Condensation in the refrigerator is formed naturally. But, there is a special drain for water drainage. If condensation accumulates constantly and is not drained away, there is probably a malfunction. The liquid should accumulate only on the rear wall of the device. And it is possible only in refrigerators with drip defrosting systems.
If there is too much water, most likely the refrigerator is malfunctioning or working in the wrong mode. Usually, the breakdown is quite easy to fix – by cleaning the drainage duct to remove the moisture.
Condensation usually only accumulates in excessive amounts in older models of refrigerators. As it freezes, the droplets create large layers of frost. Frost forms on the surfaces. Its most abundant amount is formed near the freezer compartment. A layer of snow in the freezer can greatly reduce the volume of the freezer. An excessive amount of frost can cause your refrigerator to malfunction. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically defrost the unit. Refrigerators with the no frost system do not have this disadvantage.
The danger of condensation in your refrigerator
Excessive moisture in the refrigerator can cause the food stored in it to spoil. In an excessively humid environment, mold and other microorganisms that are harmful to humans actively reproduce. Therefore, it is important to determine when condensation forms as a result of natural processes and when it is caused by the unit malfunction.
Causes of condensation in the refrigerator
Improper operation of the refrigerator
Moisture can form due to improper use of the unit. Common causes of malfunction include:
– Storing liquid foods open. Bottles and other containers with liquids must be covered. Due to the evaporation of moisture, the amount of condensation increases.
– Hot food placement. Only cooled dishes and food should be placed. In the opposite case, because of the temperature difference, excess condensation will form. It is also fraught with the failure of the compressor because of the longer work required to cool the hot food.
– Loose door closure. This can be caused not only by carelessness but also by a deformed or damaged rubber seal. Because of the open door, the compressor works harder, so it wears out faster, also condensation is formed as a result of the constant warm air ingress.
Clogged drain system
If the drain duct is clogged, water will constantly accumulate in the refrigerating chamber. In normal operation, it is led out behind the cabinet and into a special tray. A clog usually forms in the drain hole. If cleaning the external channel did not give results, it is necessary to clean the entire tube, which may require partial disassembly of the device.
Please note! If you do not clean a clogged channel for a long time, the evaporator can freeze. As a consequence, the performance of the refrigerator may be considerably reduced.
Leaks in the refrigerator compartment
Usually, it occurs due to the uneven fit of the door to the refrigerator body. It is important for the door to fit tightly so that the chamber is hermetically sealed. Otherwise, warm air will enter the chamber, causing condensation. The rubber seal is primarily responsible for tightness. It is located along the entire perimeter of the door and housing. In the case of distortions, gaps, and other defects, heat will enter the chamber. Constant penetration of warm air is fraught with the formation of condensation. If the seal is deformed, you can fix the problem only by replacing it.
Self-troubleshooting
Condensation usually appears due to improper operation of the refrigerator. As a rule, such a malfunction is temporary in nature. In this case, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the malfunction. First of all, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the operation of the unit. The refrigerator should be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the cause of condensation is a clog, the following steps should be followed:
- Clean the water drain hole. This can be done with a small brush (usually included) or any handy tool. For example, you can use a toothpick or match.
- Clean the drain tube with a thin wire. You should use a wire that is 8 to 12 inches long.
If the door does not fit snugly, the first thing to do is to check that it is properly seated. Sometimes the door tilts during operation. Usually, this can be corrected with special adjustment screws. If the cause of the malfunction is a gasket, it may be necessary to replace it. The rubber band also sometimes comes out of the groove, it just needs to be corrected. If the gasket is stiff and will not fit in the groove, it should be heated with a hair dryer. If there is damage, the sealant should be replaced.
If nothing else is working, it’s time to call in the professionals – Oceanside Appliance Service Center is here to help! Our technicians are all experienced and certified in refrigerator maintenance and repair, including ice maker repair. We offer great deals, like fair prices, a guarantee on the job, friendly and attentive service, and efficiency. Don’t wait – get your fridge fixed today!
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