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Not a single modern and even more so old refrigerator is insured against a refrigerant (freon) leak. This malfunction is a little insidious and it can only be determined 100% using special equipment. But, before calling the master, you can independently inspect the equipment and draw conclusions.
To make it easier for you to navigate, we will talk about the signs and causes of such a problem, and describe the complete process for fixing it.
Where are the highest chances of leaks?
Before proceeding with the elimination of the leak, it is worth localizing its location. Regardless of the brand and model of equipment, the most vulnerable places where leaks occur are:
- Soldering (lockring connections). These tubing connections are the most common leak points. They may leak gas due to natural deformations or due to factory defects.
- Weeping type evaporator. The part is usually aluminum, so it often suffers from corrosion. Moisture accumulating in evaporator systems provokes the appearance of microcracks through which Freon gas easily leaves the housing.
Important! The evaporator is often filled with special foam. If the leak is in the foamy part of the refrigerator, there will be a complex repair with almost complete disassembly of the case. It is worth thinking about transporting the refrigerator to the workshop so that your kitchen does not turn into one.
- “Warm” steel contourlocated around the freezer. This unit facilitates the evaporation of condensate. Since the part is constantly in contact with moisture, the metal rusts, which causes leakage. If you have been using the refrigerator for more than 5 years, the likelihood of a leak in this particular place increases several times.
Causes and signs of a refrigerant leak
Only the master can determine the exact cause of the leak, using special equipment for this. But if you immediately want to know how much the repair will cost, you can try to diagnose the problem yourself. Typically, gas leakage is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Weak cooling. If the bleeding has just begun, the first thing that occurs in the refrigerator is not enough cooling. If there are two compressors, then usually there is little cold in one of the chambers. And in a technique with one motor, a slight cold will be in the main compartment and in the freezer.
- Long motor operationwith virtually no rest. It is usually easy to see that the operation of the motor is uninterrupted. This is due to the fact that when the level of freon in the circuit decreases, the pressure in the entire system drops, and the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cold, therefore it works almost “for wear”.
- No frost, compressor off. After the equipment tried to work using the remnants of freon, a complete leak occurs, so the cooling process stops and the compressor does not work.
- Alarm triggered. Almost all models have provided an alarm. In models without a display, the red lamp Alarm or “Attention!” will flash, and if there is an electronic display, the corresponding indicator will light up. error code. Such signals will not indicate a gas leak: they will most likely notify the user that the chambers are too warm.
- Indirect visual signs. In some cases, with the refrigerator still running, a snow coat or ice crust may appear around the evaporator, which indicates a leak in this particular node. If there are rusty streaks around the perimeter of the door, then the cause is highly likely to be in the defrost system. When the wall is swollen, it is necessary to look for damage to the contour in the place where the body is swollen.
Wherever a leak is found, it is difficult to cope with the restoration of the refrigerator on your own. Only a master will be able to qualitatively and reliably eliminate the leak and fill the system. But we will definitely describe the scheme of work – there is nothing secret in it.
Freon leakage, for example, the “Atlant” refrigerator: repair and replacement
If you have an Indesit, Nord, Atlant refrigerator or any other model of a common brand, the repair procedure will be almost identical. And it consists of these steps:
- Gas leak detection. The specialist visually inspects the electrical appliance in search of visible “symptoms” – rust or swelling. Then, using a leak detector that records the concentration of freon vapor in the air, it finds the exact location.
- Leak Neutralization. Work is underway to eliminate the leak with reliance on the place of its localization. If the place is “affordable”, there is nothing difficult about it. So, if the place of leakage is a “warm” circuit, the defective area is cut out and the system is looped. And if the refrigerant comes out of the foamy part, the master chooses the safest way to repair.
It all depends on the brand, model of the refrigerator and the experience of the master. In some cases, it is advisable to repair the foamed part of the body – there are models in which it is not necessary to completely remove all the insulation. And in some cases, you need to hang a new evaporator, so you don’t have to open the case – such work can be done right at your home. Breakdowns are not ruled out when you need to completely “print out” the wall.
- Installing a new filter drier. This element is always replaced if there is a leak, so when the technician tells you to replace it, he does not try to cheat or “sell” unnecessary parts. Replacement is necessary to prevent moisture particles from entering the cooling circuit.
- XNUMX% tightness test. To check the degree of sealing of the system, the mechanic pumps nitrogen into the circuit. Referring to the pressure gauge, the master monitors the pressure. If the test is successful, the gas is vented, and the repairman proceeds according to plan.
- Evacuation. To remove air and moisture from the circuit, special vacuum equipment is taken. It is connected using a Schrader valve, after which it is pumped out until the desired vacuum level is reached.
- Coolant recharge. Coming to the finish line, the master selects the appropriate refrigerant and refuels. It is also introduced into the system through the Schroeder valve, after which freon is pumped into the circuit from the cylinder. The level of gas injection is determined based on the manufacturer’s requirements. The degree of filling is controlled by a pressure gauge or taking into account the mass – then the cylinder is weighed.
- inspection. Having finished refueling, the specialist makes sure that the refrigerator is working and gives you a guarantee package of documents.
Important! Always ask for a guarantee, even if the refrigerator immediately turned on and started to freeze. There are times when the masters “overdo it” with the refrigerant, and its excess must be bled off. In order not to pay for repairs again, you need documents confirming the work.
Let’s summarize our review. In the event of a freon leak, you can find the damaged area yourself to save on diagnostics. And you don’t need to save on repairs – contact trusted companies. Follow the work of the master, referring to the progress of work described by us.