DIY Refrigerator Repair
If you really enjoy fixing things yourself, have a minor issue with your appliance, and have the right tools, then you may be able to do an at-home DIY repair. For refrigerators, minor problems include water leaking on the floor, an ice maker breakdown, too much noise, and a cooling failure.
Always unplug the refrigerator before making any repairs!
Tools you’ll need:
- an adjustable wrench
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- hair dryer
- long brush
- level
- vacuum
- nut driver
Problem 1: the ice maker doesn't work.
When an ice maker quits working or makes only tiny cubes, it’s typically because the water supply is blocked either partially or completely. First check the water inlet tube for ice. If water pressure is low, the trickling water can freeze and plug the tube before it gets to the ice maker. Take out the screws that hold the ice maker together, disconnect the wiring harness to remove the ice maker and access the water inlet tube. Use a hair dryer to melt the ice in the water inlet tube until water stops dripping from it. Unblock the needle hole in the saddle valve, which can be found under your kitchen sink or a tube beneath the fridge in an unfinished basement. Turn the valve clockwise to unblock it, then firmly tighten to unclog mineral deposits. Then reopen the valve.
Next, replace the inlet valve at the back of your fridge, but make sure water is flowing to it. Turn the water off at the saddle valve, then disconnect the supply tube from the inlet valve. Hold the tube over a trash can or bucket and have another person turn the saddle valve on. If water is flowing out of the tube, then the water supply is ok and most likely the inlet valve is bad.
To replace the inlet valve, take out the screws to the cover panel and remove the screws that hold the valve in place. Unplug the wiring and unscrew the nuts that connect to the water lines. To install the new valve, reverse these steps.
When you’re finished, turn the water back on and check for leaks, then push the fridge back into place.
Problem 2: the fridge is leaking water on the floor
All refrigerators produce water in the form of condensation and melting ice, but puddles of water outside the fridge are not normal. There are several parts of a compression fitting that are prone to leaks, and some of them can be fixed by yourself at home. Check the water supply line first. If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, pull the fridge out and look for a leak. If the inlet valve is leaking then tighten the compression nuts. If the leak is coming from the plastic or copper tube, replace it.
Check if your fridge is level, since water drains into a pan under the fridge (where it evaporates) and if it’s very tilted, water can spill out of that pan. Making sure your refrigerator is level will solve this problem. Try to adjust the fridge so it’s level from side to side and tilted backward. Use the adjustment screws at the front cover grille to help change the tilt.
If you decide to call in a professional, don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll be happy to help – and give you the credit! See our services here.
Problem 3: noisy refrigerator
Refrigerator noise often comes from a compressor under the fridge, the condenser fan motor under the refrigerator, or an evaporator fan motor inside the freezer. First, open the freezer door when the fridge is on and running. If the volume of the noise stays the same when you open the freezer, then pull out the fridge. Almost all refrigerators have a condenser fan motor, so to hear this, unscrew the back cover and listen. You may be able to tell whether the noise is coming from the fan or from the compressor. Typically the best solution for a loud compressor is to buy a new fridge. To replace the motor that controls the fan, remove the mounting screws, unplug the fan motor and install a new one.
If the sound gets louder when you open the freezer, then the evaporator fan motor is the problem. Luckily this fridge motor is easy to replace. First unscrew the fan from the back wall of the freezer and unplug the wires. With some models, you may need a nut driver or socket set to remove the fan. Take the fan refrigerator motor out from its mounting bracket. Secure the new fan to the mounting bracket, then reconnect the wires and finally screw the new fan into place.
