Quick answer: If your refrigerator is leaking water, check for common issues like a blocked condensation drain, frozen water lines, or frost buildup. Identifying the source of the leak helps determine the solution, which may involve defrosting, cleaning, or professional refrigerator repair.
A refrigerator leaking water is an unfortunate but not uncommon event. and can be caused by several different things, including a freezer leaking into a fridge. A dirty defrost drain is also a common culprit because this component controls frost and condensation.
However, there are several other potential causes of a fridge leak, and it’s important to identify the signs and understand what to do about a refrigerant leak.
Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?
The first step to solving the issue is identifying where the water is coming from. Is it dripping from the fridge ceiling? Is it pooling under the produce drawer? Unplug your fridge for safety, check various areas to see if you can identify the source of the leak. Depending on where the water is coming from, try the fixes listed below to solve the problem:
1. Blocked Condensation Drain
In most fridge models, The drain is located behind the back wall panel and not homeowner serviceable. A clog typically stems from a buildup of food, ice, dust, or other debris and can be the cause of water on the floor of the refrigerator or freezer or leaking out onto the floor.
Regularly cleaning your refrigerator can help prevent a clog, but even regular cleaning may not do the trick. You might need to contact your local Mr Appliance to fix this problem for you.
2. Frozen Water Supply Line
If your ice maker is working properly, your issue is probably elsewhere. However, if your ice maker is not making ice, check if the water supply line or valve is frozen. You may also need a professional ice machine repair service to resolve this issue, especially if it involves dealing with toxic coolant.
This issue usually occurs if your fridge needs a more involved repair. If it needs a major clean-out or there’s an issue with the coolant or another malfunction, the evaporator coils get too cold, freezing other parts of your fridge, including the supply line.
Solution:
- Look for a frozen water line.
- Defrost your fridge (see instructions below).
- Turn the temperature setting down (maintain an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less).
- If you’re still unsure why you’re having issues, contact a service professional to take a look.
3. Frost Buildup
There may be too much ice buildup inside your refrigerator, which means you’ll need to defrost it. If you’ve ruled out causes like a seal issue and opening the fridge too often or for too long, there may be another cause. If too much ice builds up in your refrigerator, it will limit its ability to maintain a consistent temperature. The FDA recommends keeping your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less for optimal food safety.
Solution:
- Fully defrost the refrigerator. Check out our detailed instructions on how to clean your fridge properly.
- Take everything out of your fridge and store it in another refrigerator (if you have one).
- If you don’t have a second refrigerator, place any perishable items in coolers with ice to keep them cold.
- Put down a towel to catch the water.
- Unplug the appliance for 8 to 12 hours.
- Keep a temperature sensor in your fridge to detect the proper temperature and adjust the settings as necessary to prevent future frost buildup.
4. Broken Seal
If your door gasket isn’t sealing properly, moisture may enter your fridge and cause excess condensation that pools in the fridge. In a freezer with a poor seal, you may notice frozen drips or extra freezer burn on your food and around the freezer’s interior.
Solution:
- Close the refrigerator door on a dollar bill or a piece of paper to see if you can easily pull it out. If you can, your refrigerator and/or freezer is not sealing properly, which means it’s probably time for a replacement.
- Buy the right seal for the make and model of your fridge. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer.
6. Broken Water Dispenser
Water dispensers may begin to leak after a recent installation or if damaged in any way. A refrigerator water dispenser leaking water is often caused by air trapped in the water line or if there’s a leak in the water line itself. Other issues, such as a broken dispenser switch, can also cause leaks, which can be fixed by a professional.
Solution:
- Let the refrigerator run for a full day.
- Dispense a couple of quarts of water.
- If the leak persists, check or replace the water filter in the refrigerator to ensure proper installation.
- If you continue to have issues, contact a service professional to investigate the problem.
7. Damaged Water Line
If your fridge has a water dispenser, it’s possible the water line is damaged, which may result in a water leak. You can also have a leaky water line if the valve is damaged or the line isn’t sealed properly. If your water bill is mysteriously high or other DIY fixes have failed, the issue could be with the water line.
Solution:
- Have an appliance expert check the water line for your refrigerator and replace the damaged line if necessary.
8. High Humidity
If your home has a high humidity level, some of this moisture will get into your fridge each time you open the refrigerator door and build up over time. This excess moisture will lower the internal temperature of your freezer and refrigerator and cause water to pool inside.
