Is Your Fridge Acting Up? Try These Fixes
Summer is here, which means most of us are going to rely on our refrigerators more and can't afford functional errors. If yours is acting up (leaking water all the time or making a noise), you may wonder if it's time to replace it. Or if the ice maker isn't working or it's building up frost, you may think it's time to call a repairman. Regardless of your particular issue, don't freak out yet. Sometimes a good, thorough cleaning or temperature setting will do the trick.
We'll share the reasons behind some of the most common fridge problems and how to fix them -- even if you don't know how a refrigerator works. These simple solutions can save you a lot of money. There's no need to buy a bunch of new tools; most of these solutions don't require any at all. Here's what you need to try solving the problems yourself. This article is updated periodically.
It's always running
An efficient refrigerator shouldn't run all the time. A fridge that does is not only noisy, it can also take a big bite out of your wallet. Refrigerators are already one of the most power-intensive home appliances. Allowing your fridge to run nonstop can send your energy bill through the roof.
Cause 1: One of the most common causes of a refrigerator running too often (or worse, constantly) is a buildup of debris and dust around the condenser coils. It's especially common if you live in a dusty environment or have several pets.
Fix:
Unplug the refrigerator from AC power.
For most refrigerators, the condenser coils are located on the very bottom, and they're typically accessed in the front or back. (Some newer models, however, have internal coils.) To access the coils, look for the grille and remove it by popping out the snaps that hold it in place, or unscrewing it if it's screwed in.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the majority of the buildup. If there's a lot of leftover debris, use a brush or a wipe cloth to gently remove the remaining debris.
Replace the grille and restore power to the refrigerator.
Cause 2: Setting the refrigerator temperature too low will cause your refrigerator to work overtime, and can also freeze and spoil some of your foods.
Fix: You typically want your refrigerator set to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 and 4.4 degrees Celsius).
Place a thermometer inside a glass of water, place the glass on the middle shelf of the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 8 hours.
Periodically adjust the temperature setting on your refrigerator to slowly bring it to the desired temperature.
If this doesn't solve the issue, consult with a professional, as you may have a defective part, such as a condenser, thermostat sensor or fan motor.
It's leaking water
Water puddling up under your refrigerator is never a good sign, but it is also a fairly common occurrence and can usually be resolved relatively easily. Water leakage typically comes from one of two problems.
Cause 1: A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes. This happens when food particles or other debris clog up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.
Fix:
Try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel.
You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog.
If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that's clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose:
Pull your refrigerator out from the wall and locate the defrost drain hose in the bottom back service panel. This hose should have a rubber check valve, which helps regulate humidity and is known for catching debris and clogging.
Clean the valve out with hot water and soap, and reinstall the valve.
Cause 2: From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.
Fix:
Unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator or below the refrigerator in the basement.
Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks or clogs in the plastic supply line.
If there's a break or tear in the line, replace the water supply line.
Typically, this line is a nylon tube with threaded compression fittings at both ends. You can find DIY water line kits for sale at your local hardware store. They're easy to hook up, though you might need to have a wrench on hand. You shouldn't overtighten their fittings, so you won't need that much strength.
If the water line is intact, but you see a translucent blockage, then ice is the culprit. Simply leave the refrigerator unplugged for approximately 2 hours to remove the clog. If the clog is anything but clear, consult with a professional before trying to remove it. Once the line has defrosted, plug the refrigerator back in and push it back to the wall.
Watch this: Keep these foods in the fridge (even if they won't kill you)
01:36
Lots of freezer ice buildup
If the inside of your freezer looks like the arctic tundra, something is seriously wrong. There are a few possible causes of frost growth inside your freezer, and some quick fixes.
Cause 1: Leaving the freezer door open too long can raise the humidity level inside the freezer, resulting in frost and ice buildup.
Fix: Obviously, try not to leave the freezer door open longer than necessary. Try opening the freezer or fridge door and see if it closes on its own; if not, this could be the cause of the frost. To resolve this:
Pull the refrigerator out from the wall and have someone lean the refrigerator back far enough for you to reach the two front pedestal feet. (Don't try this alone!)
Screw both feet out a few turns. This will ensure that the doors close on their own and that water is properly draining from the freezer and refrigerator.