How To Keep Your Appliances From Breaking Down in Humid Climates
If you live in a humid or muggy place, it’s important to protect your appliances from extreme heat and damaging power surges. Moisture can affect many parts of home and commercial appliances, and keeping them functioning well may be more of a hurdle than you think. At Appliance Repair Pensacola, we know what humidity damage looks like and how to avoid it. To keep your kitchen and laundry appliances running smoothly all year long, take a look at these important tips: (featured on usehometips.com)
Refrigerator
Help your fridge and freezer keep cool. With high temperatures and moisture in the air, most refrigerators and freezers have to run longer and more often to keep food fresh and cold. Many folks think that adjusting the temperature setting will help but that’ll only make your appliance work harder and probably break down. Try to keep the door closed whenever possible. Frequent opening will let more hot air and moisture inside the fridge and freezer. The condenser is supposed to reduce humidity inside and cool the air, but each time the door is opened, your unit has to work much harder to compensate for the temperature change.
You will want to increase the circulation of air around the outside of your fridge by making sure there’s plenty of space between it and walls, cabinets or other appliances. When a fridge is in an area without good ventilation, the radiant heat from the condenser can’t be dispersed adequately.
Clean the refrigerator & freezer inside and out. Clean and vacuum the dust and cobwebs under the unit and around the coils on the back. Throw out any freezer burnt items and crusted-on ice. A deep clean will let air circulate in and around the unit so it can run more effectively.
Replace the gaskets and door seals, which can become damaged or worn in places with high humidity like Pensacola (or Houston, or any beach town!). This can really strain the fridge condenser and cause your appliance to break.
Use airtight and sealed containers to store food in the fridge because open containers will let excess moisture circulate inside the unit. And if you have several room-temperature items that you want to keep in the refrigerator or freezer, don’t add them all at once. Instead, space out the adding of items so your fridge doesn’t need to run for hours to cool it all down at once.
Beware of ice build-up. Most freezers have an automatic defrost cycle but sometimes, a tube will become clogged with ice. We recommend an annual cleaning where the unit is turned off for 24 hours to thaw and reset.
If there is a power saver feature, turn it off during the summer or when it’s extra hot and humid. This will prevent a buildup of condensation around the door gasket and also avoid mold and mildew.
Make sure the fridge is in a good location, ideally a cool and well-ventilated space, not a hot garage or outside in direct sunlight.
Your other appliances are vulnerable to excess heat and moisture too. Washers, dryers, microwaves and ovens can suffer in salty air places. The additional humidity can prematurely damage electric parts, cause mildew to form, and encourage rust. When you’re not using your washer and dryer, try to keep the doors propped open to circulate air and help prevent moisture from becoming stagnant. If something spills in the microwave or oven, wipe it up to avoid bacterial growth.
Hot and humid summers can also lead to electrical storms that can lead to power outages. Try to unplug your appliances when there’s no power in order to protect them from power surges after the electricity comes back on.
Air Conditioning Units
Thoughts on air conditioners: while they are designed to work in high temps, there are ways to keep units operating smoothly and avoid wasting money on utility bills. Switch to a programmable thermostat to use a warmer setting during the day or times when you’re not home. Make sure to change out the air filters every 30 days or so to avoid clogged HVAC ducts and keep proper airflow. Keep the outdoor coil clean and free from dirt and leaves. You can turn off the power to the coils (at the circuit breaker) and spray down the coils with a hose, using medium water pressure. Let dry before turning the power back on. Make sure there is space around the compressor, around 12 inches, for adequate airflow. This will maintain the efficiency of the unit and avoid system failure.
Other moisture issues
The air in your home can hold a lot of moisture depending on the temp of the air both inside and outside the building. As the temperature increases, the air is able to hold more and more moisture. The opposite is also true and that’s why in colder weather moisture condenses on cold surfaces, like a window. The problem is that moisture can and will encourage bacteria and other biological pollutants to grow and spread. It can help to use dehumidifiers and of course your air conditioner to reduce moisture in the air inside your home or building, but make sure that the appliances themselves don’t become breeding grounds of bacteria and fungi that can make you and others sick. Think about putting a plastic cover over the dirt in your crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in up from the ground outside. Make sure crawlspaces are properly ventilated. Utilize exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to lower the moisture content, and for the dryer, make sure the vent leads to outside the building.
