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

The refrigerator is an essential component of any busy kitchen, so when a refrigerator leaks water, the cause must be identified and dealt with quickly. A leaking fridge doesn't affect only the functionality of the appliance; it can also damage the floor and contribute to mold growth.

Use this guide to find out why your refrigerator is leaking water and how to fix the problem.

Common Reasons for a Leaking Fridge

A leaking fridge is often the result of another problem with the appliance, such as a blocked defrost drain hose or a cracked drain pan. Learn to identify and fix these problems to stop the fridge from leaking.

1. Blocked Defrost Drain Hose

If the refrigerator seems to be leaking water, it may be due to a blocked defrost drain hose, which is located underneath the freezer compartment, below the produce drawer, or behind the fridge. Sometimes, food and other debris enter the drain hose, causing a blockage. When this occurs, the condensation cannot run through the drain, so it backs up and drains onto the floor.

Fix this problem by forcing water through the drain hole using a turkey baster to flush out the debris or using a pipe cleaner to remove the clog. After clearing the clog, clean the drain hose and attached drain valve with soap and water.

2. Cracked Drain Pan

The drain pan is located underneath the refrigerator, where it collects condensation that drips down from the evaporator fins. Usually, the water in the drain pan evaporates, so there is never a need to empty it. However, if the drain pan has a crack or split, the water can seep out onto the kitchen floor.

A drain pan is relatively inexpensive, so the best option to fix this problem is to remove the existing drain pan and inspect it for damage. If the drain pan is cracked or otherwise damaged, replace it with a new one compatible with the refrigerator.

3. Leaking Water Line

Not all refrigerators have water lines, so if your fridge doesn't have water on-demand or a built-in ice maker, a leaking water line isn't the problem. However, for those who have a refrigerator with a water line, the leak could be caused by a cracked water line or a loose valve connection.

Inspect the water line and the inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator. If the valve is leaking, try tightening the connection; if this doesn't work, you may need to replace the valve. The water line running to the fridge could be pinched or cracked, causing water to leak onto the floor. The best way to fix this issue is to trim away the damaged section of the hose and then reconnect it to the valve or replace the entire hose.

4. Loose or Worn-Out Water Filter Connection

In some cases, the filter causes a refrigerator leak. While not every fridge has a filter, many new models have built-in filters that need to be replaced when they wear out. If the filter is loose or in poor condition, water may leak out of the filter and run onto the floor, causing a growing puddle under the fridge.

If you suspect the filter is the problem, remove and reinstall it. This may fix the problem if the filter was loose or improperly installed. However, if the issue continues, you need to replace the filter. Purchase the correct filter according to the manufacturer's directions.

5. Increased Condensation Accumulation

The drip pan is designed to collect any condensation that forms on the evaporator fins. Typically, the drip pan doesn't need to be emptied because the water evaporates. However, if the fridge door is left open or the humidity in the home is very high, it can increase the condensation accumulation, leading to the drip pan overflowing onto the floor.

This problem is relatively easy to resolve. If the fridge door is open, close it to reduce the strain on the appliance and decrease the amount of condensation forming on the evaporator fins. Next, set up a dehumidifier in the kitchen or commit to manually emptying the drain pan on humid days to avoid leaks.

Refrigerator Maintenance Tips

One of the best ways to avoid problems with a refrigerator is to set up and stick to a maintenance schedule. Refrigerator maintenance isn't involved, so these tasks shouldn't take much time.

Inspect the Door Seals

When the refrigerator door doesn't close properly, the appliance must work harder to keep the contents cool. This can cause the fridge to overheat, leading to premature wear on the appliance. Additionally, the heat can cause increased condensation accumulation, which may overflow the drip pan and leak onto the floor.

Checking the door seals takes just a few seconds. You can do it any time that you open the door. Make sure the seals are tight and free of any debris. If the seals look dirty, use a sponge or brush to scrub the seals clean. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to break down any grime.

Clean the Coils

The condenser coils are a key component of the refrigerator. A condenser is designed to cool the refrigerant and expel heat from the refrigerator compartment until the air inside the appliance is at the set temperature. The coils help to disperse the heat released from the fridge, but if they are covered in dirt, dust, and other debris, then the refrigerator cannot run as efficiently.

Clean the coils twice a year to ensure the ongoing functionality of the refrigerator. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the coils. Also, while the fridge is pulled out, inspect the water line, valve, and drain hose for any concerns.

Scrub the Refrigerator Interior

Keeping the fridge clean should be one of the most important aspects of its maintenance. If the inside of the appliance is coated in spilled drinks, loose food, and other debris, there is a high chance that mold, mildew, and bacteria will form and spread. These contaminants can get into new food products, causing them to spoil. If bacterial growth goes unnoticed, it can also cause harm to anyone who eats the contaminated food.

Don't let old spills linger. Clean the interior of the refrigerator monthly and clean up any spills or loose food as soon as you notice them to eliminate odors.

Keep the Refrigerator Filled

Refrigerators work best when most of the space inside is filled. The thermal mass of the items inside the fridge helps to maintain the low temperatures that are necessary to keep the contents cool. This means that an empty fridge needs to work harder than one full of food. However, if it is so full that the vents are blocked, then the cooling efficiency of the appliance is reduced, and the fridge can overheat.

For small households of just one or two people, it may not be cost-effective to purchase enough food to fill a fridge. Instead, you can fill the empty part of the fridge with bottles of water to help with the thermal mass. The cold contents of the refrigerator will help keep the appliance cool, reducing the operating time of the condenser and extending the life of the fridge.