Updated at: 12-09-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Do you hear popping sounds coming from your refrigerator? Don’t worry about that odd popping sound; this tutorial will help you fix it.

If your refrigerator is giving you issues, try diagnosing it on your own to cut down on repair costs. It’s a terrific method to improve one’s handyman skills, too. Most of the time, the issues that lead to popping sounds can be fixed without professional help.

It’s not unusual for your refrigerator to make popping sounds. Thermodynamic expansion, refrigerant circulation, and the on-and-off operation of various parts can all contribute to this. However, popping sounds may also indicate an easily repairable issue, such as a faulty water valve or an unlevel refrigerator.

What You’ll Need

Do you really believe that repairing your refrigerator will require a whole toolbox full of specialty parts and pieces? Just use these common household items as your tools! What you need to have on hand before beginning any of these repairs is listed below.

  1. Slang term for a bubble level
  2. Pliers and drivers
  3. Spanner and nut driver
  4. Assortment of wrenches
  5. Towel
  6. Should the need arise, spares will be provided.

How to Fix Popping Sounds in Your Fridge

Let’s get our hands dirty and put an end to that annoying popping sound. This tutorial can be used for both troubleshooting and fixing, and we’ve organized it such that the simplest solutions are presented first.

What Should I Do if My Refrigerator Makes a Loud Popping Noise? - Soundproof Living

#1 It’s The Thermal Expansion and That’s Okay

The temperature inside your refrigerator fluctuates throughout the day. While maintaining a steady, safe temperature for your food, it cycles through several different settings. As the day progresses, thermal expansion is one of the things that can happen to your refrigerator.

When something is heated, its volume increases and the term “thermal expansion” is used to describe this phenomenon. Different materials are used in the construction of your refrigerator. Refrigerators contain a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and rubbers. When heated, these materials expand in varying degrees.

There will be intermittent popping as the day progresses. This is especially possible after adjusting the refrigerator’s temperature or during a defrost cycle. This popping is completely natural and should not be concerning in any way.

It’s important to remember that even brand new refrigerators experience thermal expansion over time. It’s an inevitable byproduct of modern technology. If there are no other obvious problems with your fridge, the popping sound is likely just the result of the laws of physics doing their thing.

#2 Your Fridge Has Good Vibrations

If you hear a pop coming from your refrigerator, it may just be “positive vibrations.”

When your refrigerator is working, you may feel vibrations. The popping sounds may have been caused by the slight tremors. Vibrations in the walls of the refrigerator or the contents of the refrigerator could be to blame. The sound of two plates tapping against one other is sometimes misunderstood for a popping noise.

The majority of the time, this is nothing to worry about. There may be nothing wrong with your refrigerator other than the fact that it has finally settled into its new home and is making strange noises. Your refrigerator’s equilibrium could be wrong, causing additional issues.

Here’s how to restore equilibrium to your refrigerator.

  1. Turn off the power to the refrigerator.
  2. A bubble level should be displayed atop the refrigerator. You can use this to determine the exact level and the degree of any deviation.
  3. Take off the bottom covers of your fridge and throw them away. These grates may simply snap into place, or they may require unscrewing.
  4. It has four “leveling feet,” one in each corner, to keep your refrigerator stable.
  5. If your refrigerator isn’t sitting quite level, just move the feet around. The leveling foot has a screw or bolt that can be turned to do this. Check your handbook for details on where exactly to look.
  6. Keep an eye on the fridge’s bubble level.
  7. Once the bubble level is set up correctly from left to right, you can flip it over and do the same thing to set it up correctly from front to back.
  8. Make sure your refrigerator is level before replacing the covers.
  9. Refrigerators need to be plugged back in.

#3 The Defrost Heater

Would you be surprised to learn that your refrigerator contains a built-in mechanism that generates heat?

In order to prevent ice buildup, a defrost heater is included in every refrigerator. Fridge defrosting is the sole purpose of this heater. There may likely be a popping noise produced by the defrost heater.

About four times a day, your defrost heater should activate. Your defrost heater’s activation frequency will fluctuate depending on the day. Keep an eye out for any shifts, big or small, in behavior, as these can indicate trouble.

When the defrost heater kicks on, it makes a standard popping sound. There’s no reason to worry, and the noise shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience. However, there may be an issue if your defrost heater cycles on and off frequently.

There could be a number of reasons for this. One possibility is that your defrost timer is malfunctioning and no longer providing instructions to your defrost heater. Another possible cause is an accumulation of frost that triggers the defrost heater to operate continuously.