If this doesn't solve the issue, you may have a malfunctioning defrost timer, for which you'll want a professional. But first, check for the following two other things.
Cause 2: A faulty seal can also result in unwanted frost.
Fix:
Try cleaning the seal around the inside of the freezer door using warm water, soap and a washcloth.
Use a towel to dry the seal and the surrounding areas, and close the freezer.
If this doesn't work, try installing a new gasket. Major appliance makers, like GE and Whirlpool, for example, sell replacement parts directly, including fridge gaskets. Just remember to have your model number handy. That'll help you track down the specific gasket for your particular refrigerator.
To swap in a new gasket:
Unplug the refrigerator.
Remove all frozen perishables, and place them in a cooler
Lift the edge of the old gasket and use a screwdriver to remove all the screws.
With the old gasket removed, align the new gasket and screw it into place.
Return all food to the freezer and plug the fridge back in.
Cause 3: Too many items resting against the rear freezer wall can block airflow, resulting in frost buildup.
Fix: Clear away food packages that are too close to the rear freezer wall or are blocking any freezer vents.
Enlarge Image
Refrigerator ice makers are useful but can experience problems.
Colin West McDonald/CNET
The ice maker isn't working
So you've been waiting and waiting, but your refrigerator's ice maker isn't delivering the goods. It could be that you're not seeing any ice cubes at all, or the ice is too small or maybe it's even hollow. No matter the scenario, here are a few solutions to try.
Cause 1: A clog in the water line is restricting water flow. A blockage is likely caused by ice in the water connection. A kinked water line can also cause the same problem.
Fix:
Turn off the water supply with the shut-off valve. It's usually located behind the fridge or under the kitchen sink.
One way to remove the blockage is by thawing out the water line manually. Do that by unplugging the fridge's power supply. After a few hours, the ice causing the clog should melt away.
A faster method is to use heat from a blow-dryer, or squirt it with a turkey baster filled with hot water.
Cause 2: A shut-off arm is in the wrong position. Many fridge ice makers have a shut-off arm that's designed to stop ice production when the storage bin is full, and sometimes they get stuck in the off position.
Fix: Make sure the shut-off arm isn't engaged. If the arm is frozen in place, first remove the ice storage bin. Next melt any ice buildup with a little hot water. Quickly wipe away excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
Cause 3: Some fridges also have sensors that detect the presence of the ice bin. Over time, ice buildup between the bin and the freezer wall can push the bin out of alignment, tripping this sensor. When that happens, the fridge thinks you've removed the bucket and will stop making ice.
Fix: Remove the storage bin, and let it defrost for a few hours. In the meantime, melt away any ice around the bin sensor with a small amount of hot water. Use a clean towel to remove any remaining water. Return the bin to its place and you should be good to go.
Don't cart your fridge away just yet. You might be able to get it to run right again.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Cool down, your fridge might be OK
Hopefully, these simple steps will have remedied your refrigerator woes and you've solved your appliance problems without fancy tools or much hassle. You also didn't have to shell out big bucks for a brand-new icebox -- score! But if you're still experiencing hiccups, it could be time to call in the repair pros. Ultimately, you might even consider buying a new fridge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?
You should check if your refrigerator is getting any power in the first place. You'd want to check to see if any plugs or wires are loose or damaged or if the problem is from the power outlet. If you can confirm that there's nothing wrong with these, then the problem is likely from the fridge itself.
