If your refrigerator is leaking water, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong. Broken parts, badly installed components, poor climatic conditions, and other factors may all contribute to a leaky refrigerator. Even if your refrigerator appears to be working well, a minor leak can cause thousands of dollars in water damage if left untreated.
We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of refrigerator water leaks, as well as strategies for resolving the issue.
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Common Causes for Refrigerator Leakage and Their Solution
Blocked condensate drain
A clogged condensate drain, whether caused by food, ice, dust, or something else, might cause your refrigerator to leak water in unexpected locations. The condensate drain is critical for eliminating condensate from the refrigerator, which forms during the cooling process.
Frost accumulation may result from leaks or an overabundance of condensate inside the refrigerator if the condensate drain is unable to remove the condensation.
Solution
- Use these procedures to unclog a condensate drain:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Find the drain for condensate. Check under the evaporator coil or behind the produce drawers. It might be simpler to reach some refrigerators through the back, though doing so will probably need you to take off one or two panels.
- Extend the drain line.
- You might have to unplug the refrigerator until the ice melts if the obstruction is the result of ice accumulation. Pouring warm water over the condensate drain opening will speed up the process.
- Pour the drain pan out.
- Until the obstruction is removed, repeat each step.
Buildup of Frost
In order to prevent significant buildup, a refrigerator is made to periodically defrost itself, routinely clearing away any small accumulation of frost. However, frost accumulation may result from the refrigerator skipping or shortening its defrost cycle due to a malfunctioning or broken part.
Simply opening the refrigerator too frequently or leaving it open for long periods of time might also contribute to this. Water leaks in multiple locations and poor refrigerator performance might result from frost accumulation.
Solution
- Use these procedures to clear your refrigerator of frost accumulation:
- Start a forced defrost cycle (for further instructions, consult your refrigerator’s manual).
- Remove any perishables from the refrigerator and store them in a cooler or another refrigerator if a forced defrost cycle is unable to clear the frost accumulation.
- To absorb any melted ice, wrap a number of towels around the refrigerator’s base.
- Overnight, leave the refrigerator’s doors open and unplug it.
Broken Seal
Although a poor or damaged seal around a refrigerator door won’t immediately result in water leaking, it can let moisture and warm air into the refrigerator’s interior, which can lead to excessive condensation. This will result in leaks and frost accumulation since the refrigerator won’t be able to effectively drain the extra condensate.
Solution
Put a $1 bill in the opening and shut the door to test the seal on your refrigerator. It’s probably time for a new seal if the dollar bill slides out easily. Find the appropriate seal for your refrigerator by using its manufacturer and model number, then replace it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Unbalanced Refrigerator
Perfectly level ground is ideal for refrigerator operation. Condensation may spill onto your floor from unexpected places if it is too far off of level. Even though you might believe that your floor is level enough for your refrigerator, a small tilt might lead to major issues.
Solution
- The following procedures must be followed in order to level your refrigerator:
- Determine which corner (or corners) of the refrigerator are low by placing a level on top of it.
- Until the level reads level, have a volunteer push the refrigerator’s top to raise the low side.
- On the low side, unscrew the leveling feet until they make contact with the ground.
- To make sure the refrigerator is balanced, check the level again and make any required adjustments.
The water dispenser is broken
A refrigerator water dispenser can result in a leaky refrigerator, despite its convenience. The most likely causes are either a damaged switch or trapped air, though the exact causes may vary.
Solution
- Use these procedures to fix your faulty refrigerator water dispenser:
- For a day or two, turn on the refrigerator and leave it running.
- To make sure there is no air trapped in the line, dispense two to three gallons of water from the dispenser.
- Check to see if the water dispenser leak is still occurring in the refrigerator.
- After trying these fixes, get in touch with your manufacturer or an appliance repair provider if the issue persists.
High Humidity
A refrigerator working in a high-humidity environment might leak more than one functioning in a moderately humid climate. The warm, humid air will enter the refrigerator each time the door is opened. The refrigerator is made to drain and condense this moisture, but it may not be able to handle excessive humidity.
Solution
Unplug the refrigerator and empty the drain pan, which is often found on the back side near the bottom. Install a refrigerator desiccant or dehumidifier if you are unable to relocate the refrigerator to a dryer place.
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