Refrigerator Leaking? Let's Learn Why And How To Fix It

During spring, water puddles tend to form on driveways and around drain pipes as the snow and ice begin to thaw. Don't worry or put up with a refrigerator leaking, as it is a common issue that can be easily fixed and prevented. To prevent water damage to your kitchen floor due to a leaking fridge, utilize this expert problem-solving guide from Mr. Appliance for quick and effective solutions. Though you can probably solve this fridge triviality on your own, our Wichita appliance repair professionals are always available to suss out the problem and find the solution. If there is water puddling near your refrigerator currently, try using a tea towel to soak up some of the moisture before you begin troubleshooting the tips down below.

Learning Why And How To Fix A Leaking Refrigerator

To comprehend the reasons behind your refrigerator leaking, we need to gain knowledge about its various components. After all, you can't fix a machine without knowing which gears to grease or replace. The basic parts of a refrigerator are:

1. Compressor
2. Condenser Coils
3. Expansion Device
4. Evaporator Coils
5. Condenser Fan Motor
6. Thermostat

Our attention will be directed to refrigerator leaking, which can stem from a variety of issues in various components of the appliance. You won't need a ton of equipment, but if you have a turkey baster, a kettle to boil some hot water, a level, a wrench, and perhaps a flashlight, you should be set. Now, let's solve what darn water leak coming from your fridge!

Make Sure Your Fridge Is Level

Problem: If you have recently purchased a new refrigerator, moved it to clean behind it, or renovated your kitchen floors, there is a good chance that these actions caused a refrigerator leak. Refrigerators shouldn't be perfectly level—the front should be between a quarter-inch and half-inch higher than the back. This slight front-to-back tilt allows coolant to flow freely. When coolant, the liquid responsible for keeping the fridge cold, can't circulate easily, it may pool in the pipes and cause the fridge to work harder than necessary to pump it. This extra work creates additional condensation around the coils, which may result in puddles of water on the floor, resembling a leak from your fridge.

Solution: Make sure the level is perfectly positioned from left to right with a slight backward slope. If necessary, use a wrench to adjust the legs or rollers, aiming for a quarter-inch to half-inch higher in the back. Once the measurements are secure, carefully put the refrigerator back in place.

The Defrost Drain May Be Blocked

Problem: A clogged defrost drain can result from food particles, accumulated frozen foods, or ice, leading to excessive moisture in your fridge that causes a refrigerator leak. Typically, the drain is located at the back of the freezer. Obstructions can also lead to condensation on the coils and water dripping onto the floor. Clearing the drain should effectively resolve the leakage issue.

Solution: Check the freezer and ensure that there are no obstructions in the defrost drain located along the back wall. If something is blocking it, play Tetris in your freezer, so the air can flow freely. To effectively address recurring puddles, take out the plastic cover from the drain hole and utilize that turkey baster to carefully dispense warm water into the defrost drain. This should stop the leak.

The Water Supply Line Could Be Causing Trouble

Problem: Refrigerators with water dispensers are truly sought after. There's nothing quite like the convenience of having ice-cold water at your fingertips. However, the water line is extremely notorious for causing refrigerator leaks. If you discover that water is leaking from the back of your fridge, the cause could be a loose or damaged water line. In addition, you might observe a decrease in the amount of ice being produced or experience issues with water flow.

Solution: Examine the water line and the connected valve located behind the refrigerator for any signs of leaks. If a leak is detected at the shutoff valve, attempt to tighten the connection. Should the plastic hose be found pinched or leaking, carefully remove the damaged section or, if necessary, replace the entire hose.

The Drain Pan Could Be Damaged Or Cracked

Problem: If you continue to notice water leaking from the bottom of your fridge, there is another important factor to consider that could be leading to refrigerator leaking. Take a moment to inspect the plastic drain pan located underneath your fridge. It is common for there to be a slight accumulation of water inside the pan, which will naturally evaporate over time thanks to the adjacent condenser fan.

Solution: If you suspect your drain pan may be damaged, it's essential to follow the steps outlined in the appliance manual to remove the bottom panel of the fridge. Behind this panel, the drain pan will be located. Upon inspection, should you identify any cracks or signs of damage, immediate replacement of the pan will be required.

Note: Refrigerator models with a side-by-side design and an automatic defrost system are equipped with a drain tube that channels water produced during the defrost cycle to a fixed drain pan beneath the refrigerator. However, it is not uncommon for the defrost drain hose to become obstructed. One telltale sign of a clogged drain in a side-by-side fridge is the presence of ice buildup under the bottom basket in the freezer compartment.

Problems With The Ice Maker

Problem:

There are two potential reasons why your refrigerator's ice maker might be causing refrigerator leaking issues. Firstly, the inlet tube to the ice dispenser can become blocked, leading to leakage issues. Second, it could also be the water inlet valve that supplies water to the ice maker.

Solution: First: Before you remove the ice maker, make sure to unplug your appliance first. Afterwards, carefully inspect for any ice pieces that may be stuck in it. If you find any trapped ice, consider using a hairdryer to gently melt it so that the water can drain from the tube. Second: Once you have turned off the water at the saddle valve and disconnected the supply tube, hold it over a bucket and ask someone to turn off the saddle valve. If water is flowing freely, you will need to tighten the compression nuts at the inlet valve or replace it. If there is leaking in the tube, it will need to be replaced. An appliance expert can accurately diagnose any water leak issues with the inlet valve or tube.

Still Can't Fix That Leaking Refrigerator? Let Mr. Appliance of Wichita Check It Out!

Discovering a leak in your refrigerator can swiftly escalate into an exasperating predicament. The inability to promptly identify the root cause can give rise to feelings of apprehension and distress. You begin to have nightmares about your house flooding, your brand-new hardwood becoming destroyed, and worst of all, having to buy an entirely new fridge. Before the panic settles in, reach out to Mr. Appliance of Wichita to come and check out the leaking issue. Our experts are highly skilled in addressing this refrigerator issue and are likely to have a solution right away. Contact Mr. Appliance's friendly customer service team today to check out your leaky refrigerator today!