What is actually happening
This is a genuinely common call-out and it has two very different explanations. The harmless one is that the appliance was switched back on and moved too soon, and simply needs time. The less harmless one is that something was punctured while chipping ice away — the evaporator pipework sits just behind the plastic lining, and a screwdriver through it releases the gas permanently.
The usual causes
- Simply not enough time — a fridge freezer can take several hours to pull down
- Water left in the drain or under the salad drawer refreezing and blocking airflow
- A punctured evaporator from chipping ice away with a sharp tool
- A defrost heater or thermostat that had already failed, which is why it iced up in the first place
- The appliance moved and stood on its side, needing time for the oil to settle before running
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Give it a full twenty-four hours before judging it
- Make sure it is dry inside and the drain hole is clear
- If it was laid down or tilted while moving, leave it upright and switched off for at least four hours first
- If ice was chipped at with a knife or screwdriver, say so when you book — it changes the diagnosis entirely
Still not working after defrosting?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my fridge freezer not working after defrosting?
It was defrosted to clear the ice, and now it will not cool again. This is a genuinely common call-out and it has two very different explanations. The harmless one is that the appliance was switched back on and moved too soon, and simply needs time. The less harmless one is that something was punctured while chipping ice away — the evaporator pipework sits just behind the plastic lining, and a screwdriver through it releases the gas permanently.
Can I fix a fridge freezer not working after defrosting myself?
Give it a full twenty-four hours before judging it. Make sure it is dry inside and the drain hole is clear. If it was laid down or tilted while moving, leave it upright and switched off for at least four hours first. If ice was chipped at with a knife or screwdriver, say so when you book — it changes the diagnosis entirely. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a fridge freezer not working after defrosting?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other fridge freezer faults
- fridge not cooling
- fridge freezer icing up
- fridge making a loud noise
- fridge leaking water inside
- fridge running constantly
- fridge freezer not cold enough
- American fridge freezer water dispenser not working