Why is My Fridge Making Noise

A refrigerator can produce quiet sounds in the background, but all of a sudden, if it starts producing loud or strange rattling noises, there’s something wrong with your fridge. 

The issue might be related to the compressor, drain pan, condenser coil, or evaporator coil. Before you hire a professional refrigerator technician to fix noisy issues, there are some DIY fixes you can try.

In this blog, we will explore common problems causing your fridge to make strange noises and their ‘do it yourself’ solutions in a proper step-by-step guide.

Let’s get started!

Types of Noises Your Fridge is Making

If your refrigerator is making the following noises, it indicates that there’s a problem with your fridge.

• Humming Sound: A low humming noise is fine, but if it becomes loud, it may be a problem with the compressor.
• Gurgling Sound: This is often the sound of refrigerant flowing inside the coils. It’s typically normal unless it becomes unusually loud.
• Clicking Sound: Clicking noises may come from the condenser coil or drain pan.
• Rattling Sound: Rattling sound is usually caused by loose screws or unleveling.
• Loud Knocking Sound: The loud knocking sound indicates a serious issue with the compressor or internal components.

Causes That Make Your Fridge Noisy

Some common reasons that make your refrigerator produce strange or rattling sounds are:

Loose Parts or Screws

Your fridge is something that runs the whole day, and due to constant vibrations, some of its screws or parts loosen over time. This causes your panel at the back to shake slightly, producing a clicking sound. And if the drain pan shifts out of place, it will start producing loud knocking sounds the whole day. 

Unlevel Refrigerator

If your fridge is producing a rattling or vibrating sound, it could be an issue with leveling. If one corner or leg isn’t seated firmly, the vibration of the fridge will cause a rattling noise. And the sound often gets louder when you open the refrigerator door.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The coils at the back or bottom release heat, and when they are covered in dust or debris, it makes the system harder to cool. This causes the compressor to run longer and produce louder noises. The sound is usually a stronger hum than normal.

Debris on the Fan

A fan plays an important role in the fridge that spins at high speed to blow air over the coils. And when dirt or small objects get on the fan, it gets unbalanced. The fan will vibrate as it turns, making a humming or tapping sound. If there is an obstruction in the blades, you might hear a click as the obstruction hits the blade.

Unstable Drain Pan

The drain pan, which collects water, is located underneath your refrigerator. It often starts making clicking or humming noises when not placed in a correct position or when its screws are loose. Besides, it can also get cracked, which is worse because it shakes heavily, producing loud knocking sounds.

DIY Solutions to Fix Refrigerator Rattling Noise

Here are some DIY fixes you can use to address noise issues in your refrigerator.

Find Where the Noise is Coming from

What do you need? Nothing is required.

To fix the noise in your refrigerator, you first need to identify its source. Carefully listen to the sound and confirm where it is coming from. Is it from the inside of the fridge, the bottom, or the back?

This way, you will be able to find the component causing the rattling.

• If sound is coming from the inside, it’s an issue with the evaporator fan.
• If sound is coming from the back, it’s your condenser fan issue.
• If your fridge is producing humming sounds, it’s an issue with your inlet valve.
• If the noise is coming from the lower back, the problem is in your compressor.

By understanding where the noise is coming from, you will easily repair the issue or replace any component if needed. 

Tighten the Loose Parts or Screws

What do you need: A screwdriver and a pair of pliers will do the job.

If your fridge is making a rattling noise, it means there’s a loose screw or component. Here’s how you can fix this on your own without a refrigerator technician’s help:

• Find the screw that is loose.
• Use a screwdriver to tighten the bolt.
• If the screw is not fitting, it means the metal grip is loose.
• The easiest way to fix this problem is to stick a wooden toothpick or matchstick into the hole and then tighten the rivet.

This is how you can easily tighten a loose screw on your own.

Check the Leveling of Your Fridge

What do you need: A piece of cardboard and a bubble level.

You can add a piece of wood or cardboard to fix the tilted fridge problem. It’s a very easy and simple approach that can fix the noise problem. Here’s how to do it yourself:

• Get help from a friend or family member, and raise your refrigerator a little on the opposite side of the wobbling leg.
• Add a wooden or cardboard piece under it and tilt the fridge back to the position.
• That little piece will adjust the leveling problem in your refrigerator.

If the floor is bumpy, then you can place shims (thin metal pieces that can be placed under the legs of the fridge) to adjust the leveling.

Check the Compressor

What do you need: A multimeter, a screwdriver, and lubricant.

If the compressor becomes loose or starts vibrating excessively, it can produce humming or knocking noises. Here’s how you can stabilize it to reduce the sound.

Steps to fix it:

• Unplug the refrigerator first.
• Move the fridge slightly away from the wall.
• Locate the compressor at the bottom back.
• Use a flashlight to inspect it properly.
• Check if it is loose or vibrating.
• Tighten the mounting bolts using a wrench or screwdriver.
• Make sure rubber mounts (if present) are not worn out.

If the compressor is still making loud knocking sounds, it might need a professional look. You can call an expert refrigerator technician to understand the issue and repair it.

Clean Debris in the Fan

What do you need: A flashlight and a soft brush.

Fans inside your refrigerator (evaporator and condenser fans) help circulate air. Over time, dust, dirt, or hair can build up on the fan blades, causing unusual noises like rattling or buzzing.

So, to fix this problem, follow these steps:

• Locate the fan inside the evaporator or condenser.
• Use a flashlight to inspect for dirt or debris.
• If there are any visible particles, remove them with your hand or any instrument.
• Gently clean the fan blades using a soft brush or cloth.

After that, plug the fridge back in and check if the noise is still coming.

Secure the Drain Pan

What do you need: Aluminum tape, a clip, and/or a replacement drain pan.

If your drain pan is making a strange noise, then here’s how you can fix this:

• The drain pan in the fridge is usually located at the bottom or behind.
• Check if it is properly seated in its position. If it’s not, then adjust it to fit properly in its place.

If the drain pan is damaged or cracked, then you need to replace it.

When to Call a Refrigerator Technician

Sometimes, the issue is critical and cannot be fixed with professional help. For instance, if the motor is sealed or there’s a problem with the cooling system, hiring a certified refrigerator technician is the best decision you can make.

An expert refrigerator technician can diagnose and understand the problem with your fridge and fix it right away without any delays. Besides, hiring professionals can prevent additional damage, save time, and completely fix the problem, avoiding future troubles.

Normally, the repair cost of a noisy fridge is approximately $80 to $150, depending on the issue and parts that need replacement.

Wrapping Up

Simply put, a noisy fridge can be a symptom of minor problems that you can tackle on your own using simple tools and careful inspection. By identifying the source of the sound and applying these DIY solutions, you can restore quiet operation and improve efficiency. However, if the problem persists or seems complex, seeking professional help ensures your refrigerator stays in good working condition for the long run.