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SIMPLE FIXES FOR YOUR APPLIANCE PROBLEMS: REFRIGERATOR

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Appliance not working? Try one of these simple fixes before you call the repair service

If your refrigerator conks out on a hot day and you have a cat or a dog, immediately check the coils for pet hair. Service pros find this problem on half of their refrigerator calls. The coils are the black tube-and-wire grid that cools the fluid in the compressor. A buildup of hair will cause the compressor to overheat and trigger the overload switch. On many fridges, you get to the coils by opening the grille at the bottom of the refrigerator. Then push a coil cleaning brush (sold at home centers) into the coils, pull it back and vacuum it clean.

If the coils are located on the back, pull out your fridge (it’s often on rollers) and brush them off.

Bonus: The clean coils will cool more efficiently and save you money on your utility bill!

Once the overload switch is tripped, you may have to wait a few hours for it to cool. It will reset itself and turn the refrigerator back on.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your Refrigerator!

 

RIGHT HAND REFRIGERATOR

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Question: What is a Right Hand Refrigerator & How Does the Door Open? What way does a right hand refrigerator door open? How do I know which door opening to buy?

Answer: You will most often see right handed standard refrigerators on appliance displays. Unless the refrigerator has a built-in water or ice dispenser in it or through the door unit, the door is probably reversible, but you should confirm this before buying if the displayed door configuration is not suited to your kitchen format.To simplify the set up of your new refrigerator, you can look for one that opens on the side that would be the most convenient for your kitchen area. Otherwise, you can follow the steps in your product manual for reversing the door. This is usually a simple procedure.Side by side and french door refrigerators do not have reversible doors, and bottom freezer models may also not have this option.

A right hand refrigerator opens left-to-right with door hinges on the right. You would probably use your right hand to open it.

A left hand refrigerator opens right-to-left with door hinges on the left. Typically opened by the left hand.

To save steps and provide quick and easy transfer of food in and out of the refrigerator, always install the appliance with the door opening to the counter, workspace or range.

At Absolute Appliance Repair Service we have experience with all different refrigerator brands and models. If you have a problem with your fridge, we certainly have a solution for you; our trained technicians are certified and specialized in all major home appliance repairs, services & installation.

Call us to set your appointment now!

(415) 831-1259

LEAKING REFRIGERATOR

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Most homeowners’ first reaction to a leaking refrigerator is to call in the services of an appliance repairman. If you don’t count yourself among the legions of do-it-yourselfers out there, this is still a good idea. Your fridge isn’t going to fix itself, and any leak is a sure-fire sign of something gone wrong. If you’re game for a little fridge repair 101, however, here’s a few tricks of the trade to try before you call in the experts.

Make Sure Your Fridge is Properly Sealed
One of the most common causes of a “leaking” fridge isn’t a leak at all. It’s the direct result of your fridge not sealing properly, and as a result running overtime to keep things cool. A fridge that runs excessively will build up extra condensation on the coils, which in turn can lead to the pool of water on the floor that’s causing alarm. Check the rubber door seals on your fridge and freezer to make sure you’re getting a proper seal. If you find a problem, wash the seals with warm water and soap and apply a thin film of lubricant (petroleum jelly works best). If this doesn’t solve your problem, you may need to replace the gaskets. Also, check the adjustable legs on your fridge and make sure the fridge tilts a little to the rear. If it’s leaning even a little bit forward, a proper door seal can be compromised.

Check the Drain Pan
Your leaking refrigerator may just have a cracked or damaged drain pan. Your fridge regularly drains water into this pan to prevent water pooling in the fridge itself. Evaporation takes care of the rest. Look underneath your fridge where the drain pan sits and pull it out for inspection. If it has a crack or is otherwise damaged, contact the appropriate retailer about getting a replacement as soon as possible.

Check the Defrost Drain
If your leaking refrigerator is draining inside as opposed to onto your floor, you’re probably dealing with a clogged defrost drain. Your fridge is constantly producing condensation inside the freezer, and that condensation drips down the defrost drain into a drain pan underneath the unit. This defrost drain can become clogged with debris or, more often, it freezes shut. Look in your refrigerator manual to locate your defrost drain, and take the appropriate steps to unclog it (inundating your drain with warm water will often do the trick).

Check Your Ice Maker for Leaks

If none of these other quick fixes solve your problem, check your icemaker for leaks. It’s a bit unusual, but sometimes the water line to the icemaker fails or comes loose, letting water into your freezer. Try tightening all connections, and if necessary, replacing the line that feeds the icemaker.

When In Doubt . . .
If after performing these basic inspections you can’t find the source of your leak, or if you think you’re getting in over your head, be sure to contact an appliance repairman immediately to come fix the problem. A leaking refrigerator is usually an indication of a bigger problem, and it needs to be dealt with. Finally, if you suspect your fridge is leaking refrigerant rather than water, call an appliance repairman immediately. Refrigerant is a toxic material and you need to address this issue as quickly as possible in order to avoid subsequent health risks to you and your family.

 

MAKE KITCHEN APPLIANCES LAST LONGER

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Refrigerator

  • Clean the condenser coil with a vacuum cleaner or brush several times a year, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer (some new models have coils that don’t need to be cleaned). The refrigerator will operate more efficiently, cutting your electric bill.
  • Regularly clean beneath the appliance — accumulated dirt and dust can interfere with air circulation.
  • Wipe down inside shelves, drawers, and racks weekly. Throw out all outdated food to prevent odors. Keep an open box of baking soda on a shelf to absorb smells. Remember that food will not be maintained at a proper temperature if the refrigerator is crammed to the gills or the door is constantly being opened.

