Old-style refrigerator maintenance and minor refrigerator leak repair

Article 2

That Old House Meets This New Woman

by P.K. Costa

One of the good things about older rental units, or older style homes, is that they sometimes come equipped with major appliances, such as refrigerators. You’re probably thinking, bonus, right? Well sure it is—as long as they get the job done without costing an arm and a leg.

Refrigerators in general are a hefty expense and difficult to replace when you have a list of other items that take precedence (even knowing they suck up twice the electricity). Most of the older style refrigerators are pretty standard, and many believe “they just don’t make them like they used to” so, with property maintenance and care, some can run as long as you need them to.

Below is a basic maintenance checklist to help keep your refrigerator happy, and improve its longevity:

1)    When cleaning your refrigerator, a solution of baking soda and water can be used to wipe down the inside and outer edges to keep it clean and odor free (a squirt of dish soap, such as Dawn liquid and water for greasy areas; or vinegar and water, may also be used for hard water stained areas). Be sure to rinse well with clean water.  Note: never use the old baking soda to mix with water to clean the inside of the refrigerator (unless for the floor or kickplate) as it collects "odors" and can defeat the purpose.

2)    Clean out all leftovers, food spills, etc. to eliminate food odors every week or two.

3)    Put new, freshly opened baking soda boxes in refrigerator and freezer compartments every 30 days (the recommendation is 30 days also on the baking soda box; they also come in small sizes). 

4)    Clean the inside and outside of the refrigerator every two to four weeks to keep odor-free (including inner walls, seals, stripping, compartments, and accessories (which can be put in the dishwasher).

5)    Remove kickplate (located at the bottom of the refrigerator; snaps off very easily) and clean well (vents, and front and back; an old toothbrush works well) and rinse. This is a good time to clean the floor beneath the refrigerator as well. (No need to worry about the drip pan as the water caught there usually evaporates on its own.)

Kick plate snaps off of the bottom of the refrigerator
and cleans (baking soda & water) in sink rather easily

6)    Defrost freezers regularly—do not let frost build up as it saves energy and cuts down on odors.

7)    Every six months (if you have assistance and feel daring, or can move the refrigerator yourself and feel comfortable), check beneath and behind the refrigerator and be sure it’s free of lint, dust, etc. If you can see any lines and hoses, check them for cracks and visible leaks. (If you see any signs of trouble, you may have to call a friend that knows how to replace the hose, or a repairman, but checking the lines periodically might catch a minor leak before it becomes a major one). Be sure to call a repair man if you have a service contract (and ask if these things are covered before sending someone out; often times they are).

8)    Check for damaged accessories and replace. (Check for a local store to find replacements. You can also check second-hand stores and garage sales—you’d be surprised at what you can find at a discount.)

Dealing with leaks:

One of the known issues with some of the older-style refrigerators is that they can often leak—usually caused by blockage of the drain, which for some, such as the Admiral Designer Series, is located in the center bottom of the refrigerator (beneath the drawers). The drain plug is round, usually slightly raised with a slit for drainage) and easily clogs with gook and buildup. 

This type of leak can actually be deceiving for those that don’t know the drain plug is there as the first thought of many is that the leak is coming from another source, such as a line or the drip pan beneath the refrigerator, when in most cases those types of leaks are generally due to a cracked line, or jammed ice cube. 

So, when the leak is first discovered, it can be a shock at the scene of a puddle on the floor—not to mention visions of a repairman, new refrigerator and dollar signs dancing in their head. The good news is that it’s an easy fix you can do yourself in less than 30 minutes.

To fix the clogged drain, you will need the following items, (that are probably already in your kitchen): A rag (or paper towels), turkey baster (no, not a typo), and a sponge. Remove the drawers and pull out the drain plug (located in the center of the refrigerator bottom; it just lifts straight up). With the rag, wipe up the excess water in front of the refrigerator on the floor.  Use the turkey baster to remove the water from the bottom of the refrigerator until the sponge can be used to wipe the excess.

Turkey basters are great for gathering built up water at the bottom of the
refrigerator when the drain gets clogged (the plug just pulls out) 

Once again, use the turkey baster to suck up any debris and water from down inside the drain, (generally, the turkey baster will pick up any muck and debris that is causing the clog). Don’t forget to remove the kickplate to ensure no water spilled beneath the refrigerator.  

