The refrigerator is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any commercial kitchen. As a Delaware business owner, you rely on its constant operation to keep your perishables safe and fresh. If you run into any issues with the refrigerator malfunctioning, the downtime could cost your business a significant amount of cash.
One of the most common issues that arises with the use of commercial refrigerators is water leaks. It can be concerning to see water beginning to trickle out from or pool around the refrigerator. But what steps should you take if you see this happen?
Here’s a quick overview of what you should know about commercial refrigerator repair for a refrigerator leaking water in Delaware.
Check the drain first
Before you take any other steps, check the refrigerator’s drain. One of the most common causes of water leaks from a commercial fridge is a blocked drain, an issue that is relatively easy to resolve.
Most commercial fridges have automatic defrosting functionality to melt any ice or frost that builds up on the evaporator coils. When melted, that water flows to a tray below the fridge unit. However, if there is a buildup of food particles, ice or anything else that gets in the way of the drain hose, it will cause the water to leak out of the fridge or freezer.
To correct this, unplug the unit, mop up the water, remove the valve at the end of the hose and flush it out with warm water before you reinstall the valve. This should solve the problem if a blockage was, in fact, the issue.
Check the drain pan
If the drain itself wasn’t the problem, you might want to inspect the drain pan, which you’ll typically find under the fridge or on the compressor. If the pan has any signs of damage, you may need to replace it. A buildup of ice could also be problematic, indicating a defective heater. In addition, if the fridge is not level, the pan could come misaligned, causing water to spill out around the fridge.
Check the ice maker or water line
Some fridges have built-in water dispensers or ice makers. A loose or damaged water line that connects the fridge to the main water supply could be the reason for your leak. Unplug the fridge, turn off the water supply and carefully inspect the line for cracks or other signs of damage.
Check the seals around the fridge
There’s a possibility that damaged seals could be the problem causing your leak. If a seal becomes worn out or otherwise damaged, the fridge will not seal properly and could affect temperatures inside the unit, causing excess condensation and potential water leaks.
These are just a few of the primary causes that could be the source of your refrigerator leak. To learn more about commercial refrigerator repair in Delaware and the steps we take to repair your fridge, contact the team at Commercial Equipment Service Inc. today. We look forward to assisting you.