Solution:
- Unplug the fridge.
- Locate the drain pan behind the fridge. It may be behind a panel that you can remove with a screwdriver.
- Remove, empty, and clean the drain pan.
- Reinstall the drain pan and panel.
- Install a dehumidifier or refrigerator desiccant if needed.
9. Damaged Drain Pan
The drain pan holds small amounts of water until it can evaporate, but if the pan is damaged, rusted, or clogged with food and dirt, the water may drip onto the floor, which means you’ll have to clean or replace the pan.
Solution:
- Unplug the fridge.
- Locate the drain pan behind the fridge. It may be behind a panel that you can remove with a screwdriver.
- Remove, empty, and clean the drain pan.
- Inspect the drain pan for cracks or leaks.
- If needed, contact a professional to replace the pan.
- If the pan is intact, reinstall it and put the panel back in place.
Why Is the Freezer Leaking Water?
The culprit behind a freezer leaking water may not be in the fridge at all. If the freezer is leaking, the possible causes are very similar to refrigerator leaks:
- Broken drip tray
- Clogged water line
- Improper seal
- Blocked defrost drain
- Humid environment
- Damaged defroster
- Broken evaporation fan
If there’s excess ice in the appliance, you might need to defrost the freezer. If this doesn’t seem to work, you may be dealing with a faulty ice maker part, such as the temperature sensor or heating element. Replacing those parts is not a DIY project, so contact a professional for help.
Schedule Refrigerator Repair With Mr. Appliance
A leaky refrigerator is more than a nuisance to clean up — it can damage your floors or cause electrical shock if the water contacts electricity. If your refrigerator or freezer is leaking, schedule an appointment with your local Mr. Appliance experts to diagnose and fix the leak.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerator Leaking Water and Refrigerator Repair
Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about refrigerator leaks and repairs.
Why is my refrigerator leaking water?
If your refrigerator is leaking water, it could be due to several common issues, including a clogged defrost drain, a damaged door seal, or a malfunctioning water filter. To ensure a long-lasting solution, a trusted appliance repair professional can diagnose and fix the problem with expert refrigerator repair services.
How can I stop water from leaking from my fridge?
To stop water from leaking from your fridge, first inspect the door seal for any cracks or gaps. If the seal is intact, check the defrost drain for clogs or freezing. For models with water dispensers, your water supply line may be cracked, loose, or even disconnected. If the issue persists, or your suspect damage to internal components or the leak is coming from inside the walls or behind sealed panels, it’s time to call a trusted service professional.
What should I do if there’s water pooling inside my refrigerator?
Water pooling inside your refrigerator is often caused by a blocked defrost drain. This drain carries excess water away from the refrigerator during defrost cycles. If the drain is clogged, it can cause water to accumulate inside your fridge.
Can a clogged defrost drain cause a refrigerator to leak water?
Yes, a clogged defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leaking from a fridge. When the drain is obstructed, it prevents the water from draining during the defrost cycle, causing it to pool inside the refrigerator and eventually leak onto the floor.
Should I attempt to repair my refrigerator if it’s leaking water?
You can attempt to repair common refrigerator water leaks, including:
- Clear a clogged defrost drain
- Check and level the fridge if water is pooling
- Inspect and tighten water line connections
- Replace a cracked or overflowing drain pan
- Replace a clogged or old water filter (especially if your fridge has a dispenser or ice maker)
If these attempts fail or you’re uncomfortable performing any of these tasks, you can always turn to a trusted appliance professional to assess and repair your refrigerator.
How can I prevent my refrigerator from leaking water in the future?
Regular maintenance is key to preventing future leaks. Consider adding these steps to your seasonal home maintenance checklist:
- Replace water filters per manufacturer recommendation (usually every 6 months)
- Inspect the door seal for wear as you clean. Replace as needed
- Clean and unclog your defrost drain as needed
- Check the drain pan for overflow and cracks. Empty and replace as needed.
- Keep an eye on the ice maker & water line. Address mineral buildup, kinks, and leaks.
When should I call a professional for refrigerator repair?
If you're unable to resolve the water leak after checking common causes, it's time to call for professional refrigerator repair. An experienced service professional can address
- Water that is coming from the back near the compressor or electrical components
- Refrigerant leaks
- Damaged or leaking internal components (like valves or pumps)
- Complex issues with your ice maker or water dispenser systems
Trained technicians will quickly identify the problem and provide solutions, or suggest a replacement.