The sealing gum (or, as it is correctly called, refrigerator door seal) is a part on which the efficiency of the equipment directly depends. Over time, it wears out: it loses elasticity, becomes cracked, or moves away from the body, which leads to ice formation and increased energy consumption. If your refrigerator loss of cold, ice formation and increased energy consumption. If your refrigerator Indesit began to freeze worse, and condensation appears on the door, most likely the problem is in the seal.
You can replace the rubber band yourself, without resorting to the services of a technician. In this article we will look in detail at how to choose a suitable seal for models Indesit (including popular series C 132 G, B 16 FNF, TIA 16 and others), correctly remove the old rubber band, install a new one and avoid typical mistakes. You will also find out how much repairs cost at a service center and when they cannot be postponed.
Before you start work, check whether the seal is really to blame. To do this, perform a simple test: close the door by inserting a sheet of paper between it and the refrigerator body. If the sheet is easily pulled out, the rubber band does not provide a tight seal and requires replacement.
Signs of seal wear: when is it time to change the rubber band
The problem with the seal is not always obvious. Here are the key symptoms that should alert you:
- 🔍 Condensation on the door - if moisture constantly accumulates on the outside of the refrigerator, this is a sign that warm air is penetrating inside through the cracks in the seal.
- ❄️ Ice on the back wall - due to the loose fit of the rubber band, the compressor works harder mode, which leads to freezing of the evaporator.
- 💡 Continuous operation of the compressor - if the refrigerator almost does not turn off, this may be due to cold leakage through a damaged rubber band.
- 📏 Visible defects - cracks, ruptures, deformation or separation of the seal from the door.
If you notice at least one of these signs, do not delay diagnosis. Long-term operation of a refrigerator with a faulty seal leads to an increase in energy consumption by 15-30% and the risk of compressor breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Indesit (for example, BIAA 13 or C 167 NF) the seal is attached not only to glue, but also to special grooves. If you are not sure about the type of fastening, take a photo of the old rubber band before dismantling - this will help you install the new one correctly.
How to choose a seal for an Indesit refrigerator: articles and analogues
Before purchasing a new rubber band, you must accurately determine the model of your refrigerator. The seal part number is usually indicated on the part itself (look at the inside of the rubber band) or in the instruction manual. For Indesit the following original spare parts are most often used:
| Refrigerator model | Sealant article number | Approximate price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|
| Indesit C 132 G, C 138 G | C00268954 | 1 200–1 500 |
| Indesit B 16 FNF, B 18 FNF | C00198003 | 1 400–1 700 |
| Indesit TIA 16, TIA 18 | C00280400 | 1 600–1 900 |
| Indesit BIAA 13, BIAA 16 | C00270126 | 1 300–1 600 |
If the original seal could not be found, you can choose a universal analogue. The main thing is that it fits size (length and width of the elastic band) and type of fastening (glue, groove or screws). Popular analogue brands: Sadko, Stinol, Gorenje (suitable for many models Indesit). When purchasing, pay attention to:
- 📏 Length of the seal —measure the perimeter of the door of your refrigerator.
- 🔄 Profile type —elastic bands come with or without a magnetic insert. For Indesit the magnetic version is most often used.
- 🛠️ Material —a high-quality seal is made of food-grade rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
If you are in doubt about the choice, take the old rubber band with you to the store — sellers will be able to select an exact analogue. You can also order a seal online, indicating the model of the refrigerator (for example, on Yandex Market or Wildberries).
Preparation for replacement: tools and safety measures
To replace the seal you will need:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (flat or Phillips, depending on the door fastening).
- 🔪 Stationery knife or scissors (to remove old glue).
- 🧴 Silicone sealant or special glue for rubber (for example, Loctite 406 or Moment Rubber).
- 🧼 Soap solution or alcohol to degrease the surface.
- 📏 Tape measure or ruler (to check the evenness of the installation).
- 🧲 Hairdryer (optional, to soften the old glue).
Before starting work be sure to unplug the refrigerator and remove all the products. If there is ice in the freezer, defrost it in advance. It is also recommended to remove the door and place it on a flat surface (for example, on a table) - this makes it easier to work with the seal.
☑️ Preparing to replace the seal
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Indesit with a system No Frost, after replacing the seal, additional adjustment of the temperature mode may be required. In some models (for example, Indesit ITF 118), after repair you need to reset the errors through the service menu (the combination of buttons is indicated in the instructions).
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the old one. rubber band
Removing the old seal is the most important step. If done incorrectly, you can damage the refrigerator door. Proceed carefully:
Find the place of fastening. The seal can be glued, inserted into a groove or screwed in place. Inspect the rubber around the entire perimeter - usually the fastening is visible in the corner of the door.
Carefully pry up the seal. If the rubber is on glue, use a flat screwdriver or knife. Start from one of the corners and gradually tear it off, trying not to damage the plastic of the door.
