How to replace the sealing gum on the refrigerator door and how to stick it
A faulty seal leads to problems closing the refrigerator door. In the face of a problem, it will be necessary to repair or completely replace the seal in the refrigerator, since the use of a device with a broken part can cause new breakdowns.
Why the door does not close
The refrigerator door may not close due to various malfunctions. To solve the problem, it is necessary to carry out an inspection and establish the specific cause.
Loosening and deformation of fasteners
If the fasteners are deformed by mechanical stress or loosened as a result of prolonged use, the door ceases to fit perfectly. If the bindings are loose, adjustment is permitted. To restore deformed elements, professional repair or replacement of parts is required.
Rotten, loose and cracked joint
Due to delamination of the gasket or violation of the integrity and structure, it cannot perform its function and does not fix the door. A broken gasket is easier to replace with a new one, saving labor and time.
How to quickly adjust a skew door
You can restore the position of the tilted door yourself, without involving a master. The adjustment method depends on the bindings.
Bolts
Improper fit of the refrigerator door leads to the fact that it does not close completely or, conversely, it is fixed tightly and is difficult to open. In both cases, it is necessary to adjust the optimum fit using the adjustment bolts located at the attachment points.
If it is necessary to loosen the tightness, tighten the bolts counterclockwise and loosen the fasteners. Otherwise, the bolts are tightened clockwise and reinforced. Sometimes the tightness of the door closer is broken due to the damage of the bolts, and in this case the installation of new regulators is necessary.
Self-tapping screws
If you notice a loose fit, you can remove the refrigerator door and check if the bracket brackets are bent. If defects are found on them, it is necessary to strengthen the damaged aircraft. For this purpose, a steel plate is used and fixed with self-tapping screws.
Rivets
The lower curtain of the door of some types of refrigerators is fixed with rivets. To access the latches, you must remove the door from the top groove.You can remove the rivets using a set of specialized tools, similar in principle to a center punch for metal. If possible, it is recommended to replace old rivets with bolts or self-tapping screws.
Leak symptoms
You can notice a violation of the tightness of the refrigerator by a number of signs. The problem is characterized by the following symptoms:
- frequent start-up and rapid freezing of the evaporator;
- spontaneous opening of the door;
- the appearance of ice on the rear wall due to the penetration of moisture with air;
- accumulation of condensate on the lower shelf;
- lower the temperature inside the refrigerator;
- ice covering the door.
Factory replacement
To replace the factory sealing gum, you must follow the step-by-step instructions.
Observing the standard rules, it will be possible to quickly complete the procedure and restore full operation of the refrigerator.
How to remove
To remove the seal, you will need to unscrew the fasteners from the door and place it on a horizontal surface. Then the damaged seal is carefully torn off. You can pry up one of the edges of the rubber band with a sharp object and pull on the seal so that it starts to flake off.
We remove the remnants of glue
You can remove the remnants of the adhesive solution on which the gasket was held with acetone. The agent is applied to the dried pieces of glue, wait 5-10 minutes, after which they are processed with a spatula. The final cleaning is carried out with an alcoholic solvent intended for acrylic paints.
How to choose a new one
There are several criteria to consider when choosing a gasket. In particular, the following features are important:
- Equipment brand and serial number. Sealing rubber from different manufacturers, for example, "Indesit" and "Stinol", differ in thickness, dimensions and method of attachment.
- The size. If you cannot find a gasket designed for a specific model of refrigerator, you need to measure the old rubber band and find an analogue from the available options. Such a need often arises among owners of older models of refrigerators.
- State of the seal. Flaws can be found on a new rubber band, therefore, before changing any part, you should carefully consider the purchase. There should be no damage, cracks or stretching on the gasket surface.
How to paste
The reliability of the adhesion of the sealing tape to the surface depends on the chosen adhesive composition. Momentary glue is often used to perform work, since it firmly adheres to materials and does not lose its characteristics for a long time. You can also secure the gum with silicone sealants. The products are easy to use, flexible and very adherent to most materials. When choosing a composition, it is better to give preference to frost-resistant products.
Bonding
The selected seal is applied to the refrigerator door and its size is checked. If the product is suitable, you can start gluing, which is carried out in different ways.
Application of a thin layer
A thin layer of glue can be applied along the perimeter of the entire door, and the product can be applied on top. Then the position of the seam is adjusted until the composition is completely dry. After fixing the gum, it remains to wait for the solution to dry.
Bonding of the entire perimeter in small portions
It is also allowed to apply glue in portions, along the entire perimeter of the door.After applying the solution, the tape is applied and pressed. After the glue dries, you can continue to use the refrigerator.
How to repair an old one with your own hands
If the seal is slightly damaged, it can be repaired. It is possible to repair the part yourself, by various means.
Boiling water
If the seal is no longer tight, you can soak it in boiling water. Exposure to hot water will help restore the firmness of the product.
Paper and other improvised means
Paper and alternative materials are used to check the seal of the door. When planning the fixing of the product, it is necessary to clamp a piece of paper in the gap between the door and the main body of the refrigerator. If the elastic is not worn, the sheet will not hang.
Re-hang the door
In some cases, a loose fit occurs due to a crooked door. To solve the problem, you need to remove and reinstall the door, then check the working condition.
Bonding
If the seal is slightly peeled off in several places, it may be stuck. Damaged areas can be sealed with any suitable adhesive.
After work
After repairing or replacing the gasket, you must follow a number of rules. Basic care will help prolong the period of use of the refrigerator without breakdowns.
Compliance with the defrost schedule
Modern refrigerator models are equipped with an automatic defrost function. Using older models, you will need to defrost every 3-4 months.
Periodic inspection
A functional check and external examination of the refrigerator door will allow you to quickly detect a malfunction.If you find a break in the sealing gum and adjacent elements, repair or replacement should be carried out immediately.
Temperature regime
Violation of the temperature regime is one of the reasons refrigerator failure. The best option is to set an appropriate temperature and keep it constant, except when defrosting.
Fat
Maintaining elasticity and extending service life is facilitated by treating the sealing strip with silicone grease. To maintain the good condition of the seal, it is enough to lubricate it once every two months.