Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water? How to Fix It ASAP

If your refrigerator is leaking water, it’s a telltale sign that something is wrong. A leaky refrigerator could be a result of broken parts, improperly installed components, poor environmental conditions, and more. Even if your refrigerator seems to be functioning properly, a small leak can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage if left unattended.

Below, we’ve listed the most common issues that cause a refrigerator to leak water and provided steps for repairing the problem.

Blocked Condensate Drain

Whether it be from food, ice, dust, or something else, a blocked condensate drain can leave your refrigerator spilling water into many unintended places. The condensate drain is crucial for removing the condensate from the refrigerator, which is created during the cooling process.

If the refrigerator is unable to remove the condensation via the condensate drain, it will cause leaks or excess condensate inside the refrigerator, which can lead to frost buildup.

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Solution

To clear a blocked condensate drain, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the condensate drain. Look behind the produce drawers or beneath the evaporator coil. On some refrigerators, it may be easier to access via the back of the refrigerator, which will likely require you to remove a panel or two.
3. Snake out the drain line.
4. If the clog is caused by ice buildup, you may need to leave the refrigerator unplugged until the ice melts. You can expedite the process by pouring warm water into the top of the condensate drain opening.
5. Empty the drain pan.
6. Repeat all steps until the clog is clear.

Frost Buildup

A refrigerator is designed to occasionally defrost itself, regularly removing any minor frost buildup to avoid major buildup. However, sometimes a faulty or broken component can cause the refrigerator to skip or shorten its defrost cycle, leading to frost buildup.

This can also be caused by simply opening the refrigerator too often or leaving it open for extended periods. Frost buildup can cause your refrigerator to operate poorly and lead to water leakage in various places.

Solution

To remove frost buildup from your refrigerator, follow these steps:

1. Run a forced defrost cycle (check your refrigerator’s manual for specific steps).
2. If a forced defrost cycle doesn’t remove the frost buildup, remove all perishable items from the fridge and place them in a second refrigerator or a cooler.
3. Put several towels around the base of the refrigerator to absorb any ice melt.
4. Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open overnight.

Broken Seal

A poor or broken seal around a refrigerator door isn’t going to directly cause water to leak, but it can allow warm air and moisture into the refrigerator’s interior, causing excess condensation. If this is the case, the refrigerator won’t be able to remove the excess condensate efficiently, which will lead to leaks and frost buildup.

Solution

To check the quality of your refrigerator’s seal, place a dollar bill within the gap and close the door. If you can effortlessly slide out the dollar bill, it’s likely time for a new seal. Use your manufacturer and model number to identify the correct seal for your refrigerator, then replace the seal according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Unbalanced Fridge

Refrigerators are designed to operate on perfectly level ground. If too far out of level, condensation may leak into unintended areas and end up on your floor. While you may think your floor is level enough for your refrigerator, all it takes is a slight lean to cause serious refrigerator problems.

Solution

To balance your refrigerator, you must level it by following these steps:

1. Place a level on top of the refrigerator and use it to determine which corner (or corners) is low.
2. Have a helper push the top of the refrigerator to lift up the low side until the level reads level.
3. Unscrew the leveling feet on the low side until it touches the floor.
4. Check the level once more to ensure the refrigerator is balanced, then adjust as necessary.

Broken Water Dispenser

While convenient, a refrigerator water dispenser can cause a leaky refrigerator. The specific reasons may differ, but the most likely causes are trapped air or a broken switch.

Solution

To fix your broken refrigerator water dispenser follow these steps:

1. Turn the refrigerator on and let it run for a day or two.
2. Dispense two to three gallons of water from the dispenser to ensure no air is trapped in the line.
3. Monitor the refrigerator to see if the water dispenser is still leaking.
4. If the problem continues after these steps, contact your manufacturer or an appliance repair service.

High Humidity

A refrigerator that’s operating inside a high-humidity environment may have more issues with leaking than one in moderate humidity. Every time you open the refrigerator door, the warm, humid air will enter the fridge. While the refrigerator is designed to condense and drain this humidity, too much humidity can be hard for the appliance to keep up with.

Solution

Unplug the refrigerator and empty the drain pan this is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator on the backside. If you can’t move the refrigerator to a dryer area, install a dehumidifier or refrigerator desiccant.

Cracked Drain Pan

Refrigerators regularly drain condensation into the drain pan. This small amount of water evaporates before more enters the pan. If the pan becomes clogged, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it can overflow or leak, causing a mess on the floor.

Solution

To check and possibly replace your drain pan, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel (if necessary).
3. Remove and empty the drain pan.
4. Clean and inspect the drain pan.
5. Reinstall the drain pan or replace it if it’s damaged.
6. Reinstall the back panel and restore the fridge’s power.

Defective Water Inlet Valve

A refrigerator’s water inlet valve tells water where to go and when to go there. A defective water inlet valve may allow water to flow when not intended or send water places it shouldn’t go. Plus, because these water inlet valves are typically made of plastic, they can crack and leak water from the housing, threads, or other areas.

Solution

To check your water inlet valve, follow these steps:

1. Unplug your refrigerator.
2. Remove the pack metal or cardboard panel.
3. Locate the water inlet valve by tracing the water line.
4. Inspect the water inlet valve for obvious leakage.
5. Contact an appliance repair professional for further diagnosis or replacement of the water inlet valve.

Damaged Water Line

If your refrigerator has an ice maker or a water dispenser, it has a water supply line. Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, you can either have a straightforward water line, such as one heading to a single ice maker, or a complex series of water lines with multiple connections.

Solution

There’s no set way to fix a damaged water line, as the underlying cause could vary. If you suspect your water line is leaking, it may be worth a call to an appliance repair professional for repair. Before doing so, you can inspect the water line yourself by following these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Inspect the water line for obvious damage or leaks.
3. Remove any metal or cardboard panels blocking access to the water line.
4. Inspect any connections to ensure they aren’t leaking.

How to Maintain a Refrigerator and Prevent Leaking

Instead of waiting for a problem, proper preventative maintenance can help ensure your refrigerator never leaks. Here are some easy ways to maintain your refrigerator and prevent future leaks.

Clean Your Refrigerator

Stay in the habit of keeping your refrigerator clean. Dirt and grime can build up along the doors and seals, preventing a good seal, which will lead to poor performance and leaks.

Check Your Drain Pan

Regularly checking your drain pan will help you catch leaks before they prove problematic. Look for cracks and buildup or dust and debris.

Check Your Condensate Drain

Keeping your condensate drain clear will help your refrigerator remove excess condensation efficiently, without funneling it into your floor.

Force Defrost Your Refrigerator

Performing a forced defrost cycle regularly will help your refrigerator melt frost buildup, helping it operate more efficiently and preventing leaks.