Commercial Refrigeration Troubleshooting

Symptom guides for walk-ins, reach-ins, ice machines, and prep tables — cold-side problems that threaten inventory in Puget Sound restaurants and grocers.

  • Cooler & freezer separate guides
  • Commercial equipment only
  • Not residential DIY

Pick the symptom below that matches what you see. Each guide covers likely causes and limited safe first steps only — cooler and freezer problems stay on separate pages.

Walk-in cooler

Cooler not cooling

Walk-in cooler not holding temp — thermostat, airflow, and condenser checks before you call.

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Walk-in freezer

Freezer icing up

Evaporator coil ice buildup — defrost, airflow, and gasket checks for low-temp walk-ins.

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Ice machine

No ice production

Harvest cycle, bin sensor, and fill checks for back-of-house ice machines.

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Reach-in / prep

Prep table warm

Line refrigerator or prep table not holding temp — first checks for the cook line.

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Ice machine

Ice machine not filling

Water inlet, float, and filtration checks when the bin stays empty.

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Ice machine

Head pressure / remote condenser

Airflow and coil checks for remote-condenser ice machines — refrigerant work needs a pro.

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Walk-in

Water on the floor

Drain, defrost, and ice dam checks when water pools under a walk-in cooler or freezer.

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Need repair, not troubleshooting? Commercial refrigeration repair · Greater Seattle & Puget Sound

Stop now — do not troubleshoot further If any of the following apply, stop reading and act on safety first. Do not reset safety devices, bypass limits, or open gas or refrigerant lines.
  • Gas odor or suspected leak — leave the area; do not operate switches, pilots, or electrical equipment; call your gas utility or 911, then a licensed gas technician.
  • Fire, smoke, flames, or grease fire — use your site fire plan; call 911 if needed; do not restart equipment until inspected.
  • Carbon monoxide alarm or headache/nausea near gas equipment — ventilate, evacuate, and call for service.
  • Repeated high-limit, pressure, or breaker trips — one reset is not a fix; continued operation can damage equipment or cause injury.
  • Refrigerant hiss, oil stain, or suspected leak — EPA-certified technicians only; do not add refrigerant or braze lines yourself.
  • Sparking, burning smell, or exposed live conductors — shut off at a labeled disconnect if safe to reach; call a licensed technician.

Important: These guides are general information for commercial operators, not step-by-step repair instructions for untrained persons. You are responsible for following manufacturer manuals, local codes, and your insurer’s requirements. A/C Dr. Naz is not liable for injury, property damage, food loss, or code violations that result from actions taken based on this content. When in doubt, call a licensed professional.

Caution Power off at the labeled disconnect before cleaning condenser coils or reaching inside panels. Where a guide allows a single control reset, try it once only — if the fault returns, stop and schedule service.
Safe checks Thermostat setting, doors closed, visible gasket damage, ice blocking airflow, and breaker position — visual checks only, with equipment left in its normal off or on state as noted.

Refrigeration still down after safe checks?

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Same-day diagnostics when capacity allows · All troubleshooting categories