Why is my refrigerator leaking water? How to fix it immediately

If your refrigerator is leaking water, it is a sign that something is wrong. Refrigerator leaks can be caused by faulty parts, improperly installed components, poor environmental conditions, etc. Even if your refrigerator appears to be functioning normally, a small leak can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage if left untreated.

Below, we’ve listed the most common problems that cause a refrigerator to leak water and provided troubleshooting steps.

Condensate drain is blocked

Whether it’s from food, ice, dust, or something else, a clogged condensation drain can cause your refrigerator to overflow into unwanted places. The condensation drain is important for removing condensation from the refrigerator, which is created during the cooling process.

If the refrigerator cannot remove condensation through the condensation drain hole, this will cause a leak or there will be too much condensation inside the refrigerator, which can lead to freezing.

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Solution

To clear a clogged condensate drain, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the condensate drain. Look behind the product compartment or underneath the evaporator coil. On some refrigerators, it may be easier to access through the back of the refrigerator, you may have to remove a panel or two.
3. Clear the drain.
4. If the blockage is caused by ice, you may need to unplug the refrigerator until the ice melts. You can speed up this process by pouring warm water into the condensation drain opening.
5. Empty the drain pan.
6. Repeat all steps until the blockage is cleared.

Frost accumulation

Refrigerators are designed to defrost themselves occasionally, regularly removing any small frost build-up to prevent large frost build-ups. However, sometimes a faulty or broken part can cause the refrigerator to skip or shorten the defrost cycle, resulting in frost build-up.

This can also happen if you open the refrigerator too often or leave it open for long periods of time. Frost buildup can cause your refrigerator to run poorly and lead to water leaks in various places.

Solution

To remove frost from your refrigerator, follow these steps:

1. Run a forced defrost cycle (check your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for specific steps).
2. If the forced defrost cycle does not remove frost buildup, remove all perishable foods from the refrigerator and place them in a second refrigerator or cooler.
3. Place several towels around the bottom of the refrigerator to absorb melted ice.
4. Unplug the refrigerator and leave the door open overnight.

Broken seal

A poor or damaged refrigerator door seal will not directly cause water leaks, but it can allow warm air and moisture to enter the refrigerator, causing excessive condensation. If this is the case, the refrigerator will not be able to effectively remove the excess condensation, leading to leaks and freezing.

Solution

To test the quality of your refrigerator’s gasket, place a dollar bill in the gap and close the door. If you can easily slide the dollar bill out, it’s probably time to replace the gasket. Use the manufacturer and model number to determine the correct gasket for your refrigerator, then replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Unbalanced refrigerator

Refrigerators are designed to operate on completely level ground. If they are too off-center, condensation can leak into unwanted areas and collect on your floor. While you may think your floor is level enough for your refrigerator, even the slightest tilt can cause serious problems for your refrigerator.

Solution

To level the refrigerator, you must level the refrigerator by following these steps:

1. Place a hydraulic level on top of the refrigerator and use it to determine which corner (or corners) is low.
2. Ask a helper to push the top of the refrigerator to raise the lower part until the water level is level.
3. Open the leveling legs at the bottom until they touch the floor.
4. Check the level again to make sure the refrigerator is level, then adjust if necessary.

Water purifier is broken

While convenient, refrigerator water coolers can cause refrigerators to leak. The specific reasons can vary, but the most likely causes are trapped air or a faulty switch.

Solution

To repair a broken hot and cold water cooler, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the refrigerator and let it run for a day or two.
2. Pour about 2 to 3 gallons of water from the reservoir to ensure there is no air trapped in the line.
3. Check the refrigerator to see if the water dispenser is still leaking.
4. If the problem persists after performing these steps, contact the manufacturer or device repair service.

High humidity

Refrigerators operating in high humidity environments may have more leakage problems than refrigerators operating in moderate humidity environments. Every time you open the refrigerator door, warm, moist air rushes into the refrigerator. Although refrigerators are designed to condense and release this moisture, too much humidity can make it difficult for the appliance to keep up.

Solution

Unplug the refrigerator and empty the drain pan, which is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator, at the back. If you cannot move the refrigerator to a drying area, install a dehumidifier or refrigerator desiccant.

Cracked drain tray

Refrigerators regularly drain condensation into a drain pan. This small amount of water evaporates before it drains into the pan. If the pan is clogged, cracked, or damaged, water can overflow or leak, causing a mess on your floor.

Solution

To check and possibly replace the drain pan, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel (if necessary).
3. Remove and empty the drain pan.
4. Clean and check the drain tray.
5. Reinstall the drain tray or replace if damaged.
6. Replace the back panel and restore power to the refrigerator.

Water supply valve is faulty.

Your refrigerator’s water inlet valve dictates where and when water flows. A faulty water inlet valve can cause water to flow when it’s not supposed to or where it shouldn’t. Additionally, since these water inlet valves are often made of plastic, they can crack and leak water from the housing, threads, or other areas.

Solution

To check the water inlet valve, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the metal or cardboard cover from the box.
3. Locate the water supply valve by tracing the water line.
4. Check the water supply valve for obvious leaks.
5. Contact an appliance repair professional for further diagnosis or replacement of the water supply valve.

Broken water pipe

If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, it will have a water supply line. Depending on the brand and model of your refrigerator, you may have a simple water line, such as a water line leading to a single ice maker, or a complex series of water lines with multiple connections.

Solution

There is no set way to fix a leaking water pipe, as the underlying cause can vary. If you suspect you have a leak, you may want to call a professional appliance repairman to make the repair. Before doing so, you can inspect the water pipe yourself by following these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Check water pipes for damage or obvious leaks.
3. Remove any metal or cardboard blocking the water line.
4. Check all connections to make sure they are not leaking.

How to maintain your refrigerator and prevent leaks

Instead of waiting for a problem, proper preventative maintenance can help ensure your refrigerator never leaks. Here are some easy ways to maintain your refrigerator and prevent future leaks.

Clean your refrigerator

Maintain a clean refrigerator routine. Dirt can build up along the door and gaskets, preventing good sealing, leading to poor performance and leaks.

Check your drain pan

Regularly checking your gutters will help you catch leaks before they become a problem. Look for cracks and buildup or dirt and debris.

Check your condensate drain

Keeping the condensation drain clear will help the refrigerator remove excess condensation efficiently, without causing standing water to spill onto the floor.

Defrost your refrigerator

Performing a regular forced defrost cycle will help the refrigerator melt frost build-up, allowing it to operate more efficiently and preventing leaks.