Even with all our tips, sometimes appliances still break down or need a professional to take a look. Don’t hesitate to call your local appliance repair business as they most likely have a lot more expertise than the average person and would love to help keep your appliances working well. If you’re in Pensacola or NWFL, give us a call and we’ll help you out! We fix all brands of washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, AC units and more.
How To Repair An Inverter
An inverter is a device which converts direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC). It is commonly used to convert DC voltage provided by batteries into AC voltage used to operate appliances. These devices are present in many household electronic gadgets like TV sets and stereo systems. However, if any damage occurs to these devices, then it may create problems while operating. Here are some simple steps to follow in case your inverter fails.
Turn off the electricity supply while making repairs
1. Check if the fuse has blown. Fuses blow at high temperatures and low voltage, so check your fuse box and inspect each fuse individually.
2. If the fuse still blows, then replace it.
3. Inspect the wire connections. Ensure they’re tight and clean.
4. Remove the metal plate that covers the top of the inverter and make sure it’s not loose.
5. Look for any loose wires inside the inverter.
6. Make sure the AC cord is plugged in correctly.
7. Test the inverter again. If it still doesn’t work, contact the manufacturer.
8. Remember to always unplug your device before attempting repairs.
9. If possible, use a multimeter to test the circuit.
10. Do not attempt to repair anything that is connected to power without proper protection.
How To Repair A Microwave Oven
The microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that consists of cavity and an electric magnetron. When food items are placed inside the oven, they are heated up using microwaves. If any damage occurs to the microwave oven, it may not work properly. In order to fix the problem, here are some tips that will help you fix the damaged parts of your microwave oven.
WARNING: avoid tinkering with microwave electronics! A microwave capacitor can hold a high-voltage charge long after it’s been unplugged. If you don’t correctly discharge the capacitor before you touch any metal parts or wires, you are risking shock or even electrocution. It’s best to call a professional.
How To Fix A Washing Machine Door
Washing machines are among some of the most frequently used home appliances. They facilitate washing clothes efficiently and at the same time, provide good water pressure. But if any damage occurs to your washer door, it may lead to malfunctioning of the machine. There are some simple ways to fix damaged parts of the washing machine door, which we will be posting about later.
1. Remove the door panel
The first step is to remove the door panel. You should do this before attempting any repairs. If you don’t know how to remove the panel, then you may need to call a professional. Once the panel is removed, you’ll have access to the entire machine.
2. Clean the door frame
Next, clean the door frame. Make sure to use soap and water to thoroughly wash the area. Use a soft cloth to dry off the frame.
3. Replace the door panel
Once everything is cleaned, replace the door panel. Be careful not to touch the motor housing while doing so.
4. Reinstall the door frame
Now that the door panel is replaced, reinstall the door frame. Try to avoid touching the motor housing again.
5. Test the washing machine
Finally, test the washing machine to make sure it works properly. If it still doesn’t work, then you may need some additional help.
How To Repair A Coffee Grinder
Most folks use coffee grinders for coffee beans to prepare espresso drinks or other coffee-based beverages, but some people also grind flax seeds, dried orange peels and other things in a coffee grinder. If any damage occurs, it may result in grinding defects causing the coffee to taste bad. Here are some simple hacks to follow in order to get rid of the broken parts of a coffee grinder.
1. Cleaning the Coffee Grinder
The first step in repairing a coffee grinder is cleaning it out completely. If you have any residue left over from previous grindings, then you need to remove it. You should also clean off any residue that may be stuck inside the grinding chamber. After you’ve cleaned everything thoroughly, you can start putting back together the parts of the machine.
2. Reassembling the Parts
After you’re done cleaning, you’ll want to take apart the coffee grinder again. Start by removing the top cover plate. Then, remove the bottom cover plate. Next, remove the two side plates. Finally, remove the grinding mechanism. Once you’ve removed all the pieces, put them back together. Make sure to use a good quality glue to secure the pieces of the grinder together.
