Why Does My Mini Fridge Making Popping Noises: Causes and Possible Quick Fixes

Many times you may think, why does my mini fridge making popping noises?

It depends on the age, size, and brand of your product. Although mini fridge has parts and many others components that contract and expand just because of temperature changes.

In this article, you will find all the possible solutions to your problems in two ways. 

If you have a good budget amount and wish to buy a new refrigerator, you can invest in a quiet mini-fridge.

The second way is you can have all your DIY gear and get to work by looking for a possible fixing solution yourself. Also, you can hire a professional to fix your fridge, which is making a popping noise.

On the hot summer days, you need a chilled beer. Aren’t you?

A mini-fridge is a good addition to your kitchen, and also you can have your refrigerator in your RV. 

Now here is the question you will get into your mind how to fix a mini-fridge clicking noise?

Now let’s find out the solution to your problem.

My mini-fridge makes a popping noise what should I do?

While many refrigerators make popping noises of different types. Some of the major reasons why your refrigerator is making popping noises are defined below.

Vibrations:

Refrigerators also have some other potential problems caused by vibrations. Vibrations are common in regular refrigerators but not in mini-fridges.

Vibration can also lead to cracking noises coming from the fridge. The vibrations occur because of the doors and edge creaking when you open and close the fridge. 

To fix this problem, all you need to do is apply heat to the edges of the door to soften the impact.

If the mini-fridge is not placed properly on an even surface, that can also cause popping sounds.

To fix this problem, you have to place the appliance on a good and even surface to not cause popping noises.

Thermal Expansion

Mini-fridges that have thermal expansion valves and water valves with a low restriction could also be the culprit. 

These are the refrigeration components that expand or contract based upon the temperature changes in the surrounding environment. 

You will probably encounter the materials making popping noises as these temperatures rise or drop.

Although it may sound unusual, it’s completely normal and should be no cause for concern.

A thermal expansion valve acts as a safety valve for the system. When the surrounding temperature goes above or below the desired range, it causes the valve to expand to accommodate the change. 

If the valve were left closed, the system would continue to expand uncontrollably, causing popping sounds. 

That’s why mini-fridges with this feature are commonly cited as the main cause of popping sounds within the kitchen.

Water Valve:

The water valve is not commonly present in all mini-fridges.

Suppose your mini-refrigerator is making ice and have a freezer in it. Then there is a water valve present on the back of your refrigerator that can cause a popping noise.

The purpose of the water valve is to allow water into the ice maker by regularly opening and closing. When it opens, it will make a popping sound in the mini-fridge.

Suppose your mini-refrigerator makes a popping noise continuously. In that case, you must look into the problem and take this problem seriously by inspecting it by yourself and making sure the water supply is not disturbed.

If you find out, that your water valve is not working properly and not supplying the water to the ice maker. Then replacing the water valve will be a good choice.

For replacing the water valve. Here are some steps you have to follow.

• In the first step, you have to switch off the appliance and unplug the fridge from the power supply.
• A water valve is present on the backside of the fridge, so you have to remove the back panel of the refrigerator to access it.
• Disconnect the old water valve by taking off the wire harness.
• Install the new water valve, same as the older one is installed.
• Reattach the water line to the water valve.
• Now fix the back panel you removed before to the back of the refrigerator and power on your refrigerator. It will function properly.

Evaporator Coil

It is also possible for your mini-refrigerator to suffer from a valve overload due to water leaking into the evaporator coil. 

This can be solved by draining any water from the evaporator coil and then checking all valve parts. 

It is possible that the water has fallen into the cooling lines and caused a temporary valve problem. 

You can resolve this easily by resealing the evaporator coil and then cleaning it using a chemical such as a hydro nutrient detergent.

Compressor Overload

Compressor overload is another factor that will cause a popping noise in your refrigerator.

A compressor overload is caused by running too many cold cycles on a hot appliance. 

It causes the compressor to work harder than it is designed to, ultimately resulting in a pressure loss. 

You will probably start to hear popping sounds right about when your compressor reaches its limit.

To inspect this problem, you have to check the compressor placed behind the refrigerator and check the popping sound coming from the compressor.

It’s better to consult with a professional for this type of work.

Defrost Heater Cycling On & Off:

Some refrigerators have a defrost heater to melt the frost formed on the cooling element (evaporator coil). The resulting water drains through a duct at the back. However, when the defrost heater is cycling on and off, you might hear loud Popping, gurgling, or knocking sounds.

There is nothing to worry about as these noises are temporary.

My refrigerator keeps turning on and off. It’s a mini-fridge why does it do this?

It makes more sounds; usually, noises are a part of the refrigerators working, but if something sounds extremely irregular, you should contact a specialist to come in and fix it for you.

How do I keep my refrigerator from making humming noises?

The fan often causes humming noises for the compressor to turn on and off. If the humming noises have become common, then the chances are that the fan needs to be changed.

Is a clicking noise from the fridge dangerous?

Just like popping noise, the clicking sounds from the refrigerator are harmless. This sound is mainly due to the compressor turning off and on, or there is a problem with the condenser coils. As far as the fridge is producing enough cooling there is nothing to worry about.

Conclusion

All the above methods will help you to identify the reason for the popping noise coming from your mini-refrigerator as well as it will also help you to fix this popping sound problem.

Also, when a defrost timer turns on or off the refrigerators make a popping or a clicking noise.