Walk-In Freezer Leak Repair in Palm Desert: Keeping Cold Storage Running Smoothly

August 7, 2025

Walk-In Freezer Leak Repair in Palm Desert: Keeping Cold Storage Running Smoothly

When it comes to commercial refrigeration, even the smallest leak can mean big losses. That was the case during a recent service call we responded to in Palm Desert, CA, just a few miles from the iconic El Paseo Shopping District — where a local smoked seafood processor relies on several walk-in freezers to keep their delicate inventory preserved at peak freshness.

The Problem: A Refrigerant Leak & Rising Temperatures

The client noticed their walk-in freezer wasn’t holding temperature properly. Upon arrival, we quickly confirmed a refrigerant leak near the receiver. We’d previously located the general area by applying soap and watching for bubbles — a tried-and-true method — and this time, we were ready to get in and fix it.

The system in question was powered by a 5-horsepower compressor running R-404A, a common refrigerant for low-temp freezers. The leak was small but critical — left unchecked, it would have compromised product integrity and caused serious energy waste.

The Fix: Brazing, Vacuum, and Dryer Replacement

To start, we prepped for brazing the compromised section. After cleaning and torching the pipe, we applied a precise repair to the leak point. While the patch was solid, we didn’t stop there.

Two dryers — a suction line and a liquid line dryer — were installed to remove any moisture or contaminants that may have entered during the leak event. And because this wasn’t a freshly built system, we decided not to chase a 500-micron deep vacuum. Instead, we focused on pulling a solid degassing vacuum using a four-port manifold and checked our micron levels for stability.

“In these kinds of systems, with oil vapor and older lines, you’re not always going to hit textbook micron levels — but it’s more about monitoring decay and stability.”

Final Touches & System Commissioning

After confirming pressure was holding steady at 100 PSI, we proceeded with:

♦ Adding 19 pounds of R-404A to bring the receiver to proper liquid level

♦ Cycling the defrost clock to verify pump-down

♦ Verifying coil performance and suction temperatures

♦ Testing the fan delay and compressor operations

We also replaced a seized fan motor, secured wiring at the compressor contactor, and ran a final system test under load. The walk-in was back to freezing in no time, with the coil frosted evenly and interior temps dropping steadily.

Why This Job Mattered

This freezer supports a smoked fish facility, where even a 10-degree deviation can mean thousands in lost product. Because of the fast response and proper repair, we helped the business avoid spoilage, lost revenue, and downtime during one of their busiest production weeks.

Summary of Work Performed:

Leak detection and brazing repair

♦ Suction & liquid line dryer replacements

♦ Pressure test and vacuum pull

♦ Refrigerant recharge (R-404A)

♦ Fan motor replacement

♦ System verification and performance testing

Local Commercial Refrigeration Experts – Palm Desert & Coachella Valley

Whether you operate a cold storage facility, restaurant, or grocery business in Palm Desert or anywhere in the Coachella Valley, American Cool Heat Air is your go-to team for emergency refrigeration repairs.

From leak repair and dryer replacements to full walk-in cooler rebuilds, our certified technicians are equipped for fast, code-compliant service — even during off-hours or high-demand seasons.

Call Now for Emergency Refrigeration Service

American Cool Heat Air is proud to serve businesses near El Paseo, Palm Desert Civic Center Park, and across the entire Coachella Valley.

✅ 24/7 Emergency Response
✅ EPA & NCI Certified Technicians
✅ Fully Stocked Service Vehicles
✅ Honest, Transparent Pricing

Need walk-in freezer repair in Palm Desert?

EXTENSIVE SERVICE COVERAGE FOR COMMERCIAL HVAC & REFRIGERATION SOLUTIONS

No Commercial HVAC or Refrigeration job is too small or too far for us. While our primary branches are located in Palm Desert and Rancho Cucamonga, California, we’re dedicated to reaching customers wherever they are in need.

Proudly serving cities across California, including Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes, Thousand Palms, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Santa Ana, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Glendale, Ontario, Garden Grove, Palm Desert, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, Palm Springs, and extending to Los Angeles and beyond. Your satisfaction is our priority, no matter the distance or scale of the project.