How to Fix a Leaky Refrigerator

You may not know this, but the refrigerator in your kitchen produces a large amount of condensation. When all is working properly, this condensation runs down a drain tube in the back of your refrigerator where it is released into a drain pan at the bottom of the unit and evaporates. However, when all is not working properly, this water can end up as a small pool at the bottom of your refrigerator or on your floor. If your refrigerator is leaking, there are two likely causes: the unit isn’t level or the drain tube is clogged. Read below for step-by-step instructions on how to fix both problems.

Unlevel Refrigerator

If your refrigerator is leaning to a particular side, it could cause the unit to leak. Luckily, almost all refrigerators come with adjustable legs in order to fix this problem.

1. Remove the base grill from the bottom of the refrigerator. It should simply snap off on most models, although some require a screwdriver.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the legs - turning the screwdriver clockwise will raise the refrigerator and counterclockwise will lower it.
3. Repeat step 2 as many times as necessary on all four legs until the refrigerator is parallel to the ground. Use a level to check.

Clogged Drain Tube

As stated above, there is a drain tube that runs down the back wall of the refrigerator and is responsible for carrying condensation to the drain pan where it evaporates. This tube can become clogged, causing the water to back up and pour into the fresh foods section of the fridge. If this happens, simply follow the steps below:

1. Slide the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Remove the drawers on the bottom of the unit. You should see the drain tube.
3. If the tube is frozen, use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to melt the ice and unclog the tube. If something else is causing the clog, insert a pipe cleaner or Q-tip into the tube to loosen it.
4. Flush the drain tube with warm water to completely clear it of all debris.
5. Remove the base grill at the bottom of your refrigerator. Locate the drain pan and remove it. Wash it in the sink and dry it off.
6. Replace the drain pan, base grill, crisper drawers, and anything else which was removed during this process. Plug the refrigerator in and slide it back into its original position.

If you have followed the listed steps and your refrigerator is still leaking, you could have a serious issue. If you live in New York and are in need of a quick refrigerator repair, call Speedy Sub Zero at 866-782-9376. For more than 75 years, we have provided New York City and Long Island residents with same-day repairs done in the comfort of their own home. Our phone lines are open 24/7 in case of emergencies, so call us any time at 866-782-9376.

How the Refrigerator Has Changed Our Lives

 

Just about every kitchen in America (99.5 percent) comes fully-equipped with a refrigerator. Refrigerators run 24/7 keeping our food cold, refreshing, and bacteria-free, but they are under-appreciated. Most of us have never experienced life without refrigeration, except for the occasional camping trip, so we take them for granted in our daily lives. Here is a brief summary on the history of refrigeration, and why the Smithsonian proclaimed it to be the most important invention in the history of food.

Prior to the invention of the home refrigerator, keeping food cold was not an easy task. For centuries, people stored their food in outdoor window boxes, cellars, and even underwater in nearby lakes in an effort to keep the food cool. Other time-tested methods of preservation included salting and pickling.

Then came the ice revolution. Starting in the late 1700s, ice harvesting and transportation became very popular. Pioneered by Frederick Tudor and Nathaniel Wyeth, large quantities of ice were harvested from frozen ponds and lakes and shipped to warmer climates. As insulation improved and less ice melted during transportation, the ice trade flourished and revolutionized other industries such as the meat, vegetable, and fruit industries.

While the ice trade was a revolution in itself, it was far from perfect. By the late 1890s, natural sources of ice became scarce due to pollution and sewage dumping. Advances in technology allowed for commercial refrigeration to be available to breweries and meat-packing businesses by the 1910s, but still no household version was available.

Fast forward about 50 years and household refrigerators were being mass-produced and became a staple of the American house. The implementation of refrigerators into our homes has increased our quality of life by allowing us to eat better, fresher foods. We no longer have to rely on ice delivery companies and our diets have expanded and diversified, in addition to the health benefits. By keeping foods at a constant temperature of 40° or lower, bacteria growth is slowed and the lifespan of our food is increased by several days or weeks.

If your refrigerator is malfunctioning, you can call on the services of Speedy Sub Zero to restore it to working condition. With over 75 years of business, we are New York's premier refrigeration repair company and offer one-hour emergency service to Long Island and New York City. To schedule a visit for your home, call us 24/7 at 866-782-9376.

How to Get The Most Bang For Your Buck When Appliance Shopping

A new refrigerator, stove, or washing machine can last well over 10 years, so it is not too often that you find yourself needing a new one. Appliances are long-term investments, so it is important to choose the right one when making a purchase. Before taking a trip to the local appliance store, use these tips to get the most bang for your buck when you are ready to buy.

