Questions People Ask About Refrigerator Repair
Refrigerators are a common major appliance that breaks down and needs repair. But in some instances, if you know the basics of the most typical kinds of fridge failures, you may be able to diagnose problems yourself, or at least know the underlying issue. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions non-professionals ask about refrigerator repair issues.
What Causes My Refrigerator To Stop Cooling? -- One of the most common repair issues occurs when a fridge stops cooling or cools at a very low rate. That is usually the result of condenser coils that have some type of fault or malfunction. The condenser coils are built in the back of the fridge, and sometimes if your fridge has been pushed back flush against the wall, it can impede the cooling function. You can try pulling the fridge back a few inches to see if that resolves the problem. In some cases, a faulty thermostat could also be the cause. Check to see if the thermostat was accidentally turned off, or if it needs to be reset. Digital thermostats are easy to check, because the reading will either be on or off. With manual thermostats, you need to physically move the temperature gauge setting.
What Causes My Fridge To Not Shut Completely? -- This is a common issue with a refrigerator, when you discover that when you close it, the gasket doesn't completely stay shut. The gasket is the layer of material between the inner part of your fridge and the part that closes. Sometimes, you can apply vaseline to the gasket, which can seal any leaks or gaps, and resolve the issue. However, if that DIY procedure doesn't work, you will need to contact an appliance service technician to determine and repair the problem.
Why Does My Freezer Stop Making Ice? -- In many instances, a freezer that doesn't make ice is the result of the shutoff arm being stuck in the wrong position. The shutoff arm is the device that controls the ice making, and it should always be pointed down. After ice is made, the shutoff arm lifts as the new ice fills the tray. But as ice is used, the arm lowers, and that will eventually trigger the production of new ice. If the shutoff arm doesn't lower, and remains stuck in the 'up' position, no new ice will be made. Check to see if the shutoff arm is in the raised position, and lower it. That will usually resolve the non ice-making issue. But if that doesn't do the trick, you will need to contact a professional appliance repair person.