If that does not fix the issue, read on:

On rare occasions the clog may be deep inside the drain and you might have to use something like a 3/8” or ¼” flex tube (about 8’ long) to unclog the drain (can be purchased at a hardware store). You might also need to flush the drain with a solution of bleach and water (using the turkey baster), and then push the flex tubing through, flush again with water using the baster, and then this usually cures the clog. (If not, seek the advice of a professional.)

Although this doesn’t cover everything, I hope it helps those unfamiliar with their refrigerator become more acquainted. After all, like anything, maintenance is crucial to a longer life. 

Additional information:

Be sure to check the PG&E website for energy saving tips, usage, and also find out if you qualify for replacement, or assistance for improvements to house, apartments and mobile homes. Call 1-800-989-9744, or check out their website at http://www.pge.com/myhome/customerservice/financialassistance/energysavingsassistanceprogram/.

Also, for those that are looking to replace or get rid of a refrigerator, please check out the PG&E website for rebate or recycle information (and read up on their free refrigerator pickup program as they have much better uses for that 10-year old refrigerator that contains more than 120 lbs. of recyclable steel): http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/recycling/

Accessories for newer models can be purchased at places like Lowe’s and Home Depot (or even Ace Hardware)—talk about fun. For those that haven’t yet explored these stores I highly recommend it; you want to start with the tool and garden sections :)

That Old House Meets This New Woman

Introduction

That Old House Meets This New Woman

by P.K. Costa

Welcome to my new blog, “That Old House Meets This New Woman”—where home repairs are no longer considered a frightening task to women (although on occasion may still be considered a challenge)—but where a home is where your sweat and heart is. I am going on five years of real estate experience, with an additional six years in property management and the construction trade industry and I can only hope that all that I’ve learned (and am still learning) can somehow benefit others.

There used to be a time when home repairs were thought of as a masculine profession, with men making up the majority of the such trades—and rightfully so, they do such a wonderful job. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying women don’t or shouldn’t be in or do construction, nor am I a feminist—I am merely with the belief that more women these days are living alone and don’t always have the assistance of a man for things like what to look for when considering the purchase of a new home or refinance, or in how to do simple tasks around the house, to simple appliance repairs, to simple home improvement projects. These are things women have usually relied on men for, and some have had the luxury of being spoiled by husbands, brothers, boyfriends, and the like.

Unfortunately, there are a fair amount of women who don't have the option of calling on someone to assist them in a pinch. It doesn't matter where they live or what style home they're in because repairs are needed in every home, whether it be that cute little condo or apartment they're renting that needs interior work, or that townhouse or cottage in need of minor exterior repairs, or that older style fixer-upper they just picked up for a steal that has the charm and character of a Victorian—after the 10-page list of repairs are completed. Not all women are lucky in the respect that they are going to have a database full of Mr. Fixits for their every whim under the sun, such as for an appliance repairman, a roofer, a guy that knows how to build or repair fences—and that “Jack of all” who can do just about anything. (If she did, she probably would have married him.)

The point being, and contrary to popular belief, women understand that a home improvement project can’t be Mickey-moused—it needs to be done correctly to improve the home’s value, and that if it’s simple enough to be done herself and accomplish that—and save money—all the better.

My goal is to provide a one-stop-shop for women to learn how to do minor home improvements, learn tips and tricks of the trades, and to learn how to do simple  improvement projects from the inside to the outside on their own—without feeling afraid to do so, and of course, if they so choose. Men are always going to be our heroes, there is no disputing that fact, and they can in fact still be a hero here on this site, so please feel free to assist with your knowledge and know-how, as I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one who would appreciate it. After all, it was by some truly great men that I was fortunate to have learned some of what I know today.  

In case some of you were wondering, I chose the title, “That Old House Meets This New Woman” because I always enjoyed the show, “This Old House” with Mr. Villa, and I think of myself as a new woman in today’s word—old enough to know better, but definitely still young enough to tackle it and do it myself. (And of course, not too stubborn to know when it's time to call a pro, like one of my best friends, Mikey.)

I hope you’ll enjoy.






This blog is a personal blog not intended to be relied on solely as professional advice even though the information has been passed on to me by professionals throughout my life, or is in fact information I've gathered through reading, research and life experiences. As with anything in life, should something interest you (or prior to implementation), please do take the time to research for yourself and please verify with someone you trust. It is unfortunate to have to put a disclaimer on my blog (and perhaps that stems another topic for a blog *smile*) however please know that I very much appreciate your support, and I thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the contents here and look forward to your comments. I hope you’ll find some of my other writing and blog sites just as enjoyable.

Ciao for niao and I wish you an absolutely fantastic day.