Who does not own a refrigerator? It is one of those appliances in our house that run continuously from day to night, keeping our food well preserved. Basically, it is a part and parcel of our life. Now, there is a fair chance that sometimes it might break down, due to heavy usage. And, when it happens, the food stored inside might turn sour.
Though solving refrigerator troubles often calls for a technician, here we are about to discuss a few techniques that you can implement, to repair the refrigerator, on your own. Thus, saving your valuable time, money, and most importantly the stress. So, read to find more!
Precautions to Maintain Before You Start
Before you start repairing your refrigerator, you have to ensure that the appliance is unplugged. After successfully unplugging the unit, you must check whether the compressor has a capacitor or not. You will find this at the top of the motor. Locate the capacitor and simply discharge the capacitor. Otherwise, you might receive a severe electric shock.
Can You Repair a Refrigerator with DIYs?
Now, we are going to discuss some easy and effective methods that you can try to repair your refrigerator on your own.
- An issue with the Icemaker
If the ice maker stops working, the first thing that you have to do is to remove the screws that hold the icemaker. Next, disconnect the wiring harness and after that, remove the ice maker in order to see the water inlet tube.
Now, thoroughly inspect the water inlet for ice as when the water pressure is low, the supplied water to the icemaker can get clogged with ice. As a result, the water freezes before it reaches the ice maker.
The next thing that you have to do is to unblock the saddle valve. Once you find the saddle valve, it is very easy to clear them. Now, at the end of the refrigerator, you will see a small electric inlet valve that turns the water supply to the icemaker off and on. Now, before replacing the valve, you should ensure that the water is flowing on the valve. Disconnect the supply tube from the inlet valve and then turn off the water at the saddle valve.
Next, hold the supply tube over a bucket and then turn on the saddle valve. In case, the water flows out of the tube, it indicates that the water supply is working fine, however, the inlet valve is damaged.
In this case, you need to order online, search ‘Finding Fridge Parts’ in order to find a new valve. When the task is complete, turn on the waters and then push the icemaker into its place.
- How to Deal with Leakage?
If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or an icemaker, you should take it out and search for a leak. If you find a leak at the inlet valve, simply tighten the compression nuts. In case the copper or plastic tube is leaking, replace it with a new one.
Now, if the drain tube gets leaked, you need to unplug it first. For that, at first, take out the cover panel. In a few specific models, you might have to unscrew the floor panel. After cleaning, use any tube that tightly fits into the drain tube. You can even use an air compressor or a tire pump.
- Is the refrigerator not Cold Enough?
If you see that your refrigerator is not cold enough, before calling a technician, do implement these basic hacks. First, you should check the cold. Ensure that it is set to ‘Cold’. The normal temperature inside the refrigerator must be 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the freezer fans run smoothly, this means the cold is under control, as well as the defrost timer in the refrigerator, is set to ‘Cool’. If the freezer fans are not running, you don’t have any other options than replacing them.
Generally, compressor fans are located behind the refrigerator. Most of the time if the freezer fan is running, compressor fans also work smoothly. However, have you noticed lately that the compressor fans have stopped working? Then, the refrigerator will provide very little cooling. In these circumstances, you should replace the compressor fans.
- Refrigerator not Working Properly
Now, if the refrigerator motor or the light doesn’t work, then at first, you need to ensure that the refrigerator is plugged into a holder that receives power. If the holder does not work, replace it with a new one.
You should also ensure that the cold control is set correctly and the refrigerator is plugged in. Also, the cold control is set correctly, but still the refrigerator not responding, immediately leave the door and call a professional expert.
- Fridge Door doesn’t Close Problem
First, you should test the fridge door and if you realize that it doesn’t have a decent seal, then the best option for you is to replace the gasket door. Here’s how to perform the task.
If you are using a side-by-side refrigerator model, then by using a nut driver, slightly loosen the top hinge. For freezer on top models, use a nut driver and adjust the top hinge of the freezer door.
Now, you should put a level on the top of the refrigerator door. And, then slightly move the door until it is level. Hold the door in that place as well as refasten the screws. If you have earlier removed any cover, reaffix them.
In case the door is still faulty, you should open it. And, after that peel back the rubber gasket. Remove the gasket from the side area of the door. Now, use a new gasket and tighten the screws. Once the new gasket is entirely in place, finish securing all the screws.
Furthermore…
If your notice that your refrigerator runs too much, first check if the refrigerator section is being cooled or not. Next, try to turn the cold control buttons. You should also check the condenser coils and if the coils are dirty, the refrigerator is unable to operate smoothly. So, clean the coils. Ensure that the drain tube isn’t plugged. Finally, if nothing happens, then you can use your Plan B, and call a reliable technician.