier to install.
  2. With a ¼ inch nut screwdriver, remove all the screws around the old gasket except for one in each corner.
  3. Pull the gasket out from the middle of each side as far up as it will go, then insert one screw on each side. That will keep the inner line intact while you remove the final screws on each corner.
  4. Pull the gasket out from behind the liner. Put aside.
  5. Lay the new gasket in place, hook in each corner and pull the liner away from the refrigerator door enough to place it in behind it. Firmly push it in, starting with the edges.
  6. Insert screws to hold it in place. Continue screwing the screws across the whole gasket. Focus on the corners and remember do not over tighten the screws.

If all else fails and you’re still not able to fix your refrigerator problems, give us a call at ARS Appliance Repair Service at 1-866-415-3937 and we’ll be happy to come check it out and give you a repair quote. You never know, we can probably help you save a couple of bucks and prevent your refrigerator from getting any worse.