If you’re like most people, you probably live with at least one refrigerator that’s failing to keep it cool. After all, as we all know, refrigerators are essential appliances that should function properly without fail. But what exactly is going on inside those cabinets? Why do some refrigerators stop working while others remain to produce ice for days on end? What can you do to fix a fridge that’s malfunctioning in the first place? Let’s take a look at the top 5 tips to help you fix your dripping fridge.
Plug in the fridge’s power cord
One of the first signs that your fridge isn’t keeping its cool is a low voltage plug. If you notice the power cord running out of juice when the fridge is running, a junction box near the refrigerator is likely shorting out. You can try plugging the power cord directly into an outlet, but this is rarely a permanent fix.
You should also replace any faulty or broken power cords that you come across. If you’re handy with a wrench or know a fridge repair Saskatoon service in your area, consider hiring them to replace the power cords on your fridge. It’s cheap and easy, and you’re helping out your local economy.
Turn off the fridge at all doors/windows
The first step to fixing a dripping fridge is to turn off the refrigerator at all doors/windows. This prevents any ice from escaping from the doorframe, which can cause your fridge to be serviced for days on end. While obviously, this won’t stop the leak, doing so will help to keep the integrity of the fridge.
It’s also a good idea to mark all the doors so that you know which ones need to be shut. This will help you to quickly figure out which doors need to stay shut and which ones should be opened only slightly.
Inspect and clean the appliance
Once you turn the power off, it’s time to perform a visual inspection of your refrigerator. Once you’ve identified what’s causing the leak, it’s time to get to work cleaning the appliance. First, check the inside of the door. This is where the leak is most likely to be found. If you spot any signs of leakage such as water spots or a dripping faucet, clean it out.
After eliminating the obvious problems, it’s time to focus on the fridge itself. Clean the inside of the door and remove any dust or crumbs that may have settled on the inside of the fridge. It’s also a good idea to test the door seal to make sure it’s still intact. A badly damaged or breached door seal could result in a leaky fridge that won’t be shut properly. If you notice any signs of water in the interior of the fridge, clean it out.
Get an accurate temperature reading
Now that you’ve assessed the inside of the fridge and cleared out any obvious problems, it’s time to get an accurate temperature reading. Unfortunately, this is virtually impossible to do while the fridge is running. However, you can turn the power back on and use the tilde (~) sign to indicate the temperature inside the fridge.
On most refrigerators, there is an ice/water dispenser right above the temperature dial. This is the indicator of how much ice is inside the fridge. If the ice dispenser shows a high temperature, your fridge is likely full of ice. If not, it’s likely that the ice maker is bad and needs to be replaced.
Grease up to fix a leaky seal
If the ice maker is the only thing keeping your fridge from keeping cool, you might be tempted to just grease up the interior of the door. Unfortunately, this will make the leak worse. It will allow more water to get into the fridge which will make the issue much worse. Remember, a leaking seal is essentially a broken water junction.
It’s not a repairable item and needs to be replaced. You can also try greasing up the window sills, but this will make the repair much more difficult. You will also have to remove the window sills to reach the greasing area.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, fixing a leaky refrigerator isn’t as easy as turning on the oven and bailing milk. There are many reasons why your refrigerator may not be keeping the milk cold. You may have to do a bit of tinkering before you can pinpoint the cause of the problem and fix it. In the meantime, these tips can help keep your refrigerator from giving the milk running dry. From moving the refrigerator a few feet away from the wall to greasing up the tubing, this article covered everything you need to know to fix a leaking fridge. Whether you have a new refrigerator or an old one that just won’t hold a consistent temperature, these tips will help you fix it.
