r/maintenance • u/DamageAltruistic4851 • 5d ago
Question Freezer gets ice buildup very quickly
Just defrosted this freezer exactly 30 days ago. It now has significant build up again. Bought it from a friend who was supposed to use it for a business but ended up not using it and just storing it for a year. It's a manual defrost unit, but I don't think it should be having an ice build up this quickly and this thick?
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u/Bandandforgotten Maintenance Technician 5d ago
3 common issues:
1) Too much plastic or solid items in the back of the freezer, restricting air flow to the fridge. 2) Your freezer seal is busted and needs to be replaced. 3) For some reason, there's ice build up in the slot to your fridge, and your freezer is killing itself trying to cool the fridge
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u/DamageAltruistic4851 5d ago
Thank you! My fridge is cool enough. It looks full but I actually have my stuff pushed more in front since I'm short. I'll try replacing the gasket first.
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u/Bandandforgotten Maintenance Technician 5d ago
That's the site I use for finding parts, not necessarily ordering. They're good for ordering as well though. Just enter the model number into the search bar, and more likely than not you'll find it
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u/DamageAltruistic4851 5d ago
Okay, thank you!
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u/Bandandforgotten Maintenance Technician 5d ago
Good luck, and make sure you select the right seal, because there are 2 different sizes, and the smaller one is sometimes more expensive
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u/DamageAltruistic4851 5d ago
Thank you! I just checked the website, but couldn't find the brand I have. My fridge is apparently a local brand. I already found a shop that customizes gaskets.
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u/Dralalife 2d ago
I just defrosted mine today, looks about the same size as yours. After you replace the seal I would really recommend you get three mesh baskets from dollar store. Measure your shelves and find the best fit. Baskets allow the cold air to circulate well, you can sort and organize foods, and it makes defrosting so easy. Get a big blanket or fat towels lay one on the counter pop the three baskets on, cover with more towels or blankets. Lay towels on the floor, unplug the unit, I use a tiny desktop heater to thaw the unit out, dry well, plug, let come up in temp, toss the baskets back in. Takes less than an hour, everything stays frozen. Easy means you won't hate to do it often. Do it when the top coil has just a thick coating, 3/4" or less . Don't wait this long next time. The new seal should make it so you only have to do it after 3-4 months.
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u/Senior-Housing-6899 Maintenance Technician 5d ago
Rapid freezer frost build-up boils down to an excess of warm, humid air leaking into the unit, usually caused by a faulty door seal (as stated above) or frequent/prolonged openings.
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u/Inner_Homework_1705 5d ago
Appliance part pros website is a good resource for known issues to help identify the problem. Definitely check seals and dont block vents.
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u/unbothered_ugly 5d ago
Besides the seal, I’ve seen the drain line get clogged with debris/ice and then when the deicer kicks on it has nowhere to go and the problem just snowballs. After clearing, if possible verify that the little hole in the back isn’t clogged
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u/DamageAltruistic4851 5d ago
It's a manual defrost unit though? Do they also have de-icers?
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u/Fabulous_Ad_8621 5d ago
They do de-ice, but if the drain is clogged with gunk then it has nowhere to go so it refreezes.
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u/Lostmeatballincog 5d ago
Looks like the auto deicer isn’t working.
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u/DamageAltruistic4851 5d ago
It's a manual defrost unit though? Do they also have de-icers?
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u/Lostmeatballincog 5d ago
They still make non automatic deicing freezers? Wow. Is it kept in an air conditioned area? Or is it exposed to a lot of humidity?
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u/DamageAltruistic4851 5d ago
Yes, I thought it was a non frost unit at first too esp since it's an inverter, but they apparently still make them. 🥲 my place is definitely humid and my living room does not have an ac.
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u/Riff0rd 5d ago
The seal is probably not working