Having been in a part of life only for the past 100 years, our Washington DC refrigerator has become so integrated in our daily routines, we hardly notice its existence.  A major reason for this is that they run so efficiently and require so little maintenance.

Without them, however, our lives would be very different because our diets would radically change.  Fortunately most problems that occur to a refrigerator over its lifetime are easily repaired and done by your handy self without need of calling for help.

Ice-maker Breakdown

When the ice-maker produces only tiny cubes or stops producing entirely, three common spots that could be clogged should be found and checked to fix the problem.

Low pressure may allow ice to form in the line. To expose the water inlet tube, unplug and remove the ice-maker.

The tube connecting your Washington DC refrigerator to the main water supply can be clogged at the saddle valve.  The connection is often under the refrigerator in an unfinished basement or in the sink cabinet and can be cleared with a simple loosen and retwist of the clamp.

While the saddle valve is off, check the water inlet valve at the back of the refrigerator.  If the other two points are functioning, the valve should be replaced.

Puddles Under the Fridge

Leaks in the tubing can easily be fixed by tightening the compression fittings at either connection or replacing the tubing completely.

Even without an ice-maker, refrigerators can leak because condensation is part of the cooling process.  Prior to frost-free, globs of ice would build-up on the walls of the freezer requiring a regular ritual to defrost.

Today, the condensation is collected in a pan under the refrigerator which can leak over the sides if the appliance is not level. A leak might also be due to a clog in the tube draining condensation from the freezer which can be easily cleared with a hair-dryer.

Melting Ice-Cream Indicates Non-Cooling

When food is not staying cool enough, adjust the temperature at the thermostat (usually in the back).

Vital to the cooling process, the coils in the back or on the bottom can get less efficient when blocked by debris or clogged with dust balls.  Regularly clean them and the fan that work with them.

Noisy Fridge

If the fridge rattles and rumbles, check the compressor in the back or fan inside.  The fan blades can easily be replaced by removing the cover and ordering a new part.  The compressor usually is best replaced with a new refrigerator as cost makes it not worth the repair.

If you are having trouble with your fridge or any of your other appliances, give All-Pro Appliance Repair a call today!