DIY Fridge Repair: 5 Common Problems You Can Safely Fix at Home

Not every fridge problem needs a technician. Some of the most common complaints, such as a fridge running constantly, poor cooling, small leaks, an ice maker that has stopped and bad smells, can be solved with a few safe checks at home. Knowing where DIY ends and professional repair begins can save you a callout, and stop you turning a small fault into an expensive one.

DIY Fridge Repair: The Short Answer

Safe DIY fixes include checking settings and power, cleaning door seals, vacuuming condenser coils, clearing vents, flushing the defrost drain, levelling the fridge, replacing a water filter and cleaning out smells. Leave anything involving internal panels, fans, electrical components, control boards or refrigerant to a qualified technician. Refrigerant work legally requires an ARC licence.

Problem 1: Fridge Running All the Time

Safe checks:

• Make sure the doors close fully and the seals are clean and gripping.
• Move the fridge away from direct sun, ovens and heaters.
• Leave the ventilation gap recommended in the manual.
• Vacuum the condenser coils with the fridge switched off at the wall.
• Check the settings are not colder than needed.

If it still runs constantly, the condenser fan, evaporator fan, defrost system or refrigerant charge may be at fault. See why a fridge runs all the time.

Problem 2: Fridge Not Cooling Properly

Safe checks:

• Check the temperature settings. Around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius for the fridge and around minus 18 for the freezer is a good general target.
• Do the paper test on the door seals.
• Clear the vents and avoid overpacking.
• Look for frost on the freezer back wall, which suggests a defrost fault.

See our full guide to a fridge not cooling.

Problem 3: Water Leaking

Safe checks:

• Flush the defrost drain hole with warm water using a baster or syringe.
• Check the drain pan is in place and not cracked.
• Level the fridge so the front sits slightly higher.
• Check the water line and filter for drips on plumbed models.

Switch the fridge off at the wall first if water is near the power point. See fridge leaking water.

Problem 4: Ice Maker Not Working

Safe checks:

• Make sure the ice maker is switched on and the arm or sensor is not in the off position.
• Check the water supply tap is on and the line is not kinked.
• Replace an overdue water filter, as a clogged filter restricts flow.
• Check the freezer is cold enough. Many ice makers will not cycle if the freezer is too warm.
• Look for ice jammed in the mould or chute.

If ice production does not return, the water inlet valve, ice maker module or a frozen fill tube may need a technician.

Problem 5: Bad Smells

Safe fixes:

• Throw out spoiled food and clean shelves, drawers and seals with warm soapy water.
• Flush the defrost drain, where smelly debris often collects.
• Leave an open container of bicarb soda inside.
• Store leftovers in sealed containers.

See our guides on how to clean a fridge and mould in your fridge.

Tried the safe fixes and still stuck? Call Ace Fridge Repairs on 0452 462 556.

Where DIY Should Stop

Call a qualified technician for:

• fan motors, relays, thermostats, sensors and control boards
• anything behind internal panels
• burning smells, tripping power or scorch marks
• compressor faults and any refrigerant or sealed system work
• water valves and plumbing connections you are not confident with

DIY work on electrical or sealed system parts can be dangerous and may void a manufacturer warranty.

Fridge Repairs Across Sydney

When the safe fixes do not solve it, Ace Fridge Repairs can. We attend household fridges, commercial refrigeration and coolrooms across Greater Sydney from 93B Pagoda Crescent, Quakers Hill NSW 2763, with a 12-month warranty on parts and labour.

Call 0452 462 556, 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions