A puddle of water in front of your refrigerator is never a fun discovery. Sometimes the answer isn’t always that easy to find, but here are the five most common causes of a leaking fridge and how to fix them:
Blocked Defrost Drain: If your fridge is leaking water, take a look at the defrost drain hose. This tube might be located underneath the freezer compartment, below the produce bin or behind the unit. Food particles and other debris can clog the drain hose, resulting in a blockage that can cause melted condensation to leak on the floor.
Fix: Grab a turkey baster and flush the drain hole inside of the fridge with a bit of warm water. If the clog doesn’t budge, try forcing it through with a pipe cleaner or coat hanger. Next, locate the defrost drain hose and clean the attached drain valve with soap and water. If the drain/drain hose was the problem, once you remove any blockages and dirt, your fridge should stop leaking.
Cracked Drain Pan: Underneath your refrigerator is a drain pan that collects any condensate water from the evaporator fins. Normally, the water in the drain pan evaporates and there isn’t a need to empty it. However, if there is a crack, dent or split in the pan, collected water may leak on the kitchen floor.
Fix: Sometimes, a refrigerator leaking water is a very easy fix. Simply pull out the drain pan and inspect it for cracks. If you notice damage, replace it. You can find a new pan from your local hardware store.
Water Line Leak: Refrigerators with water lines are extremely popular because of their convenience. However, if your fridge starts leaking near the rear, a loose or damaged water line may be the culprit. You may also notice a decrease in ice production or water-flow issues.
Fix: Inspect the water line and the connected valve behind the refrigerator for leaks. If you find a leak at the valve, try tightening the connection. If the hose is pinched or leaking, trim away the damaged section of hose or replace the whole hose.
High Humidity: Exceptionally humid climates can cause refrigerator leaks. As humidity in the air mixes with your refrigerator’s cold temperatures, condensation forms and fills the drain pan quicker than usual. When the pan overflows, you’ll see a puddle on the floor.
Fix: Manually empty the drain pain on humid days to avoid leaking. If high humidity is a regular occurrence, consider installing a dehumidifier in the kitchen.
Open Fridge Door: Keeping your fridge door open for too long makes the refrigerator work overtime to cool, and you’ll end up stepping in a big puddle of condensation.
Fix: Close the refrigerator door! If the problem persists, clean the rubber seals on the doors with soap and water. Lubricate the seal with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This fix should ensure an airtight seal.
If none of these solutions fix the problem, give us a call at 1-800-989-0299! We’re available 24/7 for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.