3. Adjusting the Grind Size
Once you’ve reassembled the coffee grinder, you’ll need to adjust the size of the grind. To do this, you’ll just need to turn the dial until you find the size that works best for you.
4. Adjusting the Feeder
If you notice that you’re getting less than desirable results after making adjustments to the grind size, then you might want to check the feeder. The feeder is responsible for feeding the beans into the grinder. If it isn’t working properly, then you could end up with under-ground coffee grounds instead of ground coffee.
5. Checking the Motor
Another thing you can do to ensure that your coffee grinder is running smoothly is to check the motor. If you notice that the motor is not turning, then you should replace the motor.
6. Replacing the Blade
If you still aren’t satisfied with the performance of your coffee grinder, then you might want consider replacing the blade. A worn blade won’t cut the beans evenly, which means that you won’t get the desired result.
7. Testing the Grind Quality
To test the grind quality, you can simply place some ground coffee beans into a cup and pour hot water over them. If they don’t dissolve, then you know that the coffee is coarsely ground. If they dissolve, then you know the coffee is finely ground.
How To Repair A Blender
Blenders can get a lot of use in some kitchens, making smoothies, ice creams, soups, etc. If any part of your blender gets damaged, it may stop working. So in order to fix the issue, here are some tips you need to know.
1. Remove Blender Parts
The first step in repairing any blender is to remove the parts that need to be replaced. You should always start with the part that seems to have the most damage. If you do not know what part is damaged, then you should look at the manual and find out how to disassemble the blender. Once you have removed the part, clean off any debris and dirt that may be stuck on the part.
2. Clean the Part
After removing the part, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure to rinse the part well. After washing, dry the part completely and store it in a safe place until you are ready to put it back together.
3. Reattach the Part
Once you have cleaned the part, it is time to reattach it to the blender. To attach the part, make sure to use the correct screws and tighten them securely. Also, make sure to check if the part fits correctly before tightening the screws.
4. Check the Motor
Once you have attached the part, turn the motor on and test it. If the motor does not work properly, then you may need to replace the motor. However, if the motor works fine, then you should continue testing the rest of the blender.
5. Test the Mixing Blade
If the mixing blade is broken, then you will need to replace the blade. If the blade is still working properly, then you should continue checking the rest of the blender to ensure everything else is functioning properly.
How To Replace Parts Of Your Air Conditioner
There are 2 types of air conditioners available on the market: split system and central system. Split system units have separate components that run independently whereas central cooling units are connected to a single unit consisting of compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator coils. Both types of air conditioners use refrigerants to remove moisture and regulate temperature inside the house. But if any part of the air conditioning system stops functioning, then it may cause issues with your appliances. Here are some tips to check and replace the faulty parts of your air conditioner.
1. Air Filter
The air filter is the first thing that comes into contact with the outside air. If the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, then the air entering the system will not be able to pass through cleanly. The result? More work for your compressor and fan motor.
2. Compressor Motor
If the compressor motor starts to overheat, it will eventually burn out. When this happens, the compressor will no longer function properly and won’t have enough power to run the rest of the components.
3. Condenser Coil
When the condenser coil gets dirty, it will lose its efficiency and begin to leak. Over time, this will cause the coils to become brittle and crack. Eventually, the entire unit will need to be replaced.
4. Evaporator Fan
Evaporator fans are responsible for moving the hot air across the evaporator coil. If they get blocked with dust, then the coil will not be able to cool the air efficiently.
5. Heat Exchanger
Heat exchangers transfer heat between two fluids. In the case of air conditioners, the heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant to the air flowing through the coils. When the heat exchanger begins to fail, it will stop working correctly.
6. Thermostat
Thermostats regulate the temperature inside your home. If the thermostat malfunctions, it may shut off the air conditioning prematurely.
7. Water Line
Water line leaks can lead to serious water damage. A leaking water line could also affect the operation of the air conditioner, causing the compressor to run continuously.