Common Commercial Refrigerator Repair Issues

Even the refrigeration equipment of Highbright is top-notch and most durable, also can malfunction and may need repairs & maintenance.

As the old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and preventative maintenance is the key to maintaining the longevity of your commercial refrigeration equipment.

Hence, when you face some minor refrigeration maintenance issues, you need to know how to fix the issues fast and efficiently.

Here are the most common commercial refrigeration problems you may find, and a few tips on how to determine what’s wrong with your unit.

Caution: Unplug the refrigerator before you make any repairs.

Ice Maker on Strike

When an ice maker stops working or produces only tiny cubes, it's usually because the water supply is partially or completely blocked.

First, check the water inlet tube for ice. To remove the ice maker, take out the screws that hold the ice maker in place. Unplug the wiring harness and remove the ice maker to expose the water inlet tube.

Second, Melt the ice in the water inlet tube with a hair dryer. Don't stop until water stops dripping from the tube.

Third, locate the saddle valve and clear the blockage.

Forth, unblock the Saddle Valve. (If water flows out of the tube, the water supply is fine, and chances are the inlet valve is bad)

Fridge or Freezer Won't Cool

First, examine the appliance. Is it placed directly against the wall? Your commercial refrigerator needs to be placed slightly away from the wall to provide space for normal air circulation. Commercial refrigerators can withstand countless opening and closing operations, but sometimes the gasket can get worn down from wear and tear. Your door should be properly closed and completely sealed so that the equipment can perform the correct cooling process.

You may also encounter problems where the temperature control gauge provides incorrect readings or is completely damaged. If this is the case, manufacturers such as True have made thermometers easy to replace. Your incorrect temperature reading may also be due to blocked vents. Use a thermometer to double check your temperature to make sure the thermostat is working.

Compressors

The refrigerator compressor is used to keep food cool, if it does not work, your unit will not be able to cool down normally. True and other commercial refrigeration companies outline in their manuals how often you need to clean the compressor, but usually every 90 days. Dust, hair, grease, etc. may accumulate in the compressor and prevent it from working properly. Confirm that the compressor has been cleaned recently and is working properly. A hot compressor will cause the refrigerator from getting colder.

Lighting Issues

Sometimes you may encounter minor problems, such as the lights in your device not working. If this is the case, you need to look at the lamp itself. If you need to replace the bulb, please make sure it has been verified and approved by the equipment manufacturer, otherwise you will risk burning the light’s power socket. Be sure to read the manual that came with the device to make sure you are using the correct recommended repair option.

The Fridge Becomes Noisy

Refrigerator noise comes from the compressor under the fridge, the condenser fan motor under the fridge, or the evaporator fan motor inside the freezer.

Open the freezer door while the fridge is running. If the noise doesn't get louder when you open the freezer, pull out the fridge.

Most refrigerators have a condenser fan motor. Unscrew the back cover and listen. You'll be able to tell whether the noise is coming from the fan or the compressor.

The best cure for a loud compressor is usually a new fridge.

To replace the fan motor, remove its mounting screws, unplug it and install the new one.