A defrost heater is one of the few parts of a refrigerator that should be serviced by a professional. It’s not only cumbersome and potentially dangerous, but it requires an extra pair of hands.

#4 Sound-Alikes

Your refrigerator is prone to making popping sounds. There are numerous more sounds that may resemble popping but are in reality entirely different. Let’s talk about some of the most typical noises that could make you think your fridge is always making noise.

Your ice maker is the source of the first similar-sounding appliance. Your ice machine may make popping noises while it is either making ice or settling.

Sealing the door comes next. In order to keep the cold air inside of your refrigerator and freezer, you need to have a good door seal. Whenever a door is opened, there is usually a loud popping sound.

As an added feature, your fans can also produce a popping sound. A handful of your refrigerator’s fans can produce what sounds like popping. If the popping sounds more like scraping and/or clicking, the issue may be with the refrigerator’s fans.

#5 Water Valve Problems

This popping sound occurs frequently throughout the day and is completely normal. However, if your ice machine or water dispenser is malfunctioning, check this valve. Whenever the water valve in your refrigerator fails, it usually makes a loud popping sound.

To change it out, follow these steps.

  1. Turn off the power to the refrigerator.
  2. Find the water supply valve at the bottom of the refrigerator’s rear.
  3. You can prevent water damage by placing a towel under the water shutoff valve.
  4. Take off the cover behind you
  5. Stop the flow of water.
  6. Loosen the water line’s compression nut with a wrench.
  7. Take out the water supply
  8. The water supply valve needs to be removed from its housing.
  9. Detach the wire harness from the water supply valve
  10. Unplug the water supply valve’s wire harness.
  11. Replace the old valve by re-tightening its screws in the new housing.
  12. Join the water line to the main.
  13. Adjust the water line’s compression nut.
  14. Open the taps, please. Turn off the water supply and retighten the compression nut if a leak develops.
  15. Alternately: Switch out the rear cover
  16. Get your towel and tools in order.
  17. Connect the plug again, please

#6 Issues With the Condenser Coil

The condenser coils in your refrigerator are an element of the mechanism that circulates the coolant. The condenser coils can make a popping sound because they come into contact with heated coolant. This is quite common, and has nothing to do with any malfunctions in your refrigerator.

Why Your Fridge Keeps Making Popping Noises: 7 Steps To Fix

Condenser coils are easily accessible through the back access panel and are normally positioned in the refrigerator’s base. A problem with the condenser could be the source of a popping sound coming from the coil.

Keeping the condenser coils clean is the most important thing you can do to maintain them. Condenser coils should be dusted out once or twice a year to make sure they are not collecting dust and debris. If your refrigerator’s condenser coils are clogged with debris, the coils will have to work harder to cool your food. This can cause a lot of extra noise to be produced.

#7 Refrigerant Circulation

The normal operation of your refrigerator is the last possible source of the popping sounds we’ll discuss. Lots of fluid is always circulating inside your fridge. This substance is the coolant used in your refrigerator.

As the coolant circulates throughout your fridge, its temperature will fluctuate. It’s possible for this to result in a great deal of fluid noises like popping and gurgling. These are quite usual and ought not bother you in any way. However, if the nosebleeds become abnormally loud or are accompanied by a general inability to regulate body temperature, this may indicate a more serious issue.

What is the average lifespan of a refrigerator?

If you are trying to decide whether or not to replace your refrigerator, knowing how long the average refrigerator lasts will offer you a good starting point.

Refrigerators have a lengthy useful life since they are considered durable commodities. Just how much time are we talking about here? The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) study cited above found the following to be the average lifespans for various refrigerator types:

These are merely the averages, though, so keep that in mind. According to the NAHB, “the life expectancy of a typical appliance relies to a considerable part on the use it receives,” so keeping up with routine maintenance will help your refrigerator last even longer than the average.

How to know the age of your refrigerator

Some of us have vivid memories of purchasing substantial goods, such as cars or refrigerators. A fridge’s serial number can be a useful source of information even if you can’t remember exactly when you bought it or if you acquired it used.

You may find the serial number in two places: the rating label and the refrigerator label (the sticker affixed to the inside of the refrigerator’s wall) (at the back of the fridge, somewhere near the compressor).

Please take note that the compressor has a different serial number than the one listed on the rating label.

How can you extend your fridge’s usable life?

