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 :)