REASONS YOUR COMMERCIAL FRIDGE IS LEAKING WATER
Your commercial kitchen relies on refrigerators to keep food fresh and safe. If these refrigerators break down, it not only disrupts business, but may cost you money in lost merchandise and goods. The first signs of a problem are usually pools of water around the base of the refrigerator or water appearing along pipelines or doorways. Let’s review some of the causes of commercial refrigerator problems and how you can solve them.
Check for Blocked Drains
Modern commercial refrigerators are designed to defrost when needed. This prevents ice build-up on evaporator coils. The water flows into a tray below the unit and evaporates, however food particles and ice can prevent the hose from draining properly, leading to a back-up of water.
Remove the value at the end of the pipeline and use warm water to flush out ice and debris. If this doesn’t work, try using a pipe cleaner or compressed air to remove any trapped material. Once the hose is clean, you can reattach it. Monitor it until you know there is no blockage or build-up left behind.
Drain Pan Issues
Excess water is collected in drain pans on the compressor or under the refrigerator. Water build-up in the fridge can lead to flooding and damage to surrounding floors and walls. If you have a cooler leaking water, check the pan regularly for ice build-up. This can be a sign of a poor operating heater. If you notice damage to the pan or the surrounding components, then it will likely require replacement.
A professional refrigerator technician can help you identify the source of drain pan issues, and provide you with affordable solutions to keep your lines clear and draining efficiently.
Faulty Water Line
If you discover your ice maker or water dispenser are not working properly, then it may be a result of a water line issue. Over time, a water line can become loose or damaged with use. This is common with plastic hoses that become brittle over time.
Copper pipes can also become damaged with time, getting kinks and cracks in them with age. In this case, your pipe technician may recommend a replacement to prevent any further damage.
Seal is Damaged
Your refrigerator works hard to keep food cold and fresh. Over time, the seal around your refrigerator can wear down or become damaged. This allows warm air to seep into the fridge, leading to spoilage and loss of food. It can also create condensation, one of the first signs that there is a problem with your seal.
The best solution to this problem is replacing the seal. This will allow the door to seal tightly again, keeping the contents of your fridge at the right temperature and preventing moisture build-up.
