Refrigerator Door Gasket Replacement

Learning to remove and change the door gasket of a refrigerator can be a challenging process because undoing and redoing the screws that actually affix the door gasket to the refrigerator door is a task that requires skill and a careful procedure. This is so because the same screws that keep the door gasket attached to the refrigerator also serve the purpose of keeping the insulation of the refrigerator and the inside panel securely in place.

Step 1: Purchasing the Gasket

Buying the right gasket is the first step of the process as the buildups of every refrigerator are different and a standard gasket cannot be used on every make and model. One can purchase gaskets from an electrical goods and hardware shop. It is important to take the refrigerator make and model number along so that one can ask the salespeople for the appropriate product.

Step 2: Getting the Gasket Ready

The gasket needs to be prepared before it can actually be fitted onto the refrigerator door. This is to be done by placing the gasket in a bowl of hot water. Soaking the gasket makes it easier to work with by making it more pliant.

Step 3: Placing the Refrigerator Right

This step involves placing the refrigerator in a position that makes it easy to reach and work with. One can place it on an even plane stool or low work table such that it becomes easy to reach the refrigerator door.

Step 4: Removing the Current Gasket

The first main step of the process is to begin removing the old gasket. This has to be done very carefully because, as mentioned above, the screws holding the gasket in place also affix other important parts of the refrigerator. Hence the gasket removal process is a tricky one that needs to be conducted with the utmost dedication. Begin by slowly loosening the screws holding in the old gasket. This should be started from the top external corner of the refrigerator door. Only the screws halfway along the top side and along the side panel should be loosened. As you continue to loosen the screws, the current gasket needs to be folded back over the edge. All the screws should not be removed immediately. Once half the top and half the side screws have been loosened, slowly pull the old gasket out of way.

Step 5: Putting in the New Gasket

The new gasket should be pushed into place underneath the metal retainer. As you slide the new gasket into place it is important to tighten it immediately by turning in the screws as you move along the length of the panel.

Step 6: Repeating the Process Throughout

The above five steps need to be repeated throughout for each individual section of the refrigerator door.

Once the work is finished it is important to check if the gasket has been put in correctly. Shutting the door will reveal if the seal is firmly in place and whether there are any gaps or not. Gaps can be corrected by redoing the screws until the panels sit in place.