Remove any remaining glue. Old glue can be used remove with a knife, spatula or solvent (for example, White spirit). If the glue does not come off, heat it with a hairdryer - this will make the task easier.
Clean and degrease the surface. Wipe the attachment area with soapy water, then alcohol or acetone. This will ensure good adhesion of the new seal.
If the seal was attached to the groove, inspect it for damage. Sometimes the groove breaks during dismantling - in this case you will have to use glue or contact a service.
What what to do if the seal is screwed on with self-tapping screws?
If the rubber is attached to self-tapping screws (more common on older models Indesit), carefully unscrew them with a screwdriver. Save the screws - they will be needed to install the new part. If the screws are rusty, treat them with WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes before. by unscrewing.
Installing a new seal: step by step with photos
Now we move on to installation. It is important to follow the sequence and not rush:
Try on the new rubber band. Lay the seal around the perimeter of the door without fixing it. Make sure it fits correctly and does not twist in the corners.
Apply glue (if required). If the seal is adhesive, apply a thin layer of glue to the door or to the rubber band itself. Magnetic seals usually do not require glue - they are held in place by a magnet.
Install the elastic starting from the corners. Gently press the seal into the groove or press it against the glue. Make sure that it lies flat, without folds.
Secure the seal. If it is on screws, screw them back. If it is on glue, fix the elastic band with masking tape for 1-2 hours until the glue dries.
Check the tightness. Close the door and check for any cracks. Use the test with a sheet of paper (as described at the beginning of the article).
After installation, do not turn on the refrigerator immediately - let the glue dry (if it was used). Usually 2–3 hours are enough.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with careful work, you can make mistakes that will reduce all your efforts no. Here are the most common ones:
- ❌ Wrong choice of seal. If the elastic band does not fit in size or type of fastening, it will not be airtight. Always check the article number!
- ❌ Save on glue. Cheap glue may not withstand temperature changes, and the seal will fall off after a few months. Use only specialized compounds.
- ❌ Uneven installation. If the elastic is crooked, the door will not close tightly. Check the evenness at each stage.
- ❌ Ignoring the magnetic insert. On some models Indesit the seal is held in place by a magnet. If it is damaged, the rubber band will not fit.
If, after replacing the seal, the refrigerator still does not work correctly (for example, the compressor does not turn off or ice forms), check:
- 🔧 The rubber band is installed correctly (whether gaps).
- ⚙️ Temperature settings (the thermostat may be broken).
- ❄️ Evaporator condition (if the ice does not disappear, the problem may be in the system
No Frost).
How much does it cost to replace a seal in the service vs. self-repair
If you are not confident in your abilities, you can contact a service center. The cost of replacing a seal on a refrigerator Indesit depends on the model and region:
| Type of service | Cost, ₽ | Completion time |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of seal (without part cost) | 1 500–2 500 | 1–2 hours |
| Diagnostics + replacement (with material) | 3 000–5 000 | 1 day |
| A technician will come to your home | 500–1 500 | — |
Independent repairs will cost less: the price of a seal is from 1,200 ₽, plus glue and tools (if you don’t have them at hand), however, if you have never done such work, the risk of an error is high. For example, careless dismantling can damage the plastic of the door, and then repairs will be more expensive.
The choice depends on your skills and willingness to take risks. If the refrigerator is under warranty, it is better to contact an official service Indesit - self-repair may void the warranty.
⚠️ Attention: Some service centers offer “restoration” of the old one. seal - they heat it and try to return it to shape. This method gives a temporary effect (1-3 months) and does not solve the problem of wear of the material. It is better to immediately replace the rubber with a new one.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the seal with Indesit
Is it possible to restore the old one? seal without buying a new one?
A temporary solution is to heat the rubber with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and try to return it to shape. However, this will only help if the seal has lost its elasticity, but does not have cracks or tears. For a long-term effect, replacement is necessary.
What glue is best to use for it. seal?
Optimal options:
- Loctite 406 —dries quickly, is resistant to moisture.
- Torque Rubber —especially for rubber parts.
- Soudal Fix All —universal glue-sealant.
Do not use superglue or PVA - they do not withstand temperature changes.
How long does it take to replace the seal?
If you have experience - 1–1.5 hours If you are doing this for the first time, reserve 2–3 hours (including drying time). glue).
What to do if the new seal is not magnetic?
The problem may be:
- Incorrect installation (the magnetic insert is damaged).
- Poor quality of the seal (in cheap analogues there is a magnet weak).
- Contamination of the surface (degrease the door again).
If the magnet does not hold, try gluing the rubber band additionally.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the seal?
Yes, if there is ice in the freezer compartment. Defrosting will make it easier to remove the door and prevent damage. For refrigerators No Frost defrosting is not necessary, but is recommended.