A leak in the refrigeration chamber is one of the most common reasons why the unit stops effectively freezing or starts working non-stop. Equipment owners Ariston often encounter the fact that the door no longer fits tightly to the body, allowing warm air to pass through. Visually this may not be immediately noticeable, but the consequences appear quickly: ice freezing, condensation on the shelves and increased energy consumption.
The main element responsible for tightness is sealing rubber band. Over time, the elastic material loses its properties, cracks, deforms, or simply becomes so dirty that it ceases to perform its function. Replacing this part is a procedure that is accessible even to a non-professional, if you act carefully and know the nuances of the design of your particular model.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing a malfunction, selecting a suitable spare part and the algorithm for its installation. You will learn how to distinguish deformation from rupture, what tools you will need for the job, and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to repeated repairs in a couple of months.
Diagnostics of the condition of the seal
Before you go to the store for a new part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the rubber. Sometimes the cause of a loose fit is a misaligned door or faulty hinges. A thorough inspection can save you time and money. If you notice that Ariston refrigerator the temperature has become worse, first of all carry out a visual and tactile inspection around the entire perimeter.
Particular attention should be paid to the corners and places of bends, since this is where microcracks most often occur. Also check whether mold has formed in the folds of the material, which destroys the structure of the rubber from the inside. Dirt and grease adhering to the sticky seal create gaps through which cold air escapes.
⚠️ Attention! If the rubber band is simply dirty or slightly deformed, do not rush to change it. Sometimes it is enough to thoroughly wash the part with soapy water and dry it with a hairdryer to restore elasticity.
There is a simple and effective way to test the tightness, known as the “paper test”. You will need a regular A4 sheet or banknote. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door around the entire perimeter. If the paper falls out or is pulled out without the slightest resistance, it means that in this place seal it does not fit tightly enough. Carry out a test at several points, especially in the corners.
The test results will help you understand the scale of the problem. If the leak is observed in only one place, it may be due to local damage or misalignment. If the sheet falls out along the entire perimeter, then sealing rubber it has become completely unusable and requires replacement. Ignoring this signal results in the compressor working non-stop, trying to compensate for the loss of cold, which significantly reduces its service life.
Choosing a suitable sealing rubber
There are many options for seals on the spare parts market for household appliances, and choosing the right one is half the success. For refrigerators Ariston (which were often produced at Indesit facilities), it is important to select a part that matches not only the brand, but also the specific series. Universal rubber bands exist, but they often require adjustment and do not guarantee perfect tightness.
Original spare parts have a catalog number, which can be found in the technical documentation or on the marking plate of the refrigerator itself. However, often the originals are expensive or out of stock. In such cases, high-quality analogues are used. When choosing, pay attention to the cross-section profile: it must completely repeat the geometry of the factory product.
Where can I find the part number?
The spare part number is often indicated on a tag inside the refrigerator or freezer. Look for the model string (eg BIA 18 F) and use it to search parts catalogues. Also, the number can be stamped on the oldest rubber on the inside.
The material also matters. Cheap plastic or rubber with a low rubber content will quickly harden in the cold and begin to crumble. A good sealant should be soft, elastic and have a uniform color without inclusions. The magnetic tape built into the profile must run along the entire length without breaks, ensuring a tight fit along the entire contour.
Below is a table to help you navigate the types of fastenings, since the complexity of replacement depends on this:
| Type of fastening | Description | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Glue | Rubber is glued to the door with a special compound | High (special glue is needed) |
| In the groove (profile) | The seal is inserted into a special groove | Medium (skill required) |
| On screws | The elastic is pressed with a decorative strip or screws | Low (required screwdriver) |
If you are not sure about the model or type of fastening, it is better to remove the old part before going to the store and take it with you as a sample. This will allow you to visually compare the profile and corner joints. Do not try to stretch unsuitable rubber - this will lead to rapid rupture of the material at the tension points.
Necessary tools and preparation
Replacing the seal on the refrigerator Ariston does not require complex professional equipment. Most jobs can be done with a set of tools that can be found in every home. The main thing is to prepare the workplace so that nothing gets lost and the process goes smoothly.
You will need: a hair dryer (construction or regular household), a spatula (plastic or wooden, so as not to scratch the metal), screwdrivers (Phillips and flat), degreaser (alcohol or acetone) and, possibly, special glue for rubber, if the profile is adhesive. Also prepare clean rags and a basin with warm water.
☑️ Preparing to replace the seal
Before starting work, it is better to defrost the refrigerator, at least partially, so that the doors open freely and nothing interferes with the view. Be sure to disconnect the appliance from the power supply. This is a safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you are only changing the rubber band. Working with electrical appliances requires caution.
