A fridge dripping water inside your home can be more than frustrating. Failure to repair it can be costly, as it may lead to water damage. The good news is that whether you have water dripping in your fridge or pooling outside, it’s likely repairable with the right professionals by your side.
If you need to get to the bottom of your fridge leak before calling in the experts, here is what you should check first:
The Drain Hole
If your fridge is leaking water inside or outside, inspect the drain hole. Most fridge models have a defrost drain that funnels water into a drain pan. If the drain line becomes clogged, water can back up and leak out.
Follow these steps to investigate a fridge leak that you suspect the drainage is responsible for:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Refer to the owner’s manual to locate the drain tube. You may need to remove the cover panel at the bottom of the refrigerator to access it.
- Remove the bottom end of the tube and place it in a bucket to catch any liquid that may drip out.
- Remove the upper portion of the tube to completely disconnect it from the refrigerator. Use hot water or a stiff piece of wire to clean out the blockage.
- Reattach the drain tube and cover panel, and plug the refrigerator back in.
The Defrost Drain Pan
Fridges have drain pans where water collects as melted water is removed during the defrost cycle. If the leak is coming from beneath the front of the refrigerator or from the rear of the appliance, the drain pan may be to blame. Follow these steps to find out:
- Remove the cover panel at the bottom of the refrigerator to access the defrost drain pan.
- Check the pan for cracks, tears, or improper placement.
- If the pan is positioned incorrectly, adjust it. If it’s damaged, replace it.
- Check that the refrigerator is sitting level using a carpenter’s level. If the appliance is unbalanced, water may spill over the drain pan lip before it evaporates.
- Level a wobbly refrigerator using shims under one or more legs.
Door Seals
Refrigerator door seals play a crucial role in a functioning fridge. Also known as gaskets, they prevent cold air from escaping your refrigerator and warm air from entering. Essentially, they help to maintain your fridge’s interior and keep your food fresh.
When these seals become dirty or damaged, warm air can enter your fridge, causing condensation and leaks. If you suspect door seals are to blame for your refrigerator leaking water inside, perform a thorough inspection.
Look for gaps, cracks, and mold. If the seals are in good condition, clean them with warm, soapy water. If they appear worn or aren’t sealing properly, replace them with new ones.
The Water Line
As soon as you notice water in the bottom of your fridge or around the outside of it, pay close attention to the water lines if your fridge has them. Over time, water lines that enable you to use your water dispenser or ice maker can loosen or even crack.
Move your fridge away from the wall to locate the connected water line. Look for loose fittings, kinks, or drips. You may only need to tighten the water line if it’s loose. If it appears damaged or worn, replace it immediately.
The Ice Maker
If your fridge is leaking water, inspect the ice maker. Something as simple as ice cubes not melting properly or jamming in the machine can cause water to spill out.
Clear any ice buildup or stuck ice cubes. It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re not overfilling the ice maker every time you refill it.
High Humidity
Exceptionally humid climates can cause refrigerator leaks. Surprised? Here's why: As humidity in the air mixes with the cold temperatures of your refrigerator, condensation forms and fills the drain pan more quickly than usual. And when the pan overflows, you'll see a puddle on the floor.
To resolve this issue, manually empty the drain pan on humid days to prevent leaks. If high humidity is a regular occurrence, consider installing a dehumidifier in the kitchen.
An Open Fridge Door
Keeping your fridge door open for too long causes the refrigerator to work overtime to stay cool, and you'll end up stepping into a large puddle of condensation.
Solving this problem is as easy as closing the refrigerator door! If the problem persists, clean the rubber seals on the doors with soap and water. Lubricate the seal with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This fix should ensure an airtight seal.
Containers and Bottles
The causes of a refrigerator leaking water aren’t always related to the appliance itself. A leak can sometimes be due to something inside your fridge. Look for any overturned containers or bottles with holes or splits that could explain water pooling in your fridge. It’s an easy fix!
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for Fridge Leak Repair
If you’ve been asking, ‘Why is my fridge leaking water inside?’ and can’t seem to figure out the answer, it’s time to call the licensed and insured service professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for help. Our team is here to provide fridge leak repair services when you need them the most. Call us today or request a job estimate online. We will get to the bottom of your fridge leak in no time!
