Common Refrigerator Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Common refrigerator issues can quickly disrupt your kitchen, whether the fridge stops cooling, water starts leaking onto the floor, or frost builds up in the freezer. Some problems can be reduced with regular maintenance and a few simple checks, while others need professional diagnosis before they get worse.

At EAS Repair & Installation, we provide refrigerator repair and appliance service across Toronto and the GTA. Here are some of the most common refrigerator problems homeowners run into, along with practical troubleshooting tips.

1. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

If your refrigerator is running but food is not staying cold enough, weak cooling is one of the most common warning signs.

Possible causes:

• Dirty condenser coils
• Blocked airflow inside the refrigerator
• A failing evaporator fan motor
• A faulty temperature sensor or control issue

What to check first:

• Clean the condenser coils
• Make sure vents inside the fridge are not blocked
• Check that the temperature settings are correct
• Listen for unusual fan noise or weak airflow

If cleaning and basic checks do not improve cooling, professional service may be needed.

2. Water Leaking on the Floor

Water around the refrigerator can damage nearby flooring and often points to a drainage or supply issue.

Possible causes:

• A clogged defrost drain
• A damaged water supply line
• A problem with the drain pan or water connection

What to check first:

• Look for visible water line damage behind the unit
• Check for ice or blockage around the defrost drain area
• Note whether the leak happens constantly or only at certain times

If the leak continues, refrigerator repair is the safer next step.

3. Ice Maker Not Working

An ice maker that stops producing ice can be frustrating, especially when the rest of the refrigerator seems to be working normally.

Possible causes:

• A frozen water line
• A faulty water inlet valve
• Low water flow to the refrigerator
• A problem with the ice maker assembly itself

What to check first:

• Make sure the ice maker is switched on
• Check whether the water supply is connected and open
• Look for obvious ice buildup around the fill area

If the ice maker still does not work after basic checks, the issue may need professional diagnosis.

4. Refrigerator Runs Constantly

If your refrigerator seems to run all the time, it may be working harder than it should.

Possible causes:

• Dirty condenser coils
• Warm air entering through a worn door gasket
• Frequent door opening
• A cooling or temperature control problem

What to check first:

• Clean the condenser coils
• Inspect the door gasket for gaps or damage
• Make sure the refrigerator is not overloaded
• Check that the temperature is not set too low

5. Excessive Frost in the Freezer

Too much frost buildup can affect storage space and cooling performance.

Possible causes:

• A worn door seal letting in warm air
• A defrost system problem
• Frequent door opening
• Moisture entering the freezer compartment

What to check first:

• Inspect the freezer door gasket
• Make sure the door closes fully
• Reduce how long the freezer stays open
• Watch for frost returning quickly after removal

If heavy frost keeps returning, the refrigerator may have a deeper defrost issue.

Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Common Refrigerator Issues

• Clean condenser coils every few months
• Check door seals for wear or cracking
• Keep the refrigerator at the correct temperature
• Avoid overloading shelves and blocking vents
• Pay attention to unusual sounds, leaks, or weak cooling

You can also review ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance for general efficiency and care information.

When to Call for Refrigerator Repair

You should consider professional service when:

• The refrigerator is not cooling properly
• Water leaks keep returning
• The ice maker stops working repeatedly
• The unit runs constantly or makes unusual noises
• Frost buildup keeps coming back

Professional diagnosis can help prevent a small refrigerator problem from turning into a bigger repair.

Book Refrigerator Repair

If you are dealing with common refrigerator issues and troubleshooting has not solved the problem, EAS Repair & Installation provides dependable refrigerator repair across Toronto and the GTA.

EAS Repair & Installation
Phone: (866) 330-4644
Email: info@eastapplianceservice.com
Book Online: Contact Us