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Is Your Fridge Acting Up? Try These Fixes
Summer is here, which means most of us are going to rely on our refrigerators more and can't afford functional errors. If yours is acting up (leaking water all the time or making a noise), you may wonder if it's time to replace it. Or if the ice maker isn't working or it's building up frost, you may think it's time to call a repairman. Regardless of your particular issue, don't freak out yet. Sometimes a good, thorough cleaning or temperature setting will do the trick. We'll share the reasons behind some of the most common fridge problems and how to fix them -- even if you don't know how a refrigerator works. These simple solutions can save you a lot of money. There's no need to buy a bunch of new tools; most of these solutions don't require any at all. Here's what you need to try solving the problems yourself. This article is updated periodically. It's always running An efficient refrigerator shouldn't run all the time. A fridge that does is not only noisy, it can also take a big bite out of your wallet. Refrigerators are already one of the most power-intensive home appliances. Allowing your fridge to run nonstop can send your energy bill through the roof. Cause 1: One of the most common causes of a refrigerator running too often (or worse, constantly) is a buildup of debris and dust around the condenser coils. It's especially common if you live in a dusty environment or have several pets. Fix: Unplug the refrigerator from AC power. For most refrigerators, the condenser coils are located on the very bottom, and they're typically accessed in the front or back. (Some newer models, however, have internal coils.) To access the coils, look for the grille and remove it by popping out the snaps that hold it in place, or unscrewing it if it's screwed in. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the majority of the buildup. If there's a lot of leftover debris, use a brush or a wipe cloth to gently remove the remaining debris. Replace the grille and restore power to the refrigerator. Cause 2: Setting the refrigerator temperature too low will cause your refrigerator to work overtime, and can also freeze and spoil some of your foods. Fix: You typically want your refrigerator set to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 and 4.4 degrees Celsius). Place a thermometer inside a glass of water, place the glass on the middle shelf of the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 8 hours. Periodically adjust the temperature setting on your refrigerator to slowly bring it to the desired temperature. If this doesn't solve the issue, consult with a professional, as you may have a defective part, such as a condenser, thermostat sensor or fan motor. It's leaking water Water puddling up under your refrigerator is never a good sign, but it is also a fairly common occurrence and can usually be resolved relatively easily. Water leakage typically comes from one of two problems. Cause 1: A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes. This happens when food particles or other debris clog up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator. Fix: Try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that's clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose: Pull your refrigerator out from the wall and locate the defrost drain hose in the bottom back service panel. This hose should have a rubber check valve, which helps regulate humidity and is known for catching debris and clogging. Clean the valve out with hot water and soap, and reinstall the valve. Cause 2: From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser. Fix: Unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks or clogs in the plastic supply line. If there's a break or tear in the line, replace the water supply line. Typically, this line is a nylon tube with threaded compression fittings at both ends. You can find DIY water line kits for sale at your local hardware store. They're easy to hook up, though you might need to have a wrench on hand. You shouldn't overtighten their fittings, so you won't need that much strength. If the water line is intact, but you see a translucent blockage, then ice is the culprit. Simply leave the refrigerator unplugged for approximately 2 hours to remove the clog. If the clog is anything but clear, consult with a professional before trying to remove it. Once the line has defrosted, plug the refrigerator back in and push it back to the wall. Watch this: Keep these foods in the fridge (even if they won't kill you) 01:36 Lots of freezer ice buildup If the inside of your freezer looks like the arctic tundra, something is seriously wrong. There are a few possible causes of frost growth inside your freezer, and some quick fixes. Cause 1: Leaving the freezer door open too long can raise the humidity level inside the freezer, resulting in frost and ice buildup. Fix: Obviously, try not to leave the freezer door open longer than necessary. Try opening the freezer or fridge door and see if it closes on its own; if not, this could be the cause of the frost. To resolve this: Pull the refrigerator out from the wall and have someone lean the refrigerator back far enough for you to reach the two front pedestal feet. (Don't try this alone!) Screw both feet out a few turns. This will ensure that the doors close on their own and that water is properly draining from the freezer and refrigerator. If this doesn't solve the issue, you may have a malfunctioning defrost timer, for which you'll want a professional. But first, check for the following two other things. Cause 2: A faulty seal