If you’ve gone to get something out of your fridge and stepped into something wet, your first thought may be that someone accidentally spilled something or that some ice fell and melted. However, if your refrigerator is leaking water, this is an issue that you’ll want to resolve sooner rather than later. This is because not only is the leaking water annoying, but it can also end up causing mold growth and structural damage to your home.
There are several potential reasons why your refrigerator is leaking water. In some cases, you’ll likely be able to resolve the issue yourself, while in others, you may need to call in a qualified technician. Here are some of the reasons why your fridge could be leaking water and what you can do about them.
#1. It Isn’t Tilted Properly
Your refrigerator isn’t meant to be perfectly level. This is because in order to keep the coolant running properly, it needs a slight tilt backward. This tilt is also what can cause your refrigerator doors to swing shut on their own. If you’ve recently purchased or moved your refrigerator, you’ll want to ensure that it’s tilted properly. That way, the coolant can flow and it can drain correctly.
You can check the tilt of your fridge by placing a level on top of it, perpendicular to the doors. The bubble should move slightly back. If it doesn’t, you can adjust the front legs in order to give your fridge the slight tilt it needs.
#2. The Defrost Drain Is Blocked
If your refrigerator is leaking water, this is often caused by blocked defrost drains. Your defrost drain is the opening in your freezer that lets humid air escape. This can get blocked by debris or food particles, which can be why your refrigerator is leaking water, as the condenser coils work double time in an effort to remove air through the blockage.
You can check this by locating your defrost drain and removing any food particles or debris covering it. If your refrigerator is leaking water still, you’ll want to empty your freezer, unplug the fridge, and remove the drain’s cap. Then, you’ll want to use a turkey baster and drip warm water into the drain. Water should come out of it; if it doesn’t, this means it is still blocked. In that case, you may need to check the drain line for clogs. You can clear out clogs with a pipe cleaner or bottle brush.
#3. Your Drain Pan Is Damaged
Another potential reason why your refrigerator is leaking water is because its drain pan is damaged. It’s normal for a fridge to leak a bit of water, but the leakage should collect in a drain pan. This pan allows the water to evaporate so that it does not get on your floor and form puddles. If your drain pan is damaged, this can cause your fridge to leak, as it can no longer collect the water and prevent this.
You can check your drain pan by removing the kick plate or grille from the front of your fridge. You’ll want to check the pan for any damages. If it is damaged, you can either visit your manufacturer’s website or go to your local hardware store in order to obtain a replacement.
#4. The Water Supply Line Is Frozen
If you have an ice maker and/or a water dispenser, a frozen water supply line could be why your refrigerator is leaking water. This can get clogged or frozen, leading to leaks.
You can check your water supply line by pulling the fridge away from the wall and unplugging it. You’ll then locate your water supply line and look for any leaks around connection points. If they are loose, you can tighten them. If they are not, but your refrigerator is leaking water, this could mean that you need to replace the water supply line. You may need to contact a plumber in order to help you do this, as you would need to turn off the water supply line and remove it. If done incorrectly, you could end up causing some serious damage.
Is Your Refrigerator Leaking Water?
If none of the above fixes worked for you, you may need to contact a professional. VanderDoes offers professional refrigerator repair. If your refrigerator is leaking water, we can diagnose the issue and either repair it or advise you if your fridge needs replacement. Contact us today to learn more about our refrigerator repair services.