Check multiple retailers.

With today's multitude of stores and online retailers, there is no reason why a consumer should only visit one before making a purchase decision. Check a few local appliance stores and even an online site or two before deciding who to buy from. Doing this will help prevent you from overpaying for an appliance and take advantage of special deals or “limited time only” sales.

Look for energy star.

Energy Star appliances are a must for anyone looking to maximize value. Products with an Energy Star tag have been tested by the EPA and proven to yield significant energy savings. These products may be slightly more expensive at the time of purchase, but the energy savings they provide will make up for the difference in no time. There are also government rebates available for some Energy Star purchases which offset the high purchase prices. For a list of rebates available in your area, click here.

Know what the sale price includes.

To get the most bang for your buck when appliance shopping, it is essential to know what the price includes. For example, two stores offer the exact same stove – $900 at Store A and $950 at Store B. Store A may seem like the better deal, but look closer and you'll see that Store B's price also includes delivery, installation, and the haul away of your old stove, making it the better of the two deals.

Often times, appliances can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. If you are replacing your refrigerator because it is not working properly, call Speedy Sub Zero repairs to see if it can be fixed first. We are Long Island's #1 choice for refrigerator repairs, and have over 60 years of experience in the industry. Our phone lines are open 24/7 for emergency service scheduling, so call us anytime at 866-782-9376.

Refrigerator FAQs

What is the ideal temperature for my refrigerator?

The optimal temperature range for a refrigerator is between 35-39° F. For more information about why this temperature range is best and tips on keeping a consistent temperature, click here.

How do I properly clean my refrigerator?

A proper cleaning involves removing all food, shelves, and drawers from your refrigerator and wiping the interior completely clean. For a complete step-by-step process that takes less than 20 minutes, click here.

My refrigerator is producing condensation. What can I do to fix it?

If your refrigerator is producing condensation – either on the inside or outside – it is a sure-fire sign that something is wrong. The most common reasons for condensation are a faulty door gasket, dirty condenser coils, and a clogged drain tube. Click here for more information regarding this.

How do I clean my refrigerator condenser coils?

Cleaning your refrigerator's condenser coils is a great way to increase energy efficiency and prevent future breakdowns. On most models, these coils are located on the back of the unit and can be cleaned with a vacuum. For more detailed instructions, click here.

I think my drain tube is backed up. How do I unclog it?

If you have an automatic-defrosting refrigerator, the drain tube can get clogged and cause water to pool near the bottom of the interior. For step-by-step instructions on unclogging it, click here.

What are the different types of refrigerator styles?

There are four main types of refrigerator styles – top-freezer, bottom-freezer, French door, and side-by-side. Each of these styles offer their own unique benefits. For a comprehensive breakdown of the different refrigerator styles, click here.

I left food in my refrigerator for too long and now it smells. How can I rid the stench?

Because they store perishable food items, refrigerators can quickly develop foul odors if they aren't closely monitored. If your refrigerator is stinking up your kitchen, click here to learn which three household ingredients can alleviate the smell.

I am planning on buying a new refrigerator, what things should I look for?

There are many things to consider when shopping for a new refrigerator; including its size, style, energy-efficiency, and extra features. For a more complete breakdown of these qualities, click here.

My refrigerator isn't running correctly. Should I repair it or buy a new one?

If you suspect that your refrigerator is broken, you will have to make a choice. Do you get it repaired and prolong the inevitable, or splurge and buy a new one right away? There are many factors that should impact your decision; you can read all about them here.

What qualities should I look for when hiring an appliance repair service?

If you decide to get your refrigerator fixed instead of replacing it, you will want a repair service that is quick, experienced, properly licensed, and readily available. For a more thorough list of qualities to consider, click here.

If you live in New York and your refrigerator breaks down, call Speedy Subzero Refrigerator Repair at 866-782-9376. Our phone lines are open 24/7 in case of emergency and we provide one-hour service to Long Island and New York City. We have over 80 years of experience and are fully licensed and insured, so give us a call today.

How to Unclog Refrigerator Drain Tube

The average freezer produces a great amount of condensation over the course of a day, but it goes largely unnoticed by many of us unless there is a problem. This is because the water that forms inconspicuously flows down a tube where it is released into a pan underneath the refrigerator and eventually evaporates. When the drain tube gets backed up, however, this water begins to pool inside of your refrigerator, giving the appearance of a serious leak.

If you are suffering from a buildup of water at the bottom of your refrigerator, a clogged drain tube may be to blame. Before calling a repair service, attempt to clear the clog yourself by following these easy steps.

