Instructions to Replace a Refrigerator Door Gasket
If your refrigerator is leaking from the front or will not stay cold, the problem could be something as simple as a damaged door gasket. As the refrigerator ages, the rubber gasket that seals the door closed will harden and might even crack due to the stress of the door opening and shutting repeatedly. Once you have installed a replacement gasket, prolong its life by cleaning the rubber with baking soda and warm water to keep it supple and mildew-free. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before attempting to work on your refrigerator. You can switch off the power from the home's circuit breaker box if it is too difficult to reach the outlet.
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Consult the repair section in your owner's manual for the exact instructions on removing the door gasket. Some older refrigerators may require you to disconnect the door and pry off an inner panel in order to access the mounting screws for the gasket. Pry off the panel if necessary, then pull back on the gasket to expose the screws. Loosen the screws and remove the old door gasket.
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Soak the new door seal in a bucket of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften it. Stretch the seal to its full size and smooth out any wrinkles.
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Attach the top of the gasket first, then work your way around the rest of the door. Loosely tighten the screws to keep the gasket from moving as you work. Once the entire gasket is installed, go back around the door to tighten the screws the rest of the way.
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Plug the power cord back into the wall or turn the circuit breaker switch back on and wait for the refrigerator to cool down to the desired temperature.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase a gasket that is made for your brand of refrigerator.
Be careful when tightening the retention screws that hold the gasket onto the door. Turning them too far may crack the door panel.
References
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