can also result in unwanted frost. Fix: Try cleaning the seal around the inside of the freezer door using warm water, soap and a washcloth. Use a towel to dry the seal and the surrounding areas, and close the freezer. If this doesn't work, try installing a new gasket. Major appliance makers, like GE and Whirlpool, for example, sell replacement parts directly, including fridge gaskets. Just remember to have your model number handy. That'll help you track down the specific gasket for your particular refrigerator. To swap in a new gasket: Unplug the refrigerator. Remove all frozen perishables, and place them in a cooler Lift the edge of the old gasket and use a screwdriver to remove all the screws. With the old gasket removed, align the new gasket and screw it into place. Return all food to the freezer and plug the fridge back in. Cause 3: Too many items resting against the rear freezer wall can block airflow, resulting in frost buildup. Fix: Clear away food packages that are too close to the rear freezer wall or are blocking any freezer vents. Enlarge Image Refrigerator ice makers are useful but can experience problems. Colin West McDonald/CNET The ice maker isn't working So you've been waiting and waiting, but your refrigerator's ice maker isn't delivering the goods. It could be that you're not seeing any ice cubes at all, or the ice is too small or maybe it's even hollow. No matter the scenario, here are a few solutions to try. Cause 1: A clog in the water line is restricting water flow. A blockage is likely caused by ice in the water connection. A kinked water line can also cause the same problem. Fix: Turn off the water supply with the shut-off valve. It's usually located behind the fridge or under the kitchen sink. One way to remove the blockage is by thawing out the water line manually. Do that by unplugging the fridge's power supply. After a few hours, the ice causing the clog should melt away. A faster method is to use heat from a blow-dryer, or squirt it with a turkey baster filled with hot water. Cause 2: A shut-off arm is in the wrong position. Many fridge ice makers have a shut-off arm that's designed to stop ice production when the storage bin is full, and sometimes they get stuck in the off position. Fix: Make sure the shut-off arm isn't engaged. If the arm is frozen in place, first remove the ice storage bin. Next melt any ice buildup with a little hot water. Quickly wipe away excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. Cause 3: Some fridges also have sensors that detect the presence of the ice bin. Over time, ice buildup between the bin and the freezer wall can push the bin out of alignment, tripping this sensor. When that happens, the fridge thinks you've removed the bucket and will stop making ice. Fix: Remove the storage bin, and let it defrost for a few hours. In the meantime, melt away any ice around the bin sensor with a small amount of hot water. Use a clean towel to remove any remaining water. Return the bin to its place and you should be good to go. Don't cart your fridge away just yet. 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In keeping with the familiar, time-tested design of wood-pellet smokers, the Pit Boss Sportsman 850 is pretty traditional — it's even got a classic venting pipe and a hanging bucket to catch grease drips. But despite the traditional design, it has one unique feature: a pull lever, which will expose your food to direct heat and flames. It's a moderately priced grill, retailing for $749, that should have plenty of cooking space to feed a room full of people. Over the last several years, I've tested nearly a dozen of the best BBQ smokers and best pellet grills, including the new Traeger Woodridge Elite, and the Sportsman 850 stacks up well in its raw performance. The heat is consistent, and there are a decent number of features. My biggest concern, however, is that compared to other products, it's just not that polished, which means it doesn't offer the best experience for newcomers and casual backyard smokers. Assembly The grill comes in a sizable box, weighing around 140 pounds. 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On the right is a fixed food shelf with utensil hooks and up front is another shelf to hold food or tools. The front shelf can't be removed, but it does fold down for slimmer storage. Between the legs of the grill is a wide shelf to hold pellet bags or other odds and ends. The normal operating temperatures range from 180 to 500 degrees — that's typical for a smoker where low and slow cooking is the goal. What makes the Sportsman 850 different is that it can also get scorching hot. With the Flame Broiler lever pulled open, the grill can reach 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit for searing and direct heat. Pit Boss lists a 'rapid igniter' as one of the features, claiming to help you reach cooking temperatures twice as fast; I'm just not sure what it's being compared to. From a cold start, the Sportsman took 10 minutes and 30 seconds to reach 225 degrees. I did the same test with a Traeger Timberline, and that smoker only took 8 minutes and 59 seconds to reach the same temperature. The grill features two probe ports, allowing you to monitor the internal temperatures of multiple cuts simultaneously. Only one probe comes with the grill, however, so a second one must be purchased separately. WiFi connectivity Having a remote connection to a smoker is nearly essential in 2025. I know people who would prefer the more manual process of smoking meat, but for the majority of us, the convenience of checking ambient and probe temperature away from the house is magical. The Sportsman 850 