Freezer, non-self-defrosting (chest and upright)

  • Defrost when frost buildup is around a quarter inch thick. (If frost continues to build, the motor has to run more often, burning more energy.)
  • Clean and deodorize the inside regularly with a mixture of four tablespoons baking soda and one quart warm water. Wash, rinse, and wipe dry. If there’s a stain, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
  • Do not keep in a garage or on a porch — the cooling system will not operate properly.

Oven, non-self-cleaning

  • Clean regularly with a commercial oven cleaner. This is important because baked-on grease can catch fire and may cause the thermostat to malfunction. Turn on a vent or open a window to get rid of cleaning fumes. Never spray cleaning compounds near heating elements, electronic connections, or a hot, unprotected oven light (it may shatter).

Oven, self-cleaning

  • Self-clean the oven before it becomes heavily soiled. (Heavy soil requires longer cleaning cycles and produces more smoke.) Before self-cleaning, clean the oven window and areas around the door seal (but not the gasket) with a damp nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad.

Glass ceramic electric cooktop

  • Wipe with a clean damp sponge after each use to prevent food residue from building up. To keep the surface looking new, scrub with a blue nonscratch pad once a week even if you don’t see any spills. Follow with an application of cooktop cleaning cream.

Gas cooktop

  • Clean all the grates, drip pans, and burner caps with warm soapy water and a nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad.

Dishwasher

  • Check the filter regularly and clean, if necessary, following the method recommended in the owner’s manual. The filter is usually located underneath the lower spray arm.
  • Make sure the water is hot enough to clean the dishes properly; the water heater should be set to at least 120°F.

Food-waste disposer

  • Run lots of cold water whenever you use it to thoroughly flush away food waste and to prevent backup or clogging of the plumbing.
  • Grind citrus-fruit rinds to freshen and deodorize. Then run lots of cold water.
  • Occasionally scrub the rubber splash guard with a long brush and hot soapy water.
  • Never pour grease directly into the disposer; it could solidify and block the plumbing.

Microwave

  • Clean after each use. Leftover food spills can affect an oven’s cooking time. Wipe with a clean soapy sponge, rinse, and dry. Remember to wipe the door seal and frame.
  • Remove odors with a solution of several teaspoons of baking soda and one cup of water, placed in a one-quart microwave-safe measuring cup. Turn microwave on High for five minutes. Caution: Let stand until cool before removing the cup.
  • Clean the control panel with a damp sponge. Never spray any cleaning solution directly on the panel — it could seep underneath and cause a malfunction.

Have a Kitchen Appliance Problem?
Call Absolute Appliance Repair!

Call us to set your appointment now

(415) 831-1259       San Francisco
(415) 388-0690       Marin County
(650) 525-0512       South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

 

 

Refrigerator not cooling?

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Check the temperature dial and cooling coils

It could be as simple as turning the dial to a cooler setting. Check the controls. Our pro plumber says it’s not uncommon to find that the refrigerator controls are set wrong. Someone may have bumped the dial while putting away the milk or an inquisitive toddler may have twisted the knob. Cooling coils completely caked with pet hair and dust are also incredibly common. Remove the front grille and vacuum the coils.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your refrigerator!

Phone lines

(415) 831-1259 San Francisco
(415) 388-0690 Marin County
(650) 525-0512 South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

 

 

VIKING FRIDGE HISTORY

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viking refrigerator repair

History

Headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi, Viking is a privately held company that was established in 1983 and incorporated in 1984 by founder and president, Fred Carl, Jr. In 1987 Carl introduced the first commercial appliance marketed for residential use. Later, in 2000, Viking acquired the Amana 84″ W. Built-In refrigerator line and continues to market it, along with its own line of professional-quality appliances for home use.

Viking’s full line of professional refrigerators for home use includes its Professional and Designer Series, which makes a variety of models, including: Bottom-Mount, Side-By-Side, All Refrigerator and All Freezer refrigerators, along with Wine Cellars, Refrigerated Beverage Centers and Ice Machines.

While Viking claims that its refrigerators are energy efficient, it isn’t clear whether they have earned the Energy Star Seal.

Most of Viking’s refrigerators feature MeatSavor™ and Chill Zone drawers for produce.

Viking markets several lines of refrigerators, including:

Professional Series

  • 36″ Wide Bottom-Mount
  • 42″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • 48″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • All Refrigerator
  • All Freezer
  • Wine Cellars
  • Refrigerated Beverage Center
  • Ice Machine

Designer Series

  • 36″ Wide Bottom-Mount
  • 42″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • 48″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • All Refrigerator
  • All Freezer
  • Wine Cellars

 

Parts and repair information for your Viking refrigerator

Viking refrigerator parts and/or service information is product specific and available by calling Non-Technical Customer Service Support:             1-888-VIKING1       or             1-888-845-4641      , Option 2.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your Viking Refrigerator or any other appliance!

Phone lines

(415) 831-1259             San Francisco
(415) 388-0690             Marin County
(650) 525-0512             South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

Most of Viking’s refrigerators come with a two-year full warranty, covering the complete unit; a six-year full warranty on sealed refrigeration system parts and automatic ice maker, if applicable; a 12-year limited warranty on sealed refrigeration system parts compressor, condenser, dryer/strainer, evaporator, and connecting tubing); and a 90-day limited warranty on cosmetic parts, such as: glass, painted items and decorative items. However, keep in mind, warranties may vary as they are product specific.