Why Are There Icicles in My Refrigerator? And Other Common Appliance Problems
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Written for PRS Parts Inc.
If you’ve opened your refrigerator only to find icicles hanging off the shelves or frost building up in the corners, you’re not alone. This is a surprisingly common issue that signals something deeper than just a cold fridge. At PRS Parts Inc., we’ve helped countless customers troubleshoot and fix these and other frequent appliance problems. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Are There Icicles in My Refrigerator?
1. Faulty Door Gasket:
When the door seal (gasket) is damaged or worn out, warm air from your kitchen can sneak into the fridge. That moisture turns into frost or icicles when it hits the cold air inside.
✔ Solution: Inspect the gasket for cracks or looseness. Replace it with an OEM gasket available at PRS Parts Inc.
2. Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain:
Over time, the drain line in your fridge can get clogged with food debris or ice, causing water to back up and freeze inside.
✔ Solution: Flush the defrost drain with hot water. If it’s completely blocked, a replacement may be necessary.
3. Temperature Set Too Low:
Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the correct one. If your temperature settings are too cold, excess ice buildup is bound to happen.
✔ Solution: Keep your fridge between 37–40°F and your freezer around 0°F.
Other Common Appliance Problems and How to Handle Them
1. Washing Machine That Won’t Drain
Cause: Clogged drain pump, kinked drain hose, or faulty lid switch.
Fix: Check for blockages in the drain hose. If you hear the pump running but no draining, the pump may be faulty.
2. Dryer Making Loud Squeaking Noises
Cause: Worn out drum rollers or idler pulley.
Fix: Inspect and replace the damaged parts. PRS Parts Inc. carries OEM dryer repair kits that include everything you need.
3. Oven Not Heating Evenly
Cause: Defective bake or broil element, or a faulty temperature sensor.
Fix: Look for visible damage on the element or test the sensor’s resistance with a multimeter.
4. Dishwasher Leaving Dishes Dirty
Cause: Clogged spray arms, worn-out water inlet valve, or dirty filter.
Fix: Clean the spray arms and filters regularly. Replace defective parts if water flow is weak.
5. Refrigerator Running Constantly
Cause: Dirty condenser coils or malfunctioning thermostat.
Fix: Clean coils every 6 months. If the issue persists, test and replace the thermostat.
Need Help Diagnosing the Problem? Call Us!
PRS Parts Inc. is more than a parts store—we’re your trusted appliance problem solvers. Our certified technicians can help diagnose many issues over the phone and recommend the right parts to get you back up and running fast.
Visit PRS Parts Inc. at 540 Lagoon Dr. for authentic appliance replacement parts and expert repair assistance.
Service with the Spirit of Aloha.