Fridge door seal replacement: how to test yours and when to replace it

The rubber seal around a fridge door is easy to ignore, and it is one of the most common reasons a fridge runs constantly, ices up or cannot hold temperature. A seal that no longer closes tightly lets warm, humid air in, which the fridge then has to cool again and again.

Signs the seal is failing

• Condensation or water on the outside edge of the door.
• Frost or ice forming near the door in the freezer.
• The fridge running for much longer than it used to.
• A door that does not stay closed by itself, or swings open slightly.
• A rubber that is cracked, hard, torn or mouldy.
• A food shelf near the door that is warmer than the rest.

The paper test

Close the door on a sheet of paper so that half sticks out. Pull the paper. It should hold firmly. If it slides out easily, the seal is not doing its job at that point. Repeat all the way round the door, particularly the corners and the bottom, where seals usually fail first.

Can a seal be cleaned or fixed?

Sometimes. A seal that is dirty or sticky from spilt food may seal again after a wash with warm soapy water. A seal that has gone hard or slightly warped may recover if you soften it with warm water, or you can seat it properly. A seal that is cracked, torn or perished needs replacing.

What replacing a seal involves

• Getting the correct seal for the make and model, which is not always a standard size.
• Removing the old seal, which may be clipped or slotted into a channel.
• Fitting the new seal evenly and warming it so that it sits flat.
• Checking the door alignment and the hinges, since a sagging door can also stop it sealing.

Why it matters

• A leaking seal can make the fridge run for much longer, which adds to your electricity bill.
• Ice builds up inside because warm air brings moisture in.
• Food does not keep as well.
• The compressor works harder and wears out sooner.

Commercial fridges and display units

On shop and bar fridges the doors open and close all day, so the seals wear fast. A new seal is a small cost compared with the extra power and the risk of warm stock. We replace seals on display fridges, bottle coolers and cold rooms regularly.

What it costs

Call-out fees start from R250 and depend on your area. A seal replacement is usually a minor repair, which typically costs between R350 and R950 depending on the unit and the seal. Major repairs start from R1,250. We will tell you the cost before we start.

Call us with the make and model of your fridge and we will tell you what to expect.