New Fridge F&P Corrosion/Sealing issue - Is That Normal?

this is us on 17/03/2024 - 21:48

Just had a brand new Fisher&Paykel fridge model rf522blpx6 delivered two days ago.

Purchased from TGG, it ended up being a back order and I had to wait a few weeks longer than expected, which was fine. About $300 cashback tracked, pending.

It was apparently packed properly, boxes removed in front of me, installed by TGG.

Today, came to my attention that the rubber (seal) in the door barely touches the "wall" on one of the sides. On the side of the hinge, it seems to be OK (the surface of the rubber in contact with the fridge seems appropriate), but on the side of the handle, it's probably 2mm above the surface, which suggests that 1) the door is not aligned 2) although I can't measure, cold air is likely to leak, which will result in increased electricity consumption if the fridge is actually able to cool properly.

At this stage, the fridge seems to cool properly but I don't have a thermo camera to check if the cold air is leaking or not.

I pulled the fridge to check the angle and saw that the components at the back seem corroded. Is that normal for a brand new fridge?

Images:
https://ibb.co/album/WNszWq

Unfortunately, TGG has also taken away my old fridge so I will need a replacement at the same time this fridge is taken away if that's the case.

The manual has instructions to "level/align the door", which seems to require a spacer (not included with the fridge).

Any thoughts?

Electrical & Electronics Refrigerator

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 17/03/2024 - 21:56
    +2

    Can you please circle the corroded components because I sure as hell can't see them.

    If the fridge exterior panel above the dodgy seal area is colder to the touch that other parts then there is a break in the seal. If not, then you are all good.

      • blitz on 17/03/2024 - 23:10

        Can you take a photo that's closer to the actual thing you want us to look at?

        • mapax on 17/03/2024 - 23:26

          Pretty sure they’re talking about the soldering on the pipes?

          • ddilrat on 18/03/2024 - 00:18

            @mapax: Nah behind that I do see something that looks more sinister

        • this is us on 18/03/2024 - 07:44

          https://ibb.co/album/WNszWq

          That's what I mean… Not sure if that's normal… I don't remember seeing that in any previous fridge.

          • JimmyF on 18/03/2024 - 08:52

            @this is us:

            I don't remember seeing that in any previous fridge.

            Did you ever look?

          • blitz on 18/03/2024 - 10:06

            @this is us: Yep, I see now. That doesn't look like abnormal corrosion to me. If it were me, I wouldn't be worrying about it.

  • Skylakewalker on 17/03/2024 - 23:27

    The corrosion is considered normal, its surface rust which is caused by metal particles in the water drying on a metal surface and does not impact the function or warranty.

    The seal is hard to tell from the photos, a trick with door seals is to use a hair dryer to slightly warm the seal up which can make them expand back out and seal properly. Sometimes on new fridges they can be a little stiff out of the box and not connect properly until they loosen up.

  • JIMB0 on 18/03/2024 - 03:59
    +1

    What did you expect? Fisher & Paykel are just another cheap Chinese brand these days.

  • JimmyF on 18/03/2024 - 08:51
    +1

    I pulled the fridge to check the angle and saw that the components at the back seem corroded. Is that normal for a brand new fridge?

    Normal, that is what it looks like when they join pipes etc.

    came to my attention that the rubber (seal) in the door barely touches the "wall" on one of the sides.

    Log a warranty request, they'll come out and fix adjust or replace the seal for you. They are easily replaceable.

    Unfortunately, TGG has also taken away my old fridge so I will need a replacement at the same time this fridge is taken away if that's the case.

    LOL Fridge is working, no need for them to take it away. They'll come out and repair onsite.

    I once had a new fridge with a mark in the stainless. They came out onside and replaced the panel no questions asked.

    You'll be ok.

  • c64 on 18/03/2024 - 10:24
    +2

    i'm not sure if there is corrosion on the pipes. i think it is just discolouration due to brazing and heat

  • this is us on 18/03/2024 - 15:56

    That's great. I guess all the replies are reassuring so won't worry too much about it.

    Thanks everyone.

  • Aminn on 18/03/2024 - 18:39

    The pipes at the back are just feeding pipe, and so many joint, its just change of colour I would say, I have seen this a lot.
    Door seal shouldn’t be like this, if its not under warranty, use a hair dryer heat up the seal ( keep the door shut ) and use a knife , screw driver or something flat and push the seal gently back ( careful because seal is a bit soft due the heat and you can easily damage the seal ). One its got the right shape and seals ok then leave it as it is over night and keep the door shut. You may need to do this a few times over a week

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