I tried cleaning a condenser coil with a pressure washer on a low setting

It was an old Frigidaire fridge, and I figured a quick rinse at 800 PSI would be fine. The fins looked clean, but two days later the compressor locked up. My guess is I forced water past the seals. Now I tell my guys to only use a coil brush and a pump sprayer, no exceptions. Has anyone else seen this happen with a specific model?

3 comments

3 Comments

johnson.jade24d ago

Ouch, that's a rough lesson to learn. Honestly, forcing water past the seals makes total sense as the cause. Tbh, your new rule for your guys is the only safe way to go.

johnson.caleb24d ago

Appreciate you backing up the new rule. It really is one of those things you don't think about until it's too late. Hopefully this saves someone else the same headache.

martinez.anna4d ago

Yeah, and think about the water pressure from a regular hose. It's way more than rain ever puts out.