Have you ever been frustrated by a refrigerator that was continually leaking? It’s difficult enough to keep your apartment and/or house in good shape; halting a leak is not only bothersome but also difficult for non-professionals.
If your refrigerator / fridge repair begins to leak, follow the steps in our step-by-step tutorial below to repair it. However, you may realize that this is a job best left to the pros, and you will want leak detection services.
Contents
Step 1: Understand Why Refrigerators Leak
There are three major reasons that could cause your refrigerator to leak:
- Problems with the shut-off valve
- Connection issues with the refrigerator
- Leaks in copper water lines
These are the three areas that an expert would look into first if you sought their advice.
you know how ice and water are made in refrigerators? Copper water lines provide this ability. These water pipes might develop small holes over time, causing the fridge to leak.
This might happen as a result of contact with another line or simply from prolonged use. This can also be caused by a problem with your refrigerator’s shut-off valve or connection.
You can, however, make your refrigerator work properly by following the methods below to remedy each of these major difficulties.
Step 2: Purchase the Correct Supplies
Whether there’s a problem with the pipes, the refrigerator, or the valve connection, make sure you get the right equipment to fix it. Check out the following devices to get you started:
- ¼ inch ferrules
- ¼ inch copper tubing unions
- An adjustable wrench
- Adjustable pliers
- Tubing cutter
These tools are worthwhile investments regardless of the situation. Many of them can be used in home renovation tasks.
Step 3: Locate the Valve Connection
After you’ve gathered all of the essential items, start by locating the valve that links the appliance to the copper water line. Look beneath the refrigerator, especially if it’s a modern model. The valve has a little lever or knob on top that resembles a copper pipe. It’s possible that you’ve noticed that this connection is leaking.
Try putting newspaper underneath the pipe as a helpful idea. This method will help you determine whether the leak is coming from the pipe or a faulty connection between the refrigerator and the valve. Keep an eye on which part of the newspaper gets wet.
Step 4: Try Tightening the Nut
Tightening the nut that links the copper line to the shut-off valve may be able to rapidly stop the leak. Use an adjustable wrench and crank clockwise to properly tighten the nut. If the leak stops when you tighten it, you’ve probably solved the problem!
If the connection still leaks after tightening the nut, the ferrule may need to be replaced.
Step 5: Replacing the Ferrule
A ferrule resembles a thin metal band. It strengthens and secures the fridge’s connection tubing.
Remove the copper line by turning the nut counterclockwise and sliding it off. The copper tube’s end can then be cut off with a tubing cutter. When you can see just past the ferrule at the end of the line, you’ve cut far enough.
You want to make sure that the cut you make has a nice edge. Sandpaper can be used to smooth off any rough edges on the cut. The new ferrule (which can usually be found at any hardware store) can then be placed onto the copper line’s end. To re-establish your connection, insert the tube into the shut-off valve.
Replace the nut on the union, or connection between the fridge and the copper line, that you previously removed and tighten until it feels secure.
Step 6: Check Your Copper Line
Check your copper line if you’re still having problems with leaks. Examine it carefully to check if there are any small holes that are producing leaks. If you notice any leaks, remove the copper line using the tubing cutter and replace it.
To loosen the nut connecting the fridge to the line, repeat the procedures above. New copper tubing is available at your local hardware shop. Tighten the nut after sliding the tube into the union to ensure that the connection does not leak. When handling copper tubing, be careful not to crimp it.
If you still have leaks then hire a professional fridge repair dubai, or the problem isn’t caused by the copper line. Turn off your valve connection and check to see whether the ferrule needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
Working on a leaking refrigerator may appear to be a chore. You’re not alone, believe us. Even if they study the causes and purchase the appropriate equipment, many homeowners do not have the time or patience to fix the leak. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to fix a leaking refrigerator, nothing works. Whatever you do, the leak persists. If you’ve checked the copper line, shut-off valve, and refrigerator connection and still can’t figure out what’s wrong, we recommend calling a plumber.
