An In-Depth FAQ for Refrigerator Owners in Rowland Heights

Why is my refrigerator not getting cold enough?

A refrigerator that is not getting cold enough is the most common and urgent issue homeowners face. The problem can stem from several causes, some simple and some complex. The simplest cause is often dirty condenser coils. These coils, located at the back or bottom of the unit, are responsible for dissipating heat. If they are covered in dust and pet hair, the refrigerator cannot get rid of heat effectively and its cooling performance will suffer. Another common issue is a faulty evaporator fan motor, which is responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer into the fresh food compartment. If this fan fails, the freezer may remain cold, but the refrigerator section will get warm.

More complex issues often involve the defrost system. If the defrost heater or thermostat fails, the evaporator coils can become encased in ice, which blocks airflow. The most serious problems relate to the sealed system, which includes the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. A failing compressor or a leak of refrigerant will lead to a complete loss of cooling. A professional technician can perform a step-by-step diagnosis to determine if the issue is simple maintenance, a failed fan, a defrost problem, or a sealed system fault.

What causes a refrigerator to leak water on the floor?

Water leaking from underneath a refrigerator is almost always caused by a problem with the defrost drain line. During the automatic defrost cycle, water melts off the evaporator coils and is funneled into a small drain tube, which leads to a a drain pan under the refrigerator where it evaporates. Over time, this drain tube can become clogged with ice, food particles, or algae. When the drain is clogged, the water has nowhere to go and will overflow the drain trough, running down the inside of the refrigerator and pooling on the floor.

Another common source of leaks is the water supply line that connects to the ice maker and water dispenser. This thin plastic or copper line can crack, or the fittings at either end can become loose, causing a slow drip or even a steady stream of water. A professional technician can quickly identify the source of the leak. They can use a steamer or a special tool to clear a clogged defrost drain or replace a cracked or leaking water line to prevent serious water damage to your kitchen.

Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old refrigerator?

Deciding whether to repair a 10-year-old refrigerator is a very common question. In many instances, a repair is an extremely practical and economical choice. Refrigerators, especially well-built models from reputable brands, are designed to last 10-15 years or more. Many of the most common failures that occur around the 10-year mark involve replaceable components like an ice maker assembly, a defrost thermostat, or a fan motor. These repairs are relatively straightforward for a professional and can add many more years of service to your appliance.

The best way to make an informed decision is with a professional assessment. A technician can diagnose the specific problem and evaluate the health of the most critical component: the compressor and sealed system. If the sealed system is in good condition and the issue is with a common, replaceable part, a repair is often the most sensible path forward. This allows you to avoid the significant expense and hassle of buying and installing a new refrigerator.

Why is my refrigerator making a loud buzzing noise?

While refrigerators make a variety of normal sounds, a loud, persistent buzzing noise is a sign that something is wrong. If the noise is coming from the back and bottom of the unit, it often points to an issue with the condenser fan motor. This fan cools the compressor and can become loud if the motor is failing or if debris is caught in the fan blades. If the buzzing seems to come from inside the freezer, the culprit is likely the evaporator fan, which may be hitting ice buildup due to a defrost problem, or its motor may be wearing out.

Another possible source of a loud buzzing or clicking sound is the compressor’s start relay. This component can fail, causing the compressor to struggle or fail to start, often resulting in a loud click followed by a buzz. Because these components involve the core functions of your refrigerator, it is best to have a professional technician diagnose the specific source of the noise. They can safely inspect the fans and electrical components to perform the correct repair and restore quiet, normal operation.

Why is my ice maker not making ice?

An ice maker that has stopped producing ice is a very common problem with several potential causes. The first thing to check is the temperature of the freezer; it must be at or below 10°F for most ice makers to cycle properly. Another simple cause is the feeler arm being in the “off” or “up” position, which signals the ice maker to stop production. You should also check the water supply line to ensure it is not kinked or frozen.

If those simple checks don’t resolve the issue, the problem is likely with a component of the ice maker system itself. The water inlet valve, which is an electrically controlled valve that allows water to flow to the ice maker, can fail and get stuck in the closed position. The ice maker module, which is the “brain” of the unit containing the motor and gears, can also fail mechanically. A professional technician can test the water inlet valve for continuity and manually cycle the ice maker module to determine which component has failed and needs to be replaced.