The refrigerator is perhaps one of the most important appliances in the kitchen because not only does it store food, but it also keeps it from spoiling. Without it, you would have to do your grocery shopping everyday which would be a big inconvenience.
Unfortunately, this scenario is very possible if your refrigerator breaks down and if that is the case, you need to contact a repair technician right away. Not every problem or fault needs to be attended to by a technician because there are things that you can easily troubleshoot on your own. For instance, when it is not cooling the food as it is supposed to, you can just check if there is any dirt or particles that are blocking the air flow ducts.
There are some common refrigerator problems that do warrant repair. A refrigerator should have a gentle humming sound that assures you that all is well and hearty but if it creaks, groans or croaks, or when the noise is a nuisance, then it means there is a problem. You should immediately get in touch with a technician to determine what is wrong and have it rectified.
It is a common problem to find a leaking refrigerator and this can even flood your kitchen floor. The water comes from different sources inside the refrigerator. All of them have an ice or water dispenser, but there could be specific lines in them that are broken and will need replacement. If there is a drain pan or defrost tray underneath, then you should check for cracks and holes. When the refrigerator does not cool as it is supposed to, then this is a clear indication that something is wrong.
You should ensure that the temperature is set between 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and adjust the thermostat controller appropriately. After 6 hours, the temperature should change but if that is not the case, then you should check if the fan is running. If all fails, you should try to defrost the refrigerator by turning it off and leaving the doors open all night long.
In the morning, you should replace the food and turn it on, check that the thermostat is set in the middle setting and after 6 hours, check the temperature. If this fails, then it is time to call a repair service provider to have a look and identify what the problem is. When the light is on but the unit is not running, then this means that the compressor is faulty and will need to be replaced.
However, before the replacement, you should consult with a professional so that other causes like a faulty starter relay and temperature control unit can be ruled out. The compressor is an integral component of the refrigerator and most of the faults may originate from it. You should never tinker with the motor of the compressor even when the unit is off because you may end up causing more problems. Having a professional to check any faults in a refrigerator ensures that the right cause of action is taken, and the problem is successfully rectified.