Clean the installation site from old dirt. If you are replacing the adhesive seal, any remaining adhesive will need to be removed very carefully. To do this, you can use a soft spatula and solvent, but be careful not to damage the plastic or enamel of the door. Any unevenness in the surface will cause the new rubber band to not fit tightly.
Removing the old seal
The process of removing the old rubber band depends on the type of its fastening. In refrigerators Ariston most often there is a combined type or fastening in a groove with additional fixation. Start by inspecting the perimeter: find the place where the rubber goes under the plastic or is fastened with screws.
If the seal is inserted into the groove, carefully pry up its edge with a flat-head screwdriver or putty knife. Do not make sharp jerks so as not to deform the metal edge of the door. Move gradually, clearing small areas in a circle. If the rubber is glued, a hairdryer will help: heat the area so that the glue softens, and slowly pull the material away.
⚠️ Attention! When using a hair dryer, do not overheat the plastic door housing. Keep the heat source 10-15 cm away and move it constantly. The plastic may melt or change color due to high temperature.
In some models, the seal is held on by screws hidden under the decorative strip. In this case, you need to carefully remove the strip around the perimeter of the door. Remember or take a photo of the location of the screws so that when assembling you do not confuse their length. After removing all the fasteners, the old seal can be easily removed.
After dismantling, be sure to inspect the door itself. Check the metal for signs of corrosion or dents. If the door profile is damaged, the new rubber may not fit perfectly and the surface will need to be leveled. Thoroughly degrease the installation site to ensure better adhesion (if glue is used) or simply a clean fit.
Installing a new sealing rubber
Installing a new part is the most critical step. It is recommended to warm up the new rubber before installation. Dip it in warm water (about 50-60 degrees) for a few minutes or gently warm it with a hairdryer. This will make the material more elastic and convenient for laying in corners.
Start installation from the top corner. If the fastening is screw, insert the rubber into the groove and tighten the central screw, but do not tighten it all the way right away. Then move towards the corners, straightening the material. It is important that the rubber sits in the groove evenly, without twisting or creasing.
If you are using the adhesive method, apply a thin layer of special glue to a degreased surface doors and on the rubber itself. Let the glue dry according to the instructions (usually 2-3 minutes), and then press the seal tightly. Move from the center to the edges, expelling air bubbles.
After installation along the entire perimeter, check the tightness of the fit. The elastic band should fit snugly, without bulging or sagging. If a wave has formed somewhere, carefully pull out this area and lay it again. In screw models, finally tighten all the screws, moving from the center to the edges.
Checking quality and adjusting the door
After the new one sealing rubber band is installed, you need to check the quality of work. Do the test again with a piece of paper. It should now be clamped tightly around the entire perimeter. If the paper slips in some places, it means that a gap has formed there.
Often, after replacement, adjustment of the door position is required. If it is skewed, even a perfect seal will not save the situation. Inspect the hinges: they may need to be loosened a little, the door should be aligned and tightened again. Some models Ariston provide for adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator, which also affects the angle of the door.
Give the sealant (if used) or glue completely dry. This usually takes from 2 to 24 hours, depending on the type of composition. During this period, try not to open the refrigerator frequently and not to load the shelves on the door, so as not to dislodge the fresh seal.
Turn on the refrigerator and leave it to work without loading for 2-3 hours. Check how quickly it rises to temperature. If after several hours of operation no excess condensation appears on the inner wall, and the compressor operates cyclically (turns on and off), then the tightness has been restored successfully.
Frequent questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore an old rubber band without replacing it?
Temporarily - yes. If the rubber is intact but has lost its elasticity, it can be removed, soaked in hot water with the addition of softeners, and then carefully straightened and glued back. However, this is a temporary measure: after 2-4 weeks the material will harden again, and the procedure will have to be repeated or the part must be changed.
Where to buy an original seal for Ariston?
Original spare parts for refrigerators Ariston (manufactured by Indesit Company) can be found in specialized household stores equipment, service centers or on the official websites of spare parts suppliers. Search by the exact model number of your refrigerator, indicated on the technical tag.
Why does the door not close tightly after replacement?
There may be several reasons: the seal is installed incorrectly (jammed in the corner), the door is skewed due to incorrect adjustment of the hinges, or the rubber profile is too thick. Also check whether the products on the shelves do not interfere with tight closure.
How often do you need to change the sealing rubber?
The service life of the seal is on average 5-7 years, but depends on operating conditions. If you often open the refrigerator, use aggressive cleaning chemicals, or do not keep the folds clean, the rubber may become unusable sooner. Regular inspection will help you notice wear in time.