hotpoint fridge freezer (frost free) model ff187e

LauraLeah91104

purchased this machine from new and the last few weeks we have found that underneath of the bottom compartment a build up of ice has started to form, and we have found were are removing it every few days. ive read through the instructions and there are no hints and tips and just wondered whether anyone one here have had any similar problems that was easily solved before ringing an engineer out to try and fix it.
The machine is just under 3 years old, and i have registered it with hotpoint for the 5 years free parts, but i still dont want to get charged a fortune for the engineer to be called out.

Many hints or tips will be gratefully received.

Laura

Pennylane

Laura - It's most likely the electronic control board (defrost timer part) or it could be the sensor. Very common fault apparently.

If it's the ecb they cost about £117 and then you'll have to pay someone to fit it so you're as well getting Hotpoint to come out - they'll charge £120 call out but your part will be "free".

LauraLeah91104

thanks pennylane, im going to monitor it and see if the ice builds up anymore than it is as at the moment is doesnt actually cause a problem, but i will have to pay to get it fix if it does start to create a problem as paying £120 is definately better than another £300 to replace it with a new one!

one getting the bottom compartment out you can see where the water is dripping from, the vent, which is level with the lowest compartment but i cant see behind it!

wazza

Had a hotpoint which is the older version of yours.

With mine the fan in the freezer compartment used to freeze up thanks to poor design. This fan circulates cold air into the fridge. Had to remove the back panel inside the freezer compartment to de-ice it. Noticed there is a drain hole in the floor. This allows water etc to drain out.

One day i noticed ice formed on the floor of the freezer compartment. Removed the panel and found the drain hole was iced up therefore blocked. Any excess water ran to the bottom of the compartment and froze. Poured hot water into the drain hole to unblock it. Problem solved.

My advice to you is

1. remove the back panel by removing 8 screws and check, or

2. empty the contents of the freezer compartment and unplug the fridge/freezer. Let the freezer compartment defrost. You can speed it up with a bowl of hot water or hairdryer etc etc. Hopefully this will open the drain hole.

If the work is done by the Hotpoint engineer you will only have to pay for the labour and maybe call out charge. Maybe best to take out a new cover with domgen etc etc.

Russe11

defrost with door open for 48 hours... then wait for it to happen again defrosting when required.

or you can remove the panel inside the freezer and removed all the blocked ice in the bottom, making sur the drain hole is clear.

Then as a solution to stop the ice build up happening again you can bend the heating element so it sits lower down so there is not a big gap for the water to refreeze during defrost mode, if you do this then it will prob void any warrenty, but cheaper than paying an engineer to do the same thing (hotpoint/indesit is 115 pound call out I think).

KillerWatt

Empty the drain tube