1. Slide the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Remove the vegetable drawers at the bottom of the unit to gain access to the drain tube.
3. Locate the drain tube. It should be at the bottom of the unit behind the vegetable drawers. If you are having difficulty locating yours, refer to the owner's manual.
4. Find out what is causing the clog and remove it. If it is a piece of ice, using a hair dryer on a low setting will quickly melt it and remove the blockage. For other items, you may have to insert a pipe cleaner, toothpick, Q-tip, or other skinny object to loosen up the clog.
5. Flush the drain tube with a teaspoon of baking soda and warm water. Remove the drain pan from under your refrigerator (refer to owner's manual) and thoroughly clean it with soap and water.
6. Replace the drain pan, vegetable drawers, and any other components which were removed during this process. Plug the refrigerator back into the outlet and slide it into its original position.

If you have successfully completed these steps and your refrigerator is still leaking, there may be a serious problem. Before buying a new refrigerator, see if you can repair it for a fraction of the cost. Speedy Sub Zero offers reasonably-priced refrigerator repairs to Long Island and the Metro New York City area. No matter what your problem is, we have the experience and know-how to fix it. Our phone lines are open 24/7 in case of emergencies, so give us a call at 866-782-9376.

Wine Storage Guide

Wine is unlike any other beverage in the world. Enthusiasts and connoisseurs constantly analyze and critique the flavors, aromas, and consistencies of wines from all over the world. In the eyes of these people, wine isn't just a drink, it is an art; and one with a precise set of rules and guidelines – especially when it comes to storage.

As the old proverb goes, wine gets better with age – but only when properly stored. Less-than-ideal temperatures and other storage condition can negatively affect the wine's integrity and ruin the bottle before you get a chance to open and enjoy it. Below is a chart that illustrates the ideal storage temperature for different types of wine, courtesy of BetterTasingWine.com.

Other Wine Storage Tips

• The above chart is a good guideline to follow, but it isn't the bible of wine storage. Generally speaking, storing your bottles anywhere between 45° and 65° will do the trick.
• More important than the exact temperature is the stability of it. Rapid or frequent fluctuations in temperature can damage the wine's taste.
• Light from the sun presents a problem for the long-term storage of wine. UV rays can penetrate the bottle and prematurely age the wine, which is why winemakers often use colored glass bottles.
• Storing wine on its side is not only an efficient way to use space, but it offers benefits to the wine's preservation as well. When stored like this, the wine is always in contact with the cork, which prevents it from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle.

For amateur wine enthusiasts who don't want to invest in a full-blown cellar, wine refrigerators are the perfect option. These standalone units provide a sufficient place to store wine at a consistent temperature. If your wine refrigerator ever breaks down, you can trust the experts at Speedy Sub Zero to repair it. We have been serving Long Island and New York City for more than 60 years and provide 1-hour emergency service, so give us a call at 866-782-9376.

Top 5 Articles of 2014

Here at Speedy Subzero, we spend hours of our time each and every week to write and publish content for you to read and share. Now that the New Year is well underway and the hangovers have subsided, let's take a look at our 5 most popular articles from 2014. Click on any of the article names to be taken to the webpage.

5. 4 Useful Accessories for Your Kitchen

This article features four innovative inventions that get things done. From all-in-one breakfast sandwich makers to pineapple core removers, find out which devices you've never heard of can make your life easier in the kitchen.

4. Fact or Myth? - Refrigerators

This article takes everyone's favorite game – fact or myth? – and puts a spin on it. Read through the statements in this column and see if you can determine which ones are true and which ones are erroneous. Some of the answers may surprise you!

3. How to Keep Your Refrigerator Looking and Running Like New

Maybe the best advice you will ever receive – well, in regards to your refrigerator at least. This post is chock full of tips and tricks to maintaining and cleaning the hardest working appliance in your kitchen; the refrigerator.

2. Things to Consider When Buying a New Refrigerator

This is a must-read article if you are thinking about purchasing a new refrigerator. This short, concise guide lays out some of the fundamental qualities to contemplate during the buying process to ensure you choose the refrigerator that is perfect for you and your family.

1. 4 Cool Features of New Refrigerators

As modern technology continues to advance, more and more luxuries are becoming available to the everyday consumer. Refrigerators are evolving from regular appliances to high-tech multipurpose machines with the addition of features such as touchscreen surfaces and WiFi connectivity. Check out the four coolest features available with new refrigerators in this article. 

Speedy Subzero is a refrigerator repair service located in New York. With one-hour service to Long Island and New York City, we can repair any model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler in your home on the same day you call. To schedule an appointment with one of our certified technicians, call 866-782-9376, our lines are open 24/7!