Cost to Repair an Evaporator Coil Leak
What drives the price
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Leak location & access – back wall coils hidden behind product shelving take longer than an under-bench unit you can pull out.
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System size & refrigerant – bigger charge (R404A/R448A) means more gas, more evacuation time, higher cost.
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Detection & repair method – nitrogen / bubble test vs electronic sniffer; braze repair vs coil section or full coil swap.
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Compliance requirements – ARCtick leak records, pressure‐test logs, evacuation deeper than 500 microns, correct refrigerant label.
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After-hours call-out – 24/7 sites pay a premium but avoid product loss.
Typical cost range (labour + materials, SE QLD)
| Equipment type | Leak find & braze repair | Fit new coil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercounter / bar fridge | $480 – $850 | $1,200 – $1,800 | 1–2 hrs labour; usually ≤250 g charge |
| Walk-in cool room (single circuit) | $650 – $1,200 | $2,000 – $3,500 | 2–4 hrs; 2–4 kg charge |
| Walk-in freezer (electric defrost) | $900 – $1,600 | $2,800 – $4,800 | Extra time for ice removal & deep vac |
| Multideck display / dairy case | $800 – $1,400 | $2,200 – $4,000 | Often tight access behind case |
Prices include pressure test, dryer, evacuation, refrigerant recharge, leak log, and single return visit to verify.
What the job actually involves
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Isolate & recover refrigerant into a recovery cylinder.
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Nitrogen pressure test to pinpoint the leak.
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Braise repair or swap coil, replace liquid-line drier.
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Evacuate to ≤500 microns, hold, then weigh in charge.
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Leak log & compliance tag per ARCtick.
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Run & verify temps, superheat, defrost cycle.
When replacement makes more sense
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Multiple pinholes or fin rot on an older coil.
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Food-grade stainless coil required (meat aging rooms).
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Obsolete R22 system due for upgrade – better to retrofit refrigerant and coil together.
Ways to keep costs down
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Clear product before the tech arrives; better access = less labour.
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Fix minor leaks early – gas costs skyrocket if you keep “topping up”.
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Schedule work in business hours when possible.
Service areas
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast and wider SE QLD.
Need a firm quote?
Call or book online. Have the unit make/model, approximate coil size, and any fault codes ready. We’ll price the repair or replacement up-front and get you back to temperature fast.
If your refrigeration has failed, don’t wait.
Call 1300 227 600 now or book urgent service online.
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