Samsung is a mammoth when it comes to household electronics- and rightfully so. All their products offer top-notch quality that justifies the huge demand.
The case for Samsung refrigerators is the same- the extensive refrigerator range has affordable options that provide excellent cooling power and durability. If you want a fridge with optimized functionality, then Samsung is one of the best picks.
That being said, no electronic appliance is built perfectly, and it can run into occasional hiccups. For Samsung refrigerators, the hiccup is an annoying popping noise.
It is a common complaint among Samsung users. There are quite a few reasons why this sound may be coming from your fridge. We’ve mentioned them below, along with their quick fixes!
Samsung Refrigerator Popping Noise
1. Temperature Fluctuations
The most likely reason for your refrigerator making the popping noise is that there are random fluctuations in the temperature.
For instance, when the temperature in the Samsung refrigerator falls and rises with the plastic parts, it leads to popping and cracking noises. Generally, the noises happen during defrosting.
It’s also important to note that this is nothing to worry about if you just got a new refrigerator- those often make popping sounds when plugged in.
This is primarily because new refrigerators take time to habituate to the temperature levels and humidity of the home.
So, if the popping sounds have just started, we suggest that you wait for some time because it will make the refrigerator accustomed to space.
If your fridge has randomly started making these sounds and is defrosting on its own, check the vents. Dirty and clogged vents interrupt the exhaustion process, causing fluctuations in the temperature.
If the vents are clean, try minimizing the number of times you open the refrigerator door and make sure the doors are sealed shut.
If temperature fluctuations, defrosting, and excessive ice formation continue, then there may be a problem with the thermostat.
Resetting the thermostat may help. You can do it by simply pressing the ‘reset’ button for more than 5 seconds. Another solution is to switch off the power for a couple of minutes.
In case there’s no temperature fluctuation and the cooling is even, then the popping sound may be coming from somewhere else. Move on to the next priority.
2. Contracting Aluminum Mat
Another reason why you might be hearing a popping sound coming from your Samsung refrigerator is that the aluminum mat behind the heating or cooling element in the refrigerator is undergoing a reaction.
The reaction happens when the change in temperature happens.
That’s right- with temperature changes, the aluminum mat will contract or expand, which creates a popping sound. The popping noise due to the aluminum mat should be moderate, neither loud nor constant.
If it’s too much, check the thermostat settings and reset it. If the problem persists, you will have to call the technician to take a look.
3. Broken Water Valve
Samsung refrigerators are designed with a water inlet valve on the backside. This valve opens to let water into the water dispenser system or ice maker and is highly likely to make the popping sound.
However, these popping sounds should only be occasional, lasting a few seconds.
In case the popping sound is constant, you need to check if the water supply is interrupted. If this sound is coupled with problems in the dispenser and ice maker, the valve may be breaking or cracking.
For fixing this purpose, you have to clear the water valve from interruption. Here’s a step-by-step solution.
- Unplug the fridge.
- Locate the refrigerator’s water supply valve on the lower backside.
- Place an absorbent cloth or towel underneath this water supply valve
- Remove the back cover without damaging it.
- Cut off the water supply.
- Using a wrench, slowly loosen the compression nut found on the waterline.
- Take out the water line
- Now, unscrew the water supply valve and remove it from the housing.
- Detach the wire harness around the water supply valve away from it.
- Carefully detach the lines for the water dispenser and the ice maker part.
- Grab your new water valve.
- Attach both these lines to the new valve.
- Properly fix the wire harness with the new valve as it was placed before.
- Screw the new water valve back into the housing you took out.
- Attach the main water supply line again.
- Tighten the compression nut on this water supply line.
- Turn on the water supply slowly. If you notice liquid leaking, turn the water supply back off and use a wrench to tighten the compression nut more.
- Readjust the fridge’s back cover.
- Clean up the mess with a towel and pick up your tools.
- Finally, plug your refrigerator back in to let it cool.
Not handy and don’t like fixing electronics? Think the process sounds complicated? Then simply make sure the water valve is what’s causing this popping noise and get in touch with a professional technician.
4. Evaporator Coil
When the popping sound occurs after you run the defrost cycle on the Samsung refrigerator, it is because the evaporator coil has gone cold.
Moreover, if the defrost timer is out of order and is stuck in the cooling cycle, it will lead to a colder evaporator coil and will lead to popping.
If this happens, you’ll have to call in the technician because only professionals can fix the defrost timer if it has internal issues.
5. Power Shortage
In some cases, people struggle with the popping sound in the Samsung refrigerator after facing a power shortage.
If there was a power shortage in your area, the refrigerator will switch off automatically and will create a popping sound when trying to switch the compressor on again once the power comes back.
Frequent power shortages and outages can fuse the compressor in the refrigerator. In case the compressor is fused, it will try to restart again and again, and you will hear a lot of loud popping.
If your fridge’s compressor is fused, you will need to call technical help. The compressor will either be repaired or replaced.
6. Dispenser
This one’s for people who have a Samsung refrigerator that’s designed with a water dispenser. If you are hearing popping noises, you need to check the dispenser.
For instance, if you have removed the glass or cup from the water dispenser or ice dispenser, the popping sound will occur because the dispenser is trying to switch off.
So, if the popping sound is coming from the dispenser functioning, you simply need to wait!
7. Malfunctioning Condenser Coil
Last but certainly not least is a malfunctioning condenser coil. This is the part of your Samsung refrigerator that’s responsible for moving the coolant around.
As the condenser coil handles a lot of hot coolants, hearing a light popping sound is fine. However, unclean coils can make more noise.
To ensure the condenser coil is running efficiently, dust it off at least once or twice a year. The more junk the coil has collected, the harder it’ll have to work to keep the appliance cool.
The condenser coil can be accessed from the panel on the back of the refrigerator. You can find online guides on cleaning it or get a technician to do it.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the popping noise is caused by various reasons. However, much of the time it’s random and caused by defrosting.
It’s best to wait for a while to see if the popping goes away on its own. Light popping sounds are part of the fridge’s functioning.
On the contrary, if the noise is still there, follow our list of solutions and check for any thermostat changes, unclean vents, clogged water valves, etc.
If you can’t figure out the issue yourself, or see damage to parts like the evaporator coil, get in touch with Samsung customer support for assistance. You’ll need help from a licensed technician.