Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking? Top Reasons Why

Is your refrigerator leaking water? That's unfortunately a very common phenomenon for homeowners. Often, the cause is a clogged or dirty defrost drain. The drain is responsible for controlling the refrigerator's frost and condensation. But there are other potential causes that result in a refrigerator leaking. That's why our expert Carrollton appliance repair team has put together the most common reasons you have a leaking refrigerator.

It's also important to know the difference between a refrigerator leaking water and a refrigerator leaking refrigerant. In such a situation, the professionals at Mr. Appliance of Carrollton have the answers. So buckle up and let's begin investigating the main reasons why your refrigerator's leaking.

Common Reasons for a Leaking Refrigerator

The first step when you have a leaking refrigerator is to identify where the water leak is originating from. Maybe you have a pool of water underneath one of the produce drawers. Or it could be dripping from the ceiling of your fridge. The first step should always be to unplug your fridge. This is for your own safety because water and electricity don't mix. Once that's done, you can properly inspect your fridge to try and locate why you've got a leaking refrigerator.

Clogged Condensation Drain

You can typically find the condensation drain either above your fridge's produce drawers or in the freezer compartment. Typically, clogs are caused by a buildup of debris, food particles, or ice. The best way to avoid clogged drains that result in your refrigerator leaking is to regularly clean and clear out your refrigerator.

You can take a few steps to try and resolve your refrigerator leaking if it's caused by the defrost drain. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug your refrigerator and empty out the drain pan if needed.
2. Once you've located the condensation drain, you can use a drain snake to clear the drain of any debris buildup.
3. If the problem is ice buildup, pour a mixture of warm water and vinegar into the drain to melt and clear out the ice.
4. Empty the pan again.
5. Repeat the above steps until your clogged defrost drain is clear.
6. Once you've cleaned out the drain hole, you can clean and reinstall the drain pan.

A Frozen Water Supply Line

Wondering why you have a refrigerator leaking? Then you might want to check your water dispenser. If it isn't producing ice, then you want to check the supply tube for your water supply. You might have a leaky water supply line or the inlet valve is clogged or frozen over. Depending on the problem, you might need professional Carrollton appliance repair specialists to help resolve the issue, especially if it involves coolant.

Typically, a refrigerator leaking because of this means it's time for appliance repair services, which might involve potentially costly refrigerator repairs. You might need to have your fridge professionally cleaned out. But if there's a problem with the coolant, you're going to need an appliance repair specialist to resolve the problem.

If you have a leaking refrigerator, there are some steps you can take to check if you have a frozen water supply line or if there's a problem with the water inlet valve. Follow the steps below for the issue of a refrigerator leaking:

1. Check to see if the water line is frozen or if an inlet valve is clogged with ice.
2. Defrost your refrigerator following the instructions in your appliance manual.
3. Turn down your refrigerator's temperature setting. You still want to maintain an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
4. If you're still having problems with a leaking refrigerator, then it's time to book an appointment with a professional appliance repairman to get to the bottom of your refrigerator leaking.

Broken Seal

You want to know that your refrigerator's gasket has an airtight seal. Otherwise, you might have problems with excess moisture and condensation within your refrigerator that can result in your refrigerator leaking. If you're experiencing water leaking onto your kitchen floor, there might be a problem with the seal, meaning you've got a problem with your refrigerator leaking.

You can check to see if the seal is the problem with a piece of paper. Close your refrigerator's door on the paper and see if you can pull it out. If it comes out, then you've got a problem with the seal. Dealing with refrigerator leaks is frustrating, but you can easily solve this problem by replacing your gasket seal. Check the appliance manual or contact your refrigerator's manufacturer to ensure you're buying the right seal.

However, if this doesn't solve the problem of your refrigerator leaking, then you're going to need to make the call for an appliance repair from a professional. Leaky refrigerators are a serious problem and if there's excess water in your fridge, it can cause problems like fridge leaks and frost build-ups.

Broken Water Dispenser

These are convenient but not all refrigerators are equipped with one. If yours is, then you need to check for signs of damage. Water dispensers often leak because there's air trapped within the water line or if a leak has popped within the line itself. If you don't notice any signs of damage, then you might want to call a professional to come in for a repair and properly diagnose why you have a leaking refrigerator.

There are, however, steps that you can take to try and remedy the situation. Follow the steps below:

1. Let your refrigerator run as normal for an entire 24 hours.
2. Use the water dispenser to dispense a few gallons of water.
3. If you're noticing a leak, then you should take the time to check the water filter inside your refrigerator and change it if necessary.
4. If your leaking refrigerator continues, then it's time to make the call for an appliance repair to get to the bottom of the problem.

Need Help With Your Refrigerator Leaking? Turn to the Professionals at Mr. Appliance of Carrollton

Refrigerator leaking? It's a serious problem that can lead to costly water damage if you don't find the cause. If you're struggling and looking for answers to the question "Why is my refrigerator leaking" then Mr. Appliance of Carrollton might be the answer. We can help with a wide range of refrigerator models and determine why your refrigerator is leaking.

Whether you’re in Carrollton or the neighboring cities of Farmers Branch or Coppell, give us a call or contact us today to get started!