An In-Depth FAQ for Refrigerator Owners in Altadena

Why is my refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is working?

This is one of the most common refrigerator problems and it almost always points to an issue with airflow. In most single-compressor refrigerators, the cold air is generated in the freezer section and then circulated to the fresh food compartment by a small evaporator fan. If this fan motor fails or if the air ducts connecting the two compartments become blocked with ice, the cold air will be trapped in the freezer. Your freezer will remain frozen, but your refrigerator section will slowly warm up. This ice blockage is often a symptom of a larger issue, typically a malfunctioning automatic defrost system.

The defrost system consists of a heater, a thermostat, and a timer or control board. Its job is to periodically melt any frost that builds up on the evaporator coils to keep air paths clear. If any one of these components fails, a thick layer of frost will accumulate on the coils, eventually blocking all airflow to the refrigerator. A professional technician can test the components of the defrost system and the evaporator fan to determine the exact cause and replace the faulty part, restoring proper cooling throughout the entire appliance.

How do you fix a refrigerator that is leaking water?

A refrigerator leaking water onto the floor is a problem that should be addressed quickly to prevent damage to your kitchen. The most frequent cause of this issue is a clogged or frozen defrost drain. Every refrigerator has a defrost cycle to melt frost from the evaporator coils. This water is channeled into a small drain tube that leads to a pan under the refrigerator, where it evaporates. If this drain tube becomes clogged with food particles, ice, or algae, the water will back up and leak, either into the bottom of your fresh food compartment or directly onto the floor from underneath the unit. A technician can clear this line using specialized tools to resolve the issue.

Another common source of leaks is the water line that supplies the ice maker and water dispenser. These plastic or copper lines can become cracked, brittle, or have loose fittings over time, causing a slow drip or even a steady stream of water behind your refrigerator. A faulty water inlet valve, the component that controls the flow of water into the refrigerator, can also get stuck and cause a leak. An experienced technician can inspect the entire water supply system to locate the source of the leak and replace the damaged line or valve securely.

What causes a refrigerator’s ice maker to stop working?

An ice maker that has stopped working can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from simple to complex. One of the first things to check is the freezer’s temperature; for most ice makers to cycle properly, the freezer must be at or below a certain temperature, typically around 10°F. Another common cause is a problem with the water supply. The water line leading to the ice maker can become frozen or kinked, or the water filter may be clogged and in need of replacement. A faulty water inlet valve at the back of the refrigerator can also fail to supply water to the ice maker.

If the temperature and water supply are fine, the issue may lie within the ice maker assembly itself. The control module of the ice maker can fail, or the mechanical components that eject the ice can break. On many modern refrigerators, there is a small sensor arm or optical sensor that detects the level of ice in the bin; if this sensor malfunctions, it may incorrectly think the bin is full and stop producing ice. A professional can test the electrical components of the ice maker and the water supply system to accurately diagnose and fix the problem.

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

This is a very practical question that many homeowners face. The decision to repair or replace a 10-year-old refrigerator depends on a few key factors. Standard refrigerators have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, so a 10-year-old unit is often a good candidate for repair. The first factor to consider is the nature of the problem. Many common issues, such as a faulty defrost system, a broken evaporator fan motor, or a malfunctioning ice maker, are relatively straightforward and sensible to repair. These types of repairs can often extend the life of the appliance for several more years at a fraction of the cost of a new machine. The second factor is the brand and condition of the appliance. A high-end, built-in brand like Miele, Bosch, or KitchenAid is almost always worth repairing at the 10-year mark due to its high initial replacement expense.

Conversely, if the appliance has had numerous service calls in the past or if the current problem involves a major, high-cost component like the compressor or the sealed system, you may want to carefully weigh the repair expense. A professional technician can provide a clear diagnosis of the problem, which is crucial for making an informed decision. They can help you understand the scope of the necessary repair, allowing you to compare that with the features, efficiency, and benefits of purchasing a new refrigerator. Often, a sensible repair is the most practical and economical choice for an appliance that is otherwise in good working order.

Why is there frost building up in my freezer?

While a light coating of frost can be normal, a thick buildup of ice in your frost-free freezer is a clear sign of a problem. The most common cause is a faulty door seal or gasket. If the gasket is torn, dirty, or brittle, it won’t seal properly, allowing warm, moist air from your kitchen to enter the freezer. When this moist air comes into contact with the cold evaporator coils, the moisture freezes, leading to excessive frost. You can often test this by closing the door on a dollar bill; if you can pull it out easily, the seal is likely weak.

If the door seal is tight, the issue is most likely a failure in the automatic defrost system. This system includes a heating element that turns on periodically to melt frost off the coils, a defrost thermostat that monitors the temperature, and a control board or timer that initiates the cycle. If any of these components fail, the frost will never melt and will continue to accumulate. This can eventually block air vents and even stop the freezer from cooling properly. A professional technician can test each component of the defrost system to identify the failed part and replace it, resolving the frost buildup problem for good.