Your refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in your home, keeping food fresh and safe to eat. When it stops working properly, it can be a major inconvenience. Below are some common refrigerator issues and how you can troubleshoot them:
Refrigerator Not Cooling
If your fridge isn’t staying cold, several factors could be at play:
- Dirty Condenser Coils: Dust and debris buildup can reduce efficiency. Clean the coils with a vacuum or coil brush every six months.
- Faulty Thermostat: If your fridge isn’t responding to temperature adjustments, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
- Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan: If the fridge is warm but the freezer is cold, the evaporator fan might not be circulating air properly.
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, professional repair may be necessary. Learn more about diagnosing cooling issues at Energy Star.
Water Leaking on the Floor
Water pooling under your refrigerator is a sign of a potential problem:
- Clogged Defrost Drain: Food particles and debris can clog the defrost drain, causing water to back up and leak. Flushing it with warm water can help.
- Broken Water Supply Line: If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, a cracked supply line could be leaking.
For more troubleshooting tips, visit Home Depot’s guide.
Ice Maker Not Working
Common causes of a faulty ice maker include:
- Low Water Pressure: Ensure your home’s water supply meets the minimum requirement of 20 psi.
- Faulty Water Inlet Valve: If water isn’t reaching the ice maker, the valve may be defective and need replacement.
- Clogged Water Filter: A dirty filter can block water flow. Replacing the filter every six months can prevent this.
If your ice maker still isn’t working, check out GE Appliances’ troubleshooting guide.
