If your refrigerator leaks water this can be so messy and would cost you a couple of dollars to fix but you can easily fix it yourself when you know the cause with the right equipment in place.
Why is my refrigerator leaking water?! Well, that was the first question I asked myself when I faced the same issue, just like you are also asking yourself. Well, I made some research that helped me tackle this issue and I’m sure it would be useful for you as well.
The reason why your refrigerator leaking water includes a clogged water supply line, unlevelled refrigerator, damaged drain pan, blocked defrost drain, clogged ice maker, faulty evaporator fans, and cracked or broken door seal.
In this article, we would briefly discuss how to fix the issue of your refrigerator leaking water.
Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water
There are several reasons why your refrigerator is leaking water and they include the following:
- Clogged water supply Line.
- Unlevelled refrigerator.
- Damaged drain pan.
- Blocked defrost drain.
- Clogged ice maker.
- Faulty evaporator fans
- Cracked or broken door seal.
How to Fix Refrigerator Leaking Water
Since we listed why your refrigerator leaks water, then we can go ahead to provide possible solutions to this problem.
Recommended: How to Fix Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice
Check Water Supply Line
A blocked water supply line or inlet valves can lead to your refrigerator leaking water. You can locate the drain line at the back of your refrigerator under a large access panel or on a bottom freezer model. You should check your owner’s manual to get the exact position.
- Unplug your refrigerator.
- Shift your fridge away from the wall.
- Remove the bottom back panel in your refrigerator.
- Now search for the plastic hose that connects your ice maker and water filter.
- Properly clean the water supply line also if there are holes in the hose it should be replaced.
Check the Level of Your Refrigerator
Water can drain out of the drain pan if the refrigerator is not leveled. If it is tilted, you can level your refrigerator by ensuring it is leveled from side to side. You can also level your refrigerator by raising or lowering the adjustment screws.
How to Level Your Refrigerator
- Remove the grill at the bottom front of your refrigerator. You should consult your user manual on how to remove the grill as it may vary depending on the model.
- You should see one height-adjustable leg or height-adjustable rollers on either side.
- Rotate the legs to adjust the height of the threaded leveling legs. You would need assistance to lean the refrigerator back so you can easily access the bottom part. You can adjust the leveling legs using a wrench.
- For refrigerators with height adjustable rollers, search for an adjustment screw near the top of the roller. Use a screwdriver to fasten the screw.
- If your refrigerator has rollers and leveling legs, ensure you raise the legs so they can handle the pressure of the refrigerator, then lift the rollers off the floor. Shift the refrigerator out from the wall so you can raise the back leveling legs too.
Check Drain Pan
The drain pan collects water flowing out of your refrigerator through the drain hose. The drain pan also collects water that drips off the condenser coils. The water tray is found under the refrigerator and the water collected evaporates into the air by the heat generated by the compressor motor and coils.
If the drain pan is leaking or filled up, you should remove the access panel on the bottom back of the refrigerator to reach the tray if it is not visible from the back. Ensure the drain pan is not out of position and if not reposition or replace the tray.
Check Defrost Drain
The defrost drain is located at the back of your refrigerator and can get blocked because of a stuffed freezer. In a self-defrosting refrigerator, this tube carries water that is being produced during the defrost cycle to the drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator.
When the tube gets blocked, the coils start working harder and that would lead to condensation build-up. That condensation would fall to the floor and form a puddle of water. Rearrange your freezer to remove anything blocking the defrost drain and also flush the drain tube with warm water to clear any clogs.
Follow the steps below to fix these issues:
- Disconnect your refrigerator from the power outlet.
- Slide your refrigerator away from the wall to access the back.
- Remove all items from the freezer.
- Locate the defrost drain tube in your refrigerator. You should refer to the owner manual for accuracy depending on your appliance model.
- Check for ice or particles that may have clogged the drain. Then use a hair dryer on a low setting or a heat gun to melt any ice.
- Insert a screwdriver or a small-length flexible tubing into the drain tube to clear any remaining obstructions.
- Thoroughly clean the drain using a turkey baster filled with a mixture of hot water and bleach.
Inspect Ice Maker
The inlet tube that goes to the ice maker can get clogged and this will lead to your refrigerator leaking water. Unplug your refrigerator from a power outlet. Carefully inspect the ice maker, use a screwdriver to unbolt the screws, and unplug the wiring harness. Melt any ice in the inlet tube till water stops dripping from the tube.
Inlet Valve
The inlet valve can be found at the back of your fridge and it controls the flow of water to the ice maker. To check the inlet valve, first, turn the water off at the saddle valve from under the refrigerator and disconnect the supply tube.
Here you would need a little support, have someone turn on the saddle valve as you hold the tube over a bucket. If water flows from the tube, then the inlet valve is shot.
If there is a leak in the inlet valve, tighten the compression nuts. If this doesn’t fix the issue then you should try to replace the tube.
To replace the inlet valve:
- Unscrew the cover panel.
Loosen the screws that hold the valve. - Unplug the wiring.
- Loosen the nuts that connect the water lines.
- Then fix the new valve, tighten back the nuts connecting to the water lines, fix the wiring, and fasten the screws holding the valves and cover panel.
Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor blows air through the evaporator coils to remove heat from the circulating air. It is responsible for distributing cooled air to the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
If the evaporator fan motor is faulty this will lead to increased temperature within the refrigerator and the inner compartment would start to sweat. Whenever the evaporator fan gets faulty, condensation starts building on the coils and starts dripping water on the ground.
Door Seals
If the door of your refrigerator is not properly sealed this can lead to your refrigerator leaking water when your refrigerator reaches melting temperatures. Check for cracks and tears in your door gaskets and seals. If you found cracks and tears, then you need to replace the door gasket of your refrigerator.
Refrigerator Leaking Water Inside
When your refrigerator is leaking water inside this is known as condensation. Here your refrigerator sweats or leaks water within the inner compartment.
Here are possible solutions to this issue below:
Check Ambient Temperature
The outside temperature around your refrigerator can affect its working operation. Ensure you do not place your refrigerator in a hot environment or under the sunlight.
Check the Door seals for Gaps, Cracks, or Tears
If the door of your refrigerator is not properly closed this can affect its operation and cause sweating within. Ensure there are no gaps, cracks, or tears on the door, and adjust the door to make sure it is properly inclined. If the door is faulty it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Check Temperature Setting
Check the settings of your refrigerator and ensure it is not set too low than the required temperature. The recommended temperature for a refrigerator is between 4 °C – 5 °C while for a freezer is-18 °C.
Evaporator Fan Motor
When the evaporator fan gets damaged condensation starts building on the coils and will lead to increased temperature within the refrigerator’s inner compartment.
In conclusion, ensure you discover the source of this problem to save yourself some money. But if you don’t have technical experience in fixing home appliances you should contact an expert.