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How to Replace a Fridge Gasket

Close up of hand opening white fridge door

Leaky gaskets waste energy. The rubber gaskets or seals you see on the fridge door are not there to let you close the door quietly when you are cheating on your diet. Their real purpose is to seal the interior of the fridge so that warm air does not get in and spoil your food.

These gaskets are designed to keep the cool air inside and make sure your food does not spoil before it is eaten. However, these gaskets do wear out or get damaged and it will be necessary to replace them.

To learn how to replace the fridge door gasket quickly and easily, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know so you do not have to call a repairman to do it for you.

Identifying the Source of the Problem

The problem is that your food is spoiling faster than it should be. The source will be one of many parts and you need to find out which one. If the temperature level and the thermostat are fine, chances are it is the fridge door gasket.

Take a few moments to examine the gasket to see if it is torn, bent out of shape, lost its elasticity and seal. Once you identify that the gasket is the source of the spoiling food, go out and buy the right one to replace it.

Make sure to have your fridge’s model number, brand, and model name in order to find the right replacement part. You could try to repair the gasket but there is no guarantee that the fix will work or if it will work for a long period of time.

Finding the Right Gasket

variety of window and door gaskets in different colors on a white background

The easiest way of finding the right gasket is to take the model number to the brand name authorized dealer. They should have the right part in stock for you and can help you with any questions you may have.

However, this option may be a bit on the expensive side and many good appliance dealers have the right part and advice at a cheaper price.

Preparing to Replace the Gasket

While it is not mandatory, it is always a good idea to turn the power off to the fridge or unplug it. That way you save on energy and protect yourself from any accidents that may happen.

Also, so you do not get hurt while replacing the old gasket double-check to make sure the fridge is balanced properly. If not take the time to level it out before you start to work.

All this can be done while you soak the new gasket in some warm water. This step helps the rubber become more flexible and easier to work with. Make sure you have the right screwdriver at your side to take the screws out when you start and put them back in when you are done.

Replacing the Old Gasket

Close up of fingers pulling back on a bad fridge door gasket

There are several steps to this process, and you should take your time, so you do not ruin the new gasket when putting it in place.

Step 1 – Grab the old gasket firmly on the bottom and pull it out. Do not pull too hard but just enough to see the screws holding it in place. Loosen but do not remove the screws.

Step 2 – Go all the way around the old gasket and loosen all the screws that are holding it in place. Again, do not take the screws out or you will add more work to your task. Once that is done, pull the old gasket off. Be careful as you work as you do not want to break or damage the plastic liner in the fridge door

Step 3 – Place the old gasket out of your way and remove the new one from the package. Start at the top corner of the door and start to place the new gasket behind the metal retainer.

Step 4 – Go all the way around the door making sure the new gasket does not pop out on you as you work. Make sure the new gasket is in place with the lip completely behind the metal retainer.

Repair man in blue overalls and a white shirt, with a blue hat examining the gasket in an open fridge door

Step 5 – Now use your screwdriver to tighten the screws back in. These will hold the metal retainer in place and place it tightly against the gasket lip, so it does not come out. Do not over-tighten the screws.

Step 6 – Once you are done, test the fridge door to make sure the gasket is correctly in place, does not move, and provides the right seal. You may have to do this several times to be sure.

The trick to replacing old gaskets is to take your time and not get frustrated. Sometimes the gaskets can give you a bit of trouble as they do not always stretch enough to make putting them in easier.

If you spot food spoiling, do not delay in finding the source and fixing the problem.

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