Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?
Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night, scampered to the kitchen for a quick snack or a refreshing drink, only to step in a puddle of water? It’s unpleasant, to say the least, and downright worrying, once you realize that water is coming from your refrigerator, especially if a bad smell begins to make its way into your home. Fortunately, a refrigerator leaking water isn’t necessarily a sign it needs to be replaced. Contrarily, it usually means you need to have the unit repaired, but first, you must determine where the water is coming from.
Where is Your Refrigerator Leaking Water?
Refrigerator Leaking Water From the Back
There are only two reasons your refrigerator may begin to leak from the back. The first is that there is a problem with the defrosting mechanism. Either you have a clogged drain, or there is a clog in the drain line. In either case, a warm water rinse should remove the clog and eliminate the leak. The second reason for leakage behind your fridge is an over-full, or improperly seated condensation pan. Remove the pan via the grill in the front, bottom of your fridge, clean it and reinstall it to see if the problem is resolved. If you are still experiencing a leak once you’ve checked these issues, call in a repairman to assess the situation and make repairs as needed.
Refrigerator Leaking Water From The Bottom
Leaks from the bottom of your refrigerator almost always originate from the drain pan, located under the unit. Generally, the problem comes from the fact that the drain pan is full of dust, dirt and other debris. Simply wash it in warm, soapy water, dry it thoroughly and put it back in place. While you have it out, check for cracks in the pan, as this will allow water to escape. If you find a crack, replace the pan, rather than trying to repair it. Your freezer’s defrost drain, may also be the problem, but this is easily resolved by running hot water down it to remove built-up ice.
Refrigerator Leaking Water From The Front
However, if you have an ice maker, it could be the culprit. Check the water connection hose for cracks and breaks and make sure that all of the connections are tight. Keep in mind that seals become brittle and hoses can get kinked and bent, allowing water to flow out. Another area of concern would be the water filter. An improperly fitted, old, or the incorrect filter will allow water to escape, creating a puddle in front of the unit. If you’re not comfortable with replacing the tubes, seals or filter yourself, contact a professional to take care of it for you.
Refrigerator Leaking Water On The Inside
When you open up your refrigerator and find a puddle of water inside, the first thing you might want to do is check your water bottles for leaks. If they’re all intact, your fridge is leaking, but the good news, it’s not a big puddle on the floor. Simply wipe up the water with a towel to clean it up and take a look at your defrost drain. This is almost always the cause of a leak on the inside a refrigerator with the freezer on top. A quick rinse with hot water should take care of it in no time at all.
For the most part, a leak coming from your refrigerator is a fairly minor issue. Sometimes, you can take care of it yourself, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Feel free to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to come out and help “wipe up” the mess your refrigerator leaking water caused.
