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My shop light showed me a fridge leak I would have missed
Had a fridge job where it was running but not getting cold. I shined my big work light on the back and saw a small wet spot from a coolant leak. What simple tricks do you have for spotting leaks like this?
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the_river7mo ago
That "small wet spot" might not be the big deal it seems. Condensation from humidity on the cold lines is really common. I wouldn't jump to a leak conclusion right away.
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hugo_scott7mo ago
Check if the wet spot feels oily or just wet. Condensation is common, especially in humid places. Real coolant leaks often have an oily feel because the refrigerant carries oil. You can use soapy water on the spot to see if bubbles form, which means a leak. Also, listen for a hissing sound from the fridge lines. Mistaking condensation for a leak can lead to unnecessary repairs.
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gibson.mila7mo ago
My fridge from 2018 had me convinced it was dying last week... I saw a wet spot and immediately pictured a huge repair bill. Followed some online advice about the oily feel, but my hands were so clumsy I couldn't tell the difference. Ended up calling a friend over, and they just pointed at the condensation on the back... felt pretty silly for not noticing the humidity. Now I double-check everything twice before panicking... lesson learned, I guess.
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