6 Common Refrigerator Problems (and Solutions)

For most people, the refrigerator is their most used and essential home appliance, so when it becomes faulty, it is both annoying and essential that the problem gets fixed quickly.

In this article, we will go through some of the most common problems people have with their refrigerators and how you can fix them.

Let’s get started.

1. Water Leak

The first common problem people have with their fridge is when there is a water leak. When water leaks onto the floor, it can be very dangerous, as it can cause people to slip. Thankfully, fixing a leaking refrigerator is quite straightforward most of the time, as it is usually caused by one of two things.

The first common cause of water leaks is a blocked defrost drain. When it gets blocked, water will leak onto the floor. To fix this problem, all you need to do is try to unblock the drain by pouring warm water down it and then using a piece of wire to try to unblock it. If it is still blocked, then you will need to pull the refrigerator out from the wall, disconnect the hose, and clean out the rubber valve.

The second main cause of a water leak is a faulty water supply line. To fix this problem, you simply need to turn the water off and then check the water line for any leaks. If you find any leaks, the line will need to be repaired or replaced.

2. The Freezer Isn’t Working Properly

The second main problem people have with their refrigerators is when the freezer stops working properly by not getting to a cold enough temperature to freeze the food. To fix this problem, you should first check that the back wall of the freezer is cold and then check if you can hear the evaporator fan running. If the fan isn’t working, it will need to be repaired or replaced. If the fan is ok, you need to check the condenser coils at the back of your refrigerator for any signs of dust on them. If they are dusty, they need to be cleaned, as dusty coils mean your refrigerator isn’t able to work properly, as it has to work overtime to keep the fridge and freezer at the right temperatures.

3. The Refrigerator Won’t Turn Off

What we mean by this is that it is constantly running on a cycle. Usually the fans only go on sporadically during the day to keep your refrigerator cold. When the refrigerator is constantly running, it’s not only loud and annoying, but it also means your power bill will be higher than it should be.

The best place to start to solve this problem is to check the condenser coils to see if they are dirty or covered in dust. When they are dirty, your refrigerator needs to stay on so that it can keep your refrigerator cold. If you find they are dirty, you need to clean them with a brush and/or use a vacuum cleaner. Once cleaned, check to see if the problem has been solved.

If the condenser coils aren’t the cause of the problem, the next thing to check is the temperature settings. Your refrigerator should be set at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so if it is higher than that, change the setting and then see if this solves the problem.

Finally, check the door seals/gaskets to ensure your refrigerator door is closing properly. If they are damaged in any way, they will need to be replaced.

4. Ice on the Freezer Floor

If your freezer has a large build-up of ice on the floor, the first thing to check is the defrost drain. When the drain gets blocked, water cannot drain out and will instead turn into ice.

To fix this problem, locate the drain and try to unblock it by pouring warm water down it and then using a piece of wire to try and unblock it. If it is still blocked, then you will need to pull the refrigerator out from the wall, disconnect the hose, and clean out the rubber valve that is in the hose.

To remove the ice, you need to defrost your freezer by emptying it out and then letting it fully defrost before turning it back on. You should do this anyway a couple times a year to avoid this problem from happening.

5. The Ice Maker Is Overflowing

If you have a refrigerator that has a water supply connected to the ice maker, sometimes the ice maker can produce too much ice and start to overflow or the excess water leaks out into other parts of your freezer.

To solve this problem, you need to check if your water inlet valve is working correctly. Sometimes the water pressure in the valve isn’t high enough and the valve will fail to turn off, resulting in excess water going into the ice maker. You need to check that the water pressure is at least 20 psi, and if not, get it fixed by a technician. You should also check that the valve itself is working correctly, and if not, it will need to be replaced.

6. Food in the Refrigerator Is Frozen

If your refrigerator is freezing your food, it is most likely caused by a faulty temperature thermostat. This is because the thermostat controls how much voltage is sent to the compressor and evaporator fan motor, and when it isn’t the right voltage, the refrigerator will run longer and cool your food down to much lower temperatures than it should.

You can check the thermostat yourself by turning it from its lowest setting to its highest setting and listening for a clicking sound. If you hear the click, this is a good indication that the thermostat is working correctly. If you can’t, it will need to be checked with a multimeter for continuity, and if it doesn’t have any, it needs to be replaced.