You open the refrigerator door to take out food, and notice that the inner surface of the chamber has become deformed. Instead of a flat plane, the back or side wall has characteristic bumps, swellings or even cracks. This is a frightening phenomenon that immediately makes you think about the safety of the device and possible damage to products. Plastic swelling This is not just a cosmetic defect, but a signal of serious violations in the operation of the cooling system or thermal insulation.
The reasons for this behavior of materials can vary from a banal violation of operating rules to critical failure refrigerant. In some cases, the process is reversible and only requires replacing the seal or adjusting the thermostat; in others, it is necessary to completely replace the internal container, which is not economically feasible. Understanding the physics of the process will help you make the right decision about further actions.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the formation of swelling, consider the influence of different types of refrigerants and explain why in modern models with a system No Frost such problems arise less frequently, but have more severe consequences. Do not ignore the first signs of deformation, as they can lead to a complete loss of the tightness of the contour.
Thermal expansion and freezing cycles
The main reason for deformation of the internal walls is the uneven thermal expansion of materials. The plastic from which the inner chamber is made and the metal of the evaporator (evaporator) hidden behind it have different expansion coefficients. With frequent and sudden temperature changes, the connection between the layers is broken, and the plastic begins to peel off and bend outward.
It is especially dangerous if hot food gets into the chamber. If you put a pan with freshly cooked soup on a shelf, local heating causes an instant expansion of air and plastic in this area. Thermal shock causes the material to lose its rigidity and, under the pressure of foamed insulation or expanded air, forms a “bubble.”
Cyclic defrosting also plays a role. In older models with a drip system, the ice freezes in a thick layer, and when it defrosts, the water flows down. If the drainage hole is clogged, water freezes in the lower layers of insulation. When the compressor is turned on, this ice turns into steam, which seeks a way out and inflates the wall.
- 🔥 A sharp increase in temperature inside the chamber due to hot products.
- ❄️ Freezing of moisture in the thermal insulation layer (polyurethane foam).
- 🔄 Frequent cycles of switching on and turning off the compressor with large temperature changes.
It is important to understand that a single violation of the temperature regime rarely leads to disaster. However, systematic disregard for operating rules accumulates microcracks in the structure of the plastic. Polystyrene and ABS plasticused in production lose elasticity over time and become brittle, reacting to heat with deformation.
Problems with refrigerant and foaming of thermal insulation
A more serious and dangerous cause of swelling of the walls lies in the refrigerant circulation system. Most modern refrigerators use gas R600a (isobutane), which is flammable. Evaporator tubes are often mounted directly into the wall of the refrigerator or glued to it from the outside.
If a microcrack occurs in the tube, gas begins to escape. Because it is under pressure, it penetrates the insulating foam layer. Isobutane has the property of dissolving certain types of plastics and causing them to swell. As a result, the inner wall of the refrigerator begins to swell, forming characteristic nodules.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell a specific gas smell or hear a hissing sound when the compressor is running, immediately unplug the appliance and ventilate the room. The use of sparking objects near such a refrigerator is prohibited!
Another scenario is associated with poor-quality factory assembly. If moisture got into the polyurethane foam layer during production or the proportions of the components were disturbed during foaming, then over time gas formation may begin inside the insulation itself. The released gases have no outlet and begin to burst the structure from the inside.
It is difficult to diagnose a problem with the refrigerant on your own, but there are indirect signs. If the swelling is accompanied by reduced cooling efficiency or an unnaturally long compressor run time, the likelihood of a leak is high. In such cases, repairs require the intervention of a technician with equipment to find leaks and refill with freon.
- 💨 Leakage of refrigerant gas into the thermal insulation layer.
- 🧪 Chemical reaction of foam components with tube materials.
- 🏭 Factory defects in foaming of the case (residual moisture).
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator with a swollen wall?
Operation is possible if the swelling is small and does not violate the seal of the chamber. However, the risk of rupture of the tubes inside the wall and complete release of freon remains. In addition, the lumpy surface makes cleaning difficult and can become a place for bacteria to accumulate.
Mechanical damage and leakage
Physical impact should not be discounted. Internal refrigerator shelves often have guides that rest against the side walls. If you install it carelessly or try to stuff large dishes in, you can damage the structure of the plastic. Point pressure leads to the appearance of cracks through which moist air penetrates deep into the structure.
Violation of the tightness of the door sealing rubber also leads to problems. Warm, humid air from the kitchen constantly enters the chamber. Moisture condenses on the cold walls, flows down and freezes. The resulting ice crust puts pressure on the plastic, and when defrosting, water flows into microcracks, expands when freezing and increases deformation.
