Your Refrigerator Making Strange Noises? Fix It Yourself Before Calling a Repairman

That sudden buzzing, clicking, or gurgling from your refrigerator can be alarming. Not only is it annoying, but those strange noises often make us worry about expensive repairs or even having to replace the appliance altogether. While some refrigerator problems do require professional attention, many common noise issues have simple DIY solutions that won’t cost you a dime.

Identifying and Fixing Common Refrigerator Noises

1. Buzzing or Humming Sounds

What it means: A constant, moderate humming is actually normal – that’s just your compressor running. However, an unusually loud buzzing might indicate a problem.

Fix it yourself:

1. Check if your refrigerator is level. An unbalanced fridge can cause the compressor to vibrate excessively.
2. Place a level on top of your refrigerator.
3. If it’s not level, adjust the feet at the bottom by turning them clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower that corner.
4. Recheck with the level until perfectly balanced.

Note: If leveling doesn’t help and the buzzing is extremely loud, the compressor might need professional attention.

2. Rattling Noises

What it means: Something loose is vibrating against something else.

Fix it yourself:

1. Check the drip pan underneath the refrigerator. It might be loose or collecting items that rattle.
2. Examine the back of the refrigerator. The condenser fan or loose tubing might be causing the noise.
3. Gently clean the condenser coils with a vacuum and soft brush attachment.
4. If pipes are touching the wall or each other, carefully adjust them to prevent contact.
5. Check if any items on top of the refrigerator might be rattling.

3. Clicking Sounds

What it means: Occasional clicks are normal during the start/stop cycle of the compressor. Continuous clicking is not.

Fix it yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for safety.
2. Check the compressor relay switch (a small device attached to the side of the compressor).
3. If it appears damaged or is hot to touch once the fridge has been running, it may need replacement.
4. A clicking fan might be hitting something – inspect the condenser and evaporator fans for obstructions.

4. Knocking or Banging

What it means: This could indicate issues with the compressor or water supply line.

Fix it yourself:

1. Listen carefully to locate the source of the noise.
2. If it’s coming from the back near water connections, check if the water line is secured properly.
3. Tighten any loose water line connections.
4. If the knocking comes from the compressor area and sounds like metal hitting metal, turn off the refrigerator for a few hours, then restart. If the noise persists, professional service may be needed.

5. Gurgling, Bubbling, or Water Running Sounds

What it means: Usually normal – this is refrigerant flowing through the coils.

Fix it yourself:

1. No fix needed for normal refrigerant circulation sounds.
2. If the sounds are exceptionally loud or accompanied by temperature fluctuations:

• Check the refrigerator’s location – it should have at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides.
• Ensure vents inside the refrigerator aren’t blocked by food items.

6. High-Pitched Squealing

What it means: Often related to the evaporator or condenser fan motors.

Fix it yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the fans (rear access panel for condenser fan, freezer section for evaporator fan).
3. Check if the fan blades rotate freely by hand.
4. Look for any obstructions blocking the fans.
5. Listen for which fan makes noise when you restart the refrigerator.
6. Apply a small amount of food-grade lubricant to the fan motor bearings if they appear dry.

7. Vibrating Hum that Stops When Door Opens

What it means: This is likely the ice maker or defrost timer.

Fix it yourself:

1. For ice maker noise:

• Check if the water supply valve is fully open.
• Ensure the ice maker arm isn’t stuck.
• Empty the ice bin and check for frost buildup.

1. For defrost timer noise:

• This is generally normal and will resolve on its own.
• If particularly bothersome, check your user manual for the defrost cycle duration.

Preventive Maintenance to Reduce Refrigerator Noises

Taking these simple steps every 3-6 months can prevent many noise issues:

1. Clean the condenser coils – Dust buildup forces the compressor to work harder.

• Unplug the refrigerator.
• Remove the grille at the bottom or back.
• Vacuum the coils with a brush attachment.

1. Check and clean fan blades – Dust on blades can cause wobbling and noise.

• Unplug the refrigerator.
• Access the condenser fan (usually behind the back panel).
• Gently wipe blades with a soft cloth.

1. Inspect the drip pan – A cracked or improperly seated drip pan can cause rattling.

• Locate the pan (usually at the bottom of the refrigerator).
• Remove and clean it, checking for cracks.
• Reinsert properly.

1. Maintain proper temperature settings – Extreme settings force the compressor to work harder.

• Keep refrigerator between 37-40°F (3-4°C).
• Keep freezer at 0°F (-18°C).

When to Call a Professional

While many noise issues can be resolved with DIY fixes, certain situations warrant professional attention:

• Grinding or extremely loud compressor noises that persist after leveling
• Refrigerator not cooling properly alongside strange noises
• Electrical burning smell
• Noises that started after a power outage
• Water leaking from the refrigerator
• Any repair requiring refrigerant handling (it’s regulated and requires certification)

Conclusion

Before spending money on a service call, try these simple troubleshooting steps to quiet your noisy refrigerator. Most strange refrigerator noises have straightforward fixes that just require a bit of patient investigation. With the right approach, you can save yourself the expense of a repair technician and the frustration of unwanted kitchen noise. Remember, when in doubt about electrical components or if a problem persists despite your best efforts, it’s always safest to consult a professional.