Refrigerator Problems

Several years ago when we moved into this house, we bought a new Refrigerator.  We got a GE bottom-freezer refrigerator with water/ice in the door.

It's been a good refrigerator, but earlier this year, we started having a few minor problems with it.  I'd never gotten around to messing with trying to solve them till this weekend.

Water under produce bins

We've had problems with water collecting under the produce bins to the point it comes out of the fridge and either down to the floor, or into the freezer.  It has been annoying, but not a lot.  We'd pull out the bins, and clean out the water.

Ice maker not working properly

Well, it didn't completely stop working.  But it might only make 1 tray of ice a day, if that.  This has been more troublesome.  We've had to start buying ice and either fill the bin or just leave it in the bottom freezer to scoop out.

Repairs

Today, I had some time, to I've attempted some repairs.  First on tap:

Water under produce bins

Initially, I thought it was related to the ice maker as I thought it started about the same time.  But after I did some research, it appears that it's almost always related to the evaporator coil drain.  I had read several board were people were describing the problem, but it wasn't until I found this video that I decided to give it a try.

Though the video talks about, as did the message boards, having ice in the drain hole, I never found any.  I made sure I had good drainage, cleaned up other ice buildup in the area and put the fridge back together.

I feel pretty comfortable that I've corrected the problem.

Ice maker not working properly

After tackling the drain problem, I moved on to see what I might can find with the ice maker.

I pulled out the ice tray in the door, and looked closely at the ice maker.

There was a lever under the ice maker, a test button, and that was about it, and a tab at the top of the ice maker.

I started with the tab.  I pulled it down and was able to slide out the ice maker, but only a couple inches because of the water supply lines.  I turned the ice maker a bit trying to look at it, but didn't have much luck.  So, I slid it back in till the tab locked into place.  I have found a site that explains how to remove the ice maker.

I looked at the lever next.  It pulls down several inches and immediately goes back up.  I was able to push it up just a fraction of an inch.  I believe this arm is what tells the ice maker to stop making ice.  When it gets full, the ice pushes up on the arm stopping the ice maker.

Last step, I took a look at the test button.  I pushed it a few times and nothing seemed to happen.  I did some more research and found a video that didn't really help too much, except it said to push and hold the test button for 5 seconds to "reset" the ice maker.  I did that, and little bit later, I heard the ice maker empty.  After that, I'm feeling a bit more confident.  However, while typing this, I found another article that said if pressing and holding the test button for 15 seconds, I should hear the ice maker cycle and that if I don't, I may need a new ice maker.

So, it appears that the jury is still out on whether or not I fixed the ice maker.  I'm hoping so as I don't want to buy a new one.

I'll update more as we see how well (if at all) these repairs work.

Decorated!

Well, we finally finished up the decorating and painting... well, mostly, you know how it goes.

The house is really awesome, and we love it here. The house, the area, the quiet, EVERYTHING!

Anyway, I promised some pictures. I put out several on my Flickr page. You can click to enlarge.

More busy-ness

Wow! Has it been a long time since I've blogged. I've thought about it a lot, but just haven't managed to get in here and do it. I've had a lot to say, but now that I've got the time, I can't think of most of it.

So, what's been going on?

• Well, We got moved in, unpacked and the like. We are finishing the painting up of the last room (master bath) today or tomorrow (Saturday at the latest). Once we have the paint done and finish the last bit of decorating, I'll post a bunch of new pictures.
  
• Kids. I'd say what's to say, but there's been a lot, I'll post more below (or later depending on how long this post is.)
• Saturday is my and my beautiful wife's wedding anniversary. We wanted to go do something, but doesn't look like that's going to happen. 11 years!
• I got my parents moved from Bartlesville, OK to Hodgen, OK. I hurt my back in the process, and it's just now getting back to normal.
• I've been pricing fencing for the new place, man is it expensive.
• E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) has been this week, and I've enjoyed it. Wish I could have gone to it! Lots of video game goodness!
• I'm sure there is more, but can't think of it.

So, my kids, first my boy.

• We were asked to have him tested for the Gifted and Talented. I thought it was strange, but I told them they could test him. Anyway, he scored in the 99 percentile (meaning better than 99 out of 100 of people that took the test. So, next year, he'll spend 40 minutes, twice a week for enrichment activities (whatever that means).
• He also was given an application for a Lego Robotics team that will meet one to two times a week before school next year and a competition in Stillwater in December. (I think that link is right) He was completely stoked about it till he found out he had to fill out part of the application himself, so he said "nah". Well, being the good dad I am, I made him fill it out. He was stoked until that point. We've not heard back, but are hoping he gets to be a part. they are only choosing 10 kids out of the 4th -5th grade class.
• He finished 3rd grade with straight A's!!! We are so proud of him.

My daughter though is another matter. We just had to spend $500 so she'd not go blind! She's had the same pair of contacts in her eyes (without removing them nightly like she's suppose to) for the last 8 months+. Luckily she was able to get some glasses (the dr said no contacts for at least 1 year if ever). But she can see, so that's whats important.

Anyway, I guess that's all for now. Hopefully, it wont be month before my next post.

Satellite Move Scheduled

Making my last post, reminded me I needed to call to move my Dish Network. It's scheduled to move on the same Friday as the phone.

I can't wait!

Phone Move

I called yesterday and scheduled to move the phone to the new house on the Friday after we move. I found out we will end up with a new number (or pay a $6/mo for basically a permanent transfer... not happening)

I also confirmed that I'll be able to keep my same level of DSL service that I had here in town. That makes me very happy!

19 days till we close!

House update

Well, things are going well with the house. 2 of the 3 inspections have been done. There are no termites and nothing major wrong with the house.

That is just great news! We are so excited.

We've started packing. We moved out our comfy chair in the computer room so we have a place to stack boxes once they are packed and labeled. I'm having problems with the packing at the moment, May 4th seem so far off, but I know it will be here before we know it.

We've also loaded up the truck for a trip to the dump. It's amazing how much trash you acquire in 10 years. And I'm not talking about garage sale stuff, I mean trash! It's crazy! I've got more stuff ready, but it wont make a full load, so I may wait a while before my next trip... not sure yet.

Anyway, I'll keep everyone posted.

Oh, I promised more pictures, but since all the pictures I have has all the current owners stuff in them, I probably wont post many. But here are a few more

(Click to enlarge)

New House

Tonight, I got the call, our counter-counter offer was accepted. We will sign the papers tomorrow night.

We're excited!

(Click for a larger picture)

I'll have more pictures later once the paper work is in order.