Maintaining your refrigerator on a regular basis and giving it the care it deserves will lengthen its lifespan. What follows is a brief checklist of routine maintenance tasks and how often they should be performed:

In addition, your refrigerator needs to be correctly installed the second you remove it from the box. These maintenance and care guidelines will help your fridge last as long as possible:

  • Never place it in direct sunlight or next to a radiator
  • Make sure the fridge is on a level surface.
  • Make sure there’s room for air circulation.
  • It is not to be piled upon.
  • Install surge protectors
  • You shouldn’t use an extension cord with it.

How to know when to replace your refrigerator

While refrigerators do have a lengthy lifespan, we eventually have to replace them. Someday, our refrigerators will develop mechanical issues and will need replacing. We’ve written about this before, but here is the summary:

  • While refrigerators do have a lengthy lifespan, we eventually have to replace them. Someday, our refrigerators will develop mechanical issues and will need replacing. We’ve written about this before, but here is the summary:
  • Even though refrigerators typically have a long service life, we can’t keep using them forever. As time goes on, our refrigerators will inevitably break down due to mechanical faults and require replacement. Our previous articles on the subject are summarized below.
  • Discreet ruckus
  • Silence that raises suspicion
  • Overheated sides
  • Back before it had a substantial overhaul,

Yet, as the NAHB noted, “frequently replaced long before they are worn out because advances in style, technology, and consumer tastes make newer goods more desirable,” especially in the case of refrigerators.

FAQs

Why is my freezer popping?

Once the evaporator frosts over, it stops working. The popping sound is the evaporator being defrosted so it doesn’t get too thick and stop working. This unit does it automatically and that’s why it’s called a frost free unit.

What does a bad refrigerator compressor sound like?

Frost accumulates on the evaporator and continues to grow in thickness until the unit stops functioning as a refrigerator. To prevent the evaporator from becoming too thick, occasional defrosting is required; this is the source of the popping sound. This unit does it automatically and that’s why it’s termed a frost free unit.

What does a dying refrigerator sound like?

It’s normal for a refrigerator to have a low hum, but if yours has suddenly started buzzing loudly, the motor may be laboring to cool the food. If the humming continues, it’s likely that your refrigerator is on its last legs.

What brand of refrigerator lasts the longest?

Whirlpool. Quality and reliability are two reasons why Whirlpool refrigerators are so well liked. It’s no secret that Whirlpool refrigerators have won over the hearts of many families because of their reliability and longevity.

How to Stop a Refrigerator from Making Noise | Maytag

How do I know if my fridge compressor is broken?

The hum you hear is coming from the compressor in your fridge. Thus, if the sound suddenly ceases or intensifies to a continual or very loud buzzing that does not cease, it may be an indication that the compressor is faulty or malfunctioning.

How long should a refrigerator run before it shuts off?

A refrigerator compressor will typically operate for 4-8 hours continuously before powering off. In fact, most modern freezers are designed to be used continuously for 80-90% of their lifespan.

What is the lifespan of a fridge freezer?

Whether it’s a chest freezer or a refrigerator-freezer, you should expect it to last for around 16 years. The average lifespan of a freezer is between 12 and 20 years. Freezers are among the most durable kitchen appliances and sometimes outlast even gas and electric ovens. However, that should not be taken as gospel. Aug 18, 2020.

What are the problems common refrigerator problems?

How to Diagnose and Repair Frequent Issues with Your Refrigerator Water seeping across the floor. Not Cold Enough in the Freezer. The unit cycles too frequently. The refrigerated fresh food storage area is heating up. Freezer floor frozen solid like a sheet of ice. Frost Condensation in the Ice Machine. An Overflowing Ice Machine. Food in the Refrigerator Has Frozen.

Why do old refrigerators last forever?

How long an appliance is expected to endure also depends on the type of device and how it is being utilized. Since there are fewer moving parts, a refrigerator lasts longer than a washing machine. Life expectancy decreases when a family acquires a washing machine, according to Garrett, and especially when the family is young.

What are French doors on a refrigerator?

The most up-to-date style for refrigerators is the French door variety. These refrigerators’ split-in-the-middle double-door design allows for easy access to both the fresh food and the leftovers. Either one or both can be opened at the same time. By throwing open both, you let more light into the room and reveal hidden details.

Wrapping Up DIY Fridge Popping Sound Repair

Having your refrigerator make popping noises is one of the more unsettling things that can happen to a homeowner. In spite of this, the vast majority of pops are entirely typical.

If your refrigerator is making popping noises, you can fix it by following the instructions in this handy dandy guide.

Listed below are articles that may be of use to you if you need more advice or a more in-depth DIY guide for fixing your refrigerator.