Particular attention should be paid to the places where shelves and drawers are attached. This is where stress points most often arise. If you notice that the plastic around the guides has begun to turn white or crack, this is a harbinger of future swelling. Mechanical strength plasticity in these areas has already been reduced.
| Type of damage | Signs | Consequences | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal | General swelling, waviness | Evaporator detachment | High |
| Chemical (freon) | Local bubbles, odor | Loss of cold, fire hazard | Critical |
| Mechanical | Cracks at the shelves | Moisture accumulation, mold | Medium |
| Moisture in the insulation | Bloating in the lower part | Corrosion, smell dampness | High |
Regular checking of the condition of the seals and careful handling of the internal space will help avoid mechanical damage. Use only those intended for your model accessories and do not overload the shelves.
☑️ Check the mechanical condition
The influence of the No Frost system and drip defrosting
The design of the refrigerator directly affects the likelihood and nature of swelling of the walls. In units with the No Frost system, the main heat exchanger is located behind the rear panel of the freezer, rather than built into the walls. Therefore, swelling of the side walls in such models is extremely rare and is usually of a mechanical nature.
However, if the back wall of the No Frost freezer is swollen, this may indicate a malfunction of the defrost system. The heating element may overheat or the defrost timer may not work correctly, causing local overheating of the plastic. Unlike a drip system, there is no constant flow of water, but the risk of thermal damage is higher.
In refrigerators with a drip system (“Weeping wall”), the evaporator is often integral with the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. Bloating is a frequent visitor here. Ice freezes over the entire surface, and when it defrosts, the water should go into the drainage. If this process is disrupted, water freezes inside the wall, causing it to deform.
The difference in pressure also plays a role. In No Frost systems, fans create air circulation, equalizing the temperature. In static chambers of drip refrigerators, the temperature gradient at the wall and in the center of the chamber can be significant, which creates a constant stress in the material.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of defrosting systems may vary depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture of the model. Always check the technical documentation of your device before tampering with the electrical part.
Diagnostics and methods for eliminating defects
The first step in fixing the problem is an accurate diagnosis. It is necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator (at least 24 hours) and dry it. Often, after proper drying, small swellings caused by frozen water can decrease or disappear, as the ice in the insulation melts and evaporates.
If the defect remains after defrosting, you need to determine its nature. Press on the swelling (carefully!). If it is soft and springy, there is most likely gas or air there. If it's hard, it's ice or a structural change in the plastic. To check for freon leaks, you can use a soap solution, applying it to the places of cracks or chips (if any), but it is better to entrust this to professionals with a leak detector.
Methods of elimination depend on the severity of the problem:
- Cosmetic repair: If the swelling does not interfere and does not grow, you can leave it as is, sealing the cracks with food silicone.
- Replacing the internal panel: In some models, you can carefully remove the damaged plastic and replace it with a new one, preserving the old insulation (labor-intensive and requires skills).
- Refilling and leak detection: If the reason is freon, the technician finds the exit point gas, seals the tube and refills the system. The wall itself is often left if it does not leak.
Independent repairs involving disassembling the case often lead to damage to the thermal insulation, which reduces the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. It is very difficult to restore polyurethane foam at home to the same density as at the factory.
Is it worth gluing a metal plate to a bulge?
Not recommended. Metal has a different thermal conductivity and can create a “cold bridge”, aggravating the freezing of ice. In addition, the glue may not withstand temperature changes.
Prevention and operating rules
To avoid costly repairs or buying a new refrigerator, it is important to follow simple operating rules. Regular defrosting (even for the No Frost system, at least once a year for prevention) helps remove excess moisture from hard-to-reach places.
Keep the drainage hole clean. Its clogging is one of the main reasons for the accumulation of water and subsequent swelling of the lower part of the chamber. You can clean it with a special brush or soft wire by pouring warm water.
Control the operation of the thermostat. If the refrigerator “freezes” food and a thick coat of ice forms on the walls, adjust the temperature to a less cold setting or replace the sensor. Continuous operation at maximum capacity will shorten the life of all components.
- 🧹 Wash the refrigerator regularly and check the drainage.
- 🌡️ Do not set the minimum temperature unless necessary.
- 🚪 Make sure the door is closed tightly.
Compliance with these recommendations will preserve the geometry of the internal chambers and ensure long and reliable operation of your refrigeration equipment. Remember that prevention is always cheaper than major repairs.
Is it dangerous to use a refrigerator if the wall is swollen?
You can use it if the swelling does not violate the seal and there is no gas leakage. However, this reduces cooling efficiency and may further damage the camera. If you smell gas, operation is prohibited.
Is it possible to restore the plastic yourself?
It is almost impossible to level the plastic. You can only seal the cracks with food grade silicone or epoxy resin (food grade) to prevent moisture from getting inside. Complete replacement of the panel requires disassembling the case.
Why does the rear wall swell?
The rear wall is most often the location of the evaporator. This is where the strongest temperature changes occur and where the refrigerant tubes are concentrated, which makes this area the most vulnerable.
How much does it cost to repair a swollen wall?
The cost depends on the cause. Finding leaks and refilling with freon can cost from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles. Replacing the internal plastic panel (if it is removable) - from 5,000 rubles plus the cost of the spare part. In the case of a built-in evaporator, repairs may not be cost-effective.