Lg Refrigerator: not cooling, leaking water, making noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG refrigerator not cooling, leaking water, and making unusual noises? These symptoms may indicate issues like dirty condenser coils, faulty fan motors, or clogged defrost drains. It's essential to address these problems promptly to prevent food spoilage and further damage.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • Official LG guidance notes that some clicking, buzzing, and dripping noises are normal during operation and defrost cycles
  • LG official water leak troubleshooting emphasizes checking external sources around fridge and containers inside before assuming internal component failure

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils reducing heat dissipation, resulting in poor cooling

How to Identify: Dust/debris buildup visible on coils; fridge runs long but interior remains warm

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty evaporator or condenser fan motors leading to poor airflow or excessive noise

How to Identify: Warm fridge compartment with cold/freezer if airflow is blocked; unusual grinding or loud fan noise

Part: Evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor

Clogged defrost drain causing water leaks & potential cooling performance reduction

How to Identify: Pooling water inside fridge near bottom, water on floor, slow or blocked melting water path

Part: Defrost drain / drain tube

Door gasket seal failure causing warm air influx and condensation / leaks

How to Identify: Visible gaps, damaged gasket, higher interior temp, condensation around door

Part: Door gasket / seal

Compressor or start relay/failure of sealed system causing no cooling

How to Identify: Fridge and freezer both not cooling, compressor not starting or loud noises from compressor area

Part: Compressor / start relay

Normal operational noises (clicking, dripping) vs abnormal noises indicating mechanical issues

How to Identify: Clicking during cycles, dripping during defrost is normal; continuous loud humming or hissing could indicate problems

Part: General operational components (valve, defrost heater)

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, screwdriver (if panel removal needed)
  1. Unplug refrigerator and pull unit out from wall
  2. Locate condenser coils (behind/below fridge) and remove protective panel
  3. Use vacuum with brush to gently remove dust and debris from coils
  4. Replace panel and push fridge back, plug in and monitor performance
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing coils

Clear clogged defrost drain

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, small funnel or turkey baster, soft brush or pipe cleaner
  1. Empty fridge lower shelves to access drain opening
  2. Use warm water and a funnel to flush the defrost drain area
  3. Use brush to clear any debris or ice buildup
  4. Replace shelves and monitor for leaks
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug fridge to avoid electrical hazards

Inspect and clean door gaskets

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: mild detergent, soft cloth
  1. Wipe door gasket clean to remove residue preventing good seal
  2. Inspect for tears or gaps
  3. If necessary, align or adjust gasket for tight seal

Check airflow and avoid overloading

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Ensure no food is blocking internal air vents
  2. Organize items to allow air circulation
  3. Avoid stuffing fridge beyond 60-70% capacity

Professional Repairs

Replace fan motors (evaporator/condenser)

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200 per motor

Compressor or sealed system repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $300 - $800+ depending on part and model

Door gasket replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Water continues leaking after clearing defrost drain or source unclear
Both fridge and freezer fail to cool despite DIY measures
Loud continuous abnormal noises (hissing, grinding) beyond normal operation

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling efficiency due to dust buildup
    Frequency: twice annually
  • Check door gaskets: Warm air infiltration and condensation
    Frequency: monthly
  • Clear internal vents: Airflow blockage and uneven cooling
    Frequency: weekly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Refrigerator not cooling, leaking water, making noise?
Common causes include dirty condenser coils, faulty fan motors, clogged defrost drains, and door gasket issues.
How do I fix LG Refrigerator not cooling, leaking water, making noise myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, clear the defrost drain, inspect gaskets, and check airflow.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling, leaking water, making noise?
Costs for professional repairs range from $50 to $800+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling, leaking water, making noise?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if there are compressor or sealed system failures.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Dirty condenser coils causing poor cooling performance
  • Faulty defrost drain leading to water leakage
  • Compressor failure or malfunction causing noise and cooling issues

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils at the back or underneath, and use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris. Plug the refrigerator back in and check if cooling improves.

  2. Clear the defrost drain. Locate the drain at the back of the refrigerator, remove any blockages using hot water and a flexible tool, and ensure water can flow freely.

  3. Check the compressor. Listen for unusual noises; if the compressor is excessively loud or not running, consider contacting a professional for diagnosis and potential replacement.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. HELP! LG Refrigerator/Freezer Warm and Leaking Water +Strang...

Community Discussions

Refrigerator and freezer warm, leaking water, strange noise

Vacuumed dust and pet hair from the back panel; considering compressor replacement under warranty.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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