Advice from the Handy people

[G G]

Okay, I aint very handy when it comes to fixing things. I have a refrigerator, regular old deal with top freezer 18.2 Cubic foot GE. It has been a good one since it's 18 years old. My dilemma is this: It's probably got a frozen or stopped up drain line since there is water in the bottom regularly and it will seep out onto the floor. It also doesn't seem to be cooling as good as it once did. It does keep things cold enough. We don't have an icemaker in it but use the old school ice trays and dump three or four in a bin in the door, and the ice in that bin seems it melts just enough to let all the ice cubes stick together.

I see that getting the drain line cleared isn't that big of a deal but I don't think that the cooling problem is related to the drain line. But I aint no handyman either.

My appliance guy said it was $85.00 to clean out/defrost the drain line, but at 18 years old if the cooling problem won't be fixed with the drain line being cleared then I don't care to put any more money in it. It's only around $700 to replace it with an Whirlpool 19.2 cubic foot one from home depot.

What yall say? TIA

[Flynnster]

I'd say replace it. You could probably get it refreshed with new coolant, and open up the drains but then you still end up with a nearly 20 year old fridge that could blow a compressor or something anytime.

You new one will be way more efficient, and should last you another 20 years.

[G G]

Originally Posted by Flynnster

I'd say replace it. You could probably get it refreshed with new coolant, and open up the drains but then you still end up with a nearly 20 year old fridge that could blow a compressor or something anytime.

You new one will be way more efficient, and should last you another 20 years.

I aint very handy, but that was my thoughts too bro.

[AdamJoshua]

I believe that sometimes the seals on the doors will give a bit and that will cause a lot of condensation to build up inside the box as well, dripping from shelves and into the bottom of the unit. I'd still just replace it, get one with a beer tap on the door!

[nutcracker]

[jledou]

Check Craig's List. You may be able to find a comparable fridge or newer fridge for under $200.

Cooling may be a compressor issue, coolant, fan etc. Outside of using a vacuum and blowing out the area and hoping it still runs repair can all lead to a higher cost than replacement.

If you really want to looking into fixing it yourself, google the make, model and problem together, look for Youtube videos on the issue is you can diagnose from google help and then order parts online, a lot of times from Amazon.

Good Luck!

[MarkinAZ]

In agreement with the others. Go for a new refrigerator Greg!

Its new, energy-efficient, and take the extended warranty if possible.

Or prior to the factory warranty expiring, you can take out a warranty plan on your refrigerator.

It now remains to decide upon which brand tickles your fancy

[nutcracker]

Perhaps you can re-purpose the old one as a humidor...
(Actually old fridges are dangerous... so, no , don't)

[BlkDrew]

Try pulling the fridge forward and cleaning the coils off. If they are covered I dirt or dust it messes with the cooling. Also check to see what the temp setting is at.

[Tio Gato]

Check locally for a buy back energy saver program. My electric company paid us a 100 bucks for an old junk. Came and hauled it away. A new unit will save you a bunch of dough on your electric bill.

[shilala]

Greg, the evaporator defrosts and drains to a pan on top of the compressor, or nearabouts.
The heat from the compressor is intended to dry the pan, combined with the air from the condenser fan underneath the fridge.
Sometimes there is a heater under the pan and it fries.
More likely, the condenser is slap full of fur, cat hair, and dust. It needs cleaned.
Then the air will flow properly again.

Another thing that can happen is that the cardboard pieces that they stuff in there to guide the air, they fall out and people throw them out. That's bad because the air won't flow to the pan and evaporate the water.

If the fridge is working well enough, that's your issue.
Get it all clean under there, make sure the fan is working (if there is one), and you'll also save a ton of electric.

[G G]

I have already cleaned out everything and it was dirty but took a compressor and blew all the dust and junk out from the rear of it. I think I will take the prevalent advice and just buy a new one since they are more efficient now. If it was 5 or 8 years old instead of almost 18 I would probably repair it. Thanks for all the input guys I appreciate it.

[T.G]

What color is the fridge?

[shilala]

If it's Harvest Gold, Adam wants it.
I can't throw a fridge away, Greg. It's a curse. They're too easy to fix.
I'd still have my first one if it weren't for women.

[T.G]

I was actually hoping for avocado, Scott.

Originally Posted by T.G

I was actually hoping for avocado, Scott.

...or Brown!

[shilala]

Originally Posted by T.G

I was actually hoping for avocado, Scott.

Dammit. I knew it was one of the two.

[G G]

Sorry it's plain old white.

[shilala]

I don't think that'll work, Greg. Not the swankitude Adam is after.

[G G]