supports wireless connectivity via WiFi or Bluetooth, depending on how close you are to the grill. I understand the necessity of having two types of connection, but I found that it led to a slower response time: the mobile app needed to determine its best path every time I opened it, leading to annoying delays at crucial cooking times. At a basic level, the app is fine. You can easily see and change the temperature, set a timer, and see connected probe temps. There are integrated recipes and the ability to save them as your favorites. There are even how-to videos buried in the app if you want that info. However, the mobile app needs polish. One example of this was its notifications: When I turned on the grill and set it to my desired temperature using the grill's onboard controller, it didn't send an app notification when it reached its goal. A small detail, but in comparison, Traeger's app is a lot more reliable with the same task. (Read more in our guide to the best Traeger grills.) In theory, the app graphs ambient and probe temperatures, but this feature never worked for me over several weeks and more than half a dozen uses. The app's cooking history log was also unreliable, sometimes listing multiple cooks with 0:00 times or listing the wrong duration of time when it did recognize one. Smoking performance is great but not perfect The Sportsman 850 performed well and proved reliable for smoking meat and other kinds of food. Though I'm not convinced the rapid igniter makes much of a difference, the Sportsman did reach target temperatures quickly and in line with recipe estimates. The most important aspect of the smoker is its temperature retention. My periodic temperature checks with an infrared thermometer indicate that the grill keeps a consistent temperature, only fluctuating briefly a few times, usually on the hotter side by 5 to 10 degrees. This is normal behavior for a smoker. Similarly, using the mobile app to check its reported temperature indicated the same results. I smoked several racks of ribs, a small turkey breast, steaks, and experimented with boneless country-style ribs and fresh ears of corn. Cooking the meat I was familiar with came out as expected and nearly identical to other smokers. I was equally as satisfied with the new recipes I looked up online and tried. The Pit Boss mobile app has a decent number of recipes to get you started if you need them. I liked how the recipe directions have a checkbox next to each step so you can easily keep track of where you are in the process. I found the hopper's 21-pound capacity sufficient, but its tall and narrow design, along with a non-removable security grate at the top, made it hard to push the pellets down if they didn't always filter in smoothly during a smoking session. While the Flame Broiler lever is a neat addition, I'm unsure about its general need. I used it on steaks to give them a sear and it worked well. But after spending time with the lever, my concern isn't around its functionality, but how much it's needed. Beyond searing steak, I didn't find many situations where I'd want to engage it for extra heat. Be aware, too, that when there is a lot of grease or food remnants they can catch fire when the Flame Broiler is engaged. I noticed the dirty grates causing sparking and embers when exposed to the fire, which was only several inches away. Cons to consider As I tested the 850, the digital controller stood out as a weak spot. Its biggest problem is that it's positioned low, so you need to bend down to see it well. There are also some confusing markings, like dots between each temperature digit. I also have concerns about the construction and long-term durability. After a few weeks and only two, nonconsecutive days of light rain, I spotted rust on the handle, shelf hooks, and top hinges. The grill does not come with a cover, so this will be an immediate problem without spending some extra money. Sportsman 850 vs Navigator 850 The Sportsman 850 isn't the only Pit Boss grill to consider in this price range. The Navigator 850 should probably be on your radar as well. Compared to the Sportsman 850, the Navigator 850 drops the smoke vent, adds a larger hopper (30-pound) and a bigger hopper window, shifts the shelf hooks to the front, and makes some changes to the digital controller. For example, the Navigator's controller has a color display for easier number distinction and has a flame intensity indicator. I'm not quite sure why Pit Boss didn't stick with its usual naming convention of the model number reflecting the cooking area, but the Navigator 850 is bigger than the Sportsman 850, offering 932 square inches for your food. One of the most interesting design changes in the Navigator is its grease catch is underneath the grill, out of sight. These are small changes, that make the Navigator worthy of consideration, especially considering it costs just $50 more than the Sportsman. Should you buy the Pit Boss Sportsman 850? The Pit Boss Sportsman 850 is an overall solid smoker grill. Its standout feature, the Flame Broiler lever, gives it some unique versatility. I'm not sure if that alone is enough to sway people to it over the competition. I didn't find myself drawn to it or constantly using it — certainly not enough to consider it among the best grills you can buy. As intriguing as the Sportsman 850 is because of its consistent temperature control, it just falls short of the polish that the new Traeger Woodridge grill has for around the same price. Even the Pit Boss Navigator 850 seems like a better-designed and more modern grill for only $50 more. If you can find a deal on the Sportsman 850, then it could be a worthy buy.
