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HomeRepair HelpRoper Refrigerator RepairRoper Refrigerator has frost or ice buildup Repair
Roper Refrigerator has frost or ice buildup
If your Roper has frost or ice buildup, the most likely culprits are problems with the defrost system. Start by checking the defrost control board, since a failed control board can stop the unit from going into the defrost cycle; before replacing it, test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat. If the board checks out, the defrost timer is next—it may not advance into or power the defrost cycle. Less commonly, an overfilling ice maker or a faulty water inlet valve can flood the drain area and freeze, or an evaporator fan motor that is noisy, seized, or not running can allow cold air to migrate and create ice in the drain. A missing or damaged drain strap can also let ice build up deeper in the defrost drain. These issues are typical when a refrigerator is not defrosting or when the defrost drain is clogged. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts you need for your refrigerator and get step by step guidance for the repair.
01 - Roper Refrigerator Defrost Control Board
The defrost control board determines how often to run the defrost cycle. If the board fails, the refrigerator will not go into the defrost cycle. Before replacing the defrost control board, first test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat. If the defrost heater and defrost thermostat are working properly, the defrost control board is likely defective.
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02 - Roper Refrigerator Defrost Timer
The defrost timer turns on the defrost heater several times throughout the day to melt any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost timer is defective, it may not advance into the defrost cycle, or it may not send power to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. To determine if the defrost timer is defective, slowly advance the dial into the defrost cycle. The compressor should turn off and the heater should turn on. If the timer does not send power to the defrost components or advance out of the defrost cycle within 30 minutes, this indicates that the defrost timer is not advancing. If ...
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03 - Roper Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to shut off properly. If the water pressure is too low, the valve may not close fully once the power is shut off. As a result, the valve will leak water into the ice maker and cause the ice maker to overflow. Check the water pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, the water inlet valve is likely defective. The valve may not shut off all the way or may be stuck open, causing water to leak through the valve. If the water pressure is sufficient, but the ice maker is still overflowing, replace the water inlet valve.
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04 - Roper Refrigerator Fan Motor
If the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
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05 - Roper Refrigerator Drain Strap
Some defrost drains are outfitted with a drain strap. The drain strap is a small piece of copper or aluminum that attaches to the defrost heater and extends partway into the defrost drain. When the defrost heater turns on, heat is conducted through the drain strap to melt away any ice that may have accumulated further down in the defrost drain. If the drain strap is not in place, the defrost drain may be more likely to freeze over.
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06 - Roper Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
If the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Freezer cold but fridge warm: what causes frost or ice buildup and poor cooling?
Defrost drain clogged: how do I clear it and stop ice buildup?
Refrigerator noisy or loud: could the evaporator fan motor be the cause?
Refrigerator ice maker overflowing: why is water leaking into the ice bin?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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