A refrigerator is the power behind your home. Think about it; your fridge is constantly running, day-in and day-out. All your fresh produce and delicious cheeses hinge on this appliance working how it should. So, it’s no surprise that these goliaths of the kitchen need a bit of TLC from time to time.
Fixing your fridge and finding the right refrigerator replacement parts doesn’t have to be left just to the professionals. There are things that you can do and check for before searching for local repair services. We’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot common fridge problems and what tools you need to do so below.
Common Fridge Problems & How to Fix Them
Although it may feel like your fridge is on strike against you, there are ways you can do refrigerator repairs on your own. Find out what refrigerator replacement parts you may need and remember that the ideal temperature for your fridge is between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
My Ice Maker is Leaking
If you’re finding puddles surrounding your fridge, follow these three easy fixes below.
1. Check the water inlet.
Ice cubes can become stuck in the water inlet when water pressure is too low. The water inlet tube is behind the ice maker. To remove it, simply unscrew the ice maker and unplug the wiring behind it. Remember to unplug the refrigerator before you do so.
2. Melt the ice in the water inlet.
To successfully unblock your ice machine, take a hairdryer to the inlet. The heat from the dryer will cause the cubes to turn to water. Don’t stop until you see the water dripping out.
3. Check the saddle valve.
If your ice machine is still clogged, check the saddle valve. Most machines are connected to their water supply via this valve. To find this valve, check the area in your basement beneath the fridge, or it should be under your kitchen sink. Once you locate the valve, turn it clockwise to unblock the piping, then reopen it again.
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3. Check the inlet valve.
The inlet valve is a small electric valve that controls the water supply from the piping to your fridge. After you unplug this tube, if you find water flowing out of it, chances are your water supply is fine, but the inlet valve has gone back.
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4. How to replace the inlet valve.
- Unscrew the cover panel and remove the screws that hold the intake valve in place to replace it.
- Unplug the water lines' wiring and loosen the bolts that connect them.
- Install the replacement valve by reversing these instructions.
- When you're finished, turn the water back on and check for leaks before reinstalling the fridge.
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My Fridge Isn’t Cooling
If you happen to open your freezer and find your chocolate chip ice cream is in a puddle, your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly. Below are a few things you can do to say, “I fix refrigerators like a pro!”
- Check the temperature control dial.
The first and easiest step you can take to fix a cooling fridge is to check the temperature. Sometimes curious hands can turn the temperature up or down or you can occasionally knock the dial without realizing it. Make sure the temperature is at its optimum temperature.
- Clean your fridge’s coils.
This can be a forgotten maintenance necessity for homeowners, but it needs to happen at least once a year for your fridge to work properly. You can find the coils to your fridge either behind or underneath the appliance. All you need to do is use a long brush to get fur, hair, and dust bunnies out from between the grates.
- The fan may need to be vacuumed.
Some refrigerator models will have a fan that assists the coils in cooling the fridge. If this fan is blocked by dust or trash, you may find your fridge isn’t cooling correctly. Simply pull your fridge out from the wall, unhinge the cover panel, and take a vacuum to the fan.
My Fridge is Too Loud
No one loves it when you can hear your fridge grumbling and making noise every day. There is one main cause for this, the evaporator fan.
To check your evaporator fan, open up your fridge. Does it increase in noise? If so, then you need to invest in a new fan. The process is relatively simple to change out these items. To do so, unscrew the fan and unplug the wires, then fasten the new fan to the mounting bracket and reconnect the wires. Once you’ve done that, you should notice a difference in the noise your fridge makes.
What Are the Most Common Refrigerator Replacement Parts?
You can keep an eye out for a few common refrigerator replacement parts and accessories if you want to DIY your appliance. Take a look at our refrigerator parts & accessories to see what you may need.
Water Inlet Valve
Problem: Fridge Not Producing Ice Properly
The ice maker is powered by pressurized water that filters through the machine via the inlet valve. Unfortunately, your ice maker won't get enough water to create cubes if this refrigerator replacement part doesn't have the right water pressure to open it. To work effectively, the water inlet valve requires at least 20 psi.
Water Filter
Problem: Water Tastes Bad or Ice Dispenser Doesn’t Work
The most simple and common refrigerator repair part is the water filter. If your water filter is clogged or dirty, you’ll have bad-tasting water or limited ice. These filters should be replaced every six months to ensure quality water.
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Evaporator Fan
Problem: Freezer is Fine, Fridge is Warm
If you notice that your freezer is working properly but your refrigerator is too warm, most likely the evaporator fan motor is faulty. As we discussed previously, if you find your fridge is too loud, this fan could also be the issue. You can test this fan with a multimeter. If it shows that it isn’t working with continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
Condenser Fan Motor
Problem: Fridge Not Cooling Properly
Some models of fridges use a fan to help the condenser coils to distribute heat thoroughly throughout the appliance. This refrigerator part can easily become overheated and not work properly causing a warm fridge.
Thermistor
Problem: Loud Noises or Fridge Not Cooling
This fridge part is in charge of monitoring your appliance’s internal temperature. If the thermistor is defective, the control board won’t receive the correct internal temperatures of your fridge.
Should I Call a Repairman or Do It Myself?
There are easy and budget-friendly ways to DIY your refrigerator needs but some projects may be too big to handle individually. At East Coast Appliance, we are proud to serve our local community with quality in-house services and installations. We provide a team of factory-trained and authorized technicians that give you the best deals and service you will find when looking for “repairmen near me.” We are stocked with all the refrigerator accessories you may need. From Sub-Zero refrigerators to KitchenAid ice makers, we’re ready to serve you and your needs.
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FAQs
Let’s review a few remaining questions when it comes to refrigeration replacement parts and DIY solutions.
Q: Where do you find the model number on a refrigerator?
Accessible labels found on your refrigerator will tell you the model number if you no longer have the instruction manual on hand. A printed label is placed on the lower left side of a refrigerator’s exterior wall. This label will generally be located near the front of the unit. There is also a label on the interior. Oftentimes, this will be above the top shelf.
Q: Can you replace refrigerator doors?
Yes, you can! Refrigerator doors are actually one of the easier repair jobs. Replacement doors are often readily available.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
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There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop fridge accessories at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the refrigeration replacement parts you need, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!