A leaking fridge can be a real headache for any homeowner. Not only can it damage your kitchen flooring, but it can also ruin your food and pose a safety hazard.
If you see water gathering within your fridge, you should fix the problem immediately. This article will explore the various causes of a fridge leaking water inside and provide several easy ways to correct the problem.
Whether you have a clogged drain or a malfunctioning water intake valve, this guide will help you diagnose the problem and get your fridge back up and running.
Why is your Fridge Leaking Water Inside?
A fridge may leak water inside due to various reasons. Some of the most common reasons for a fridge to leak water inside include the following:
1. Frozen or Clogged Defrost Drain
The defrost drain removes melted ice and frost from the freezer compartment. If it gets clogged or frozen, the water can overflow (as a result of excess water) and leak onto the fridge’s interior.
This can be caused by a buildup of food particles, debris, or ice and can be cleared by manually unclogging the defrost drain hose or using a hairdryer to melt the ice.
2. Faulty or Damaged Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls the water supply into the fridge’s ice maker and dispenser. If it’s not functioning correctly, it can cause water to leak inside the fridge. This can be caused by mineral buildup, age-related wear, and tear, or damage to the valve. It may require repair or replacement.
3. Damaged or Misaligned Door Gasket
The door gasket creates a seal around the fridge door, preventing warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.
If it’s damaged or misaligned, it can cause condensation inside the fridge, leading to water leakage. This can be caused by age-related wear and tear, physical damage, or improper cleaning. The gasket may need to be replaced.
4. Blocked or Misaligned Defrost Heater
The defrost heater melts frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils in the freezer compartment. If it’s blocked or misaligned, it can cause the ice to melt too quickly and overwhelm the defrost drain, leading to water leakage inside the fridge.
A frost or ice buildup, heater damage, or improper installation can cause this. The heater may need to be replaced or repositioned.
5. Cracked or Damaged Drain Pan
The drain pan collects defrosted water from the freezer compartment and channels it to the drain tube. If it’s cracked or damaged, it can cause water to leak out and onto the fridge’s interior.
This can be caused by age-related wear and tear, physical damage, or improper cleaning. The pan may need to be replaced.
6. Incorrect Leveling or Tilt
If the fridge isn’t level or tilted too far forward, it could lead to puddles of water at the bottom and leak out. This can be caused by improper installation, leveling, or adjusting the fridge’s feet. Changing the leveling of the fridge can help prevent this issue.
These are some of the most prevalent causes of a refrigerator leaking water inside. It’s essential to promptly identify and address the cause to prevent further damage to the appliance and surrounding area.
How to Stop Fridge From Leaking Water Inside
To fix a fridge that is leaking water inside, you can try the following steps:
1. Clean the Drain Hole
Over time, the drain hole in your fridge can become clogged with debris like food particles and dust. This can cause water to build up inside the fridge and leak out.
Locate the drain hole (typically at the back of the fridge) and use a pipe cleaner or tiny brush to remove any debris plugging it. You can also use warm water and vinegar to flush out the drain.
2. Replace the Water Filter.
A blocked or malfunctioning water filter in your fridge’s built-in water dispenser or ice maker might cause water to leak inside the fridge. To fix this, locate the water filter (usually found in the back of the fridge or the bottom front grille) and replace it with a new one.
3. Check the Defrost Drain.
If your fridge has a freezer compartment, a clogged defrost drain can cause water to accumulate and leak out of the fridge.
Unplug the fridge and remove the freezer compartment’s bottom panel to fix this. Melt any ice obstructing the defrost drain using a hairdryer or hot water, then sweep away any debris with a pipe cleaner or tiny brush.
4. Level the Fridge
When your fridge is not level, water may not flow correctly and could cause a refrigerator leak. To fix this, use a level to check if your fridge sits evenly on the floor. If not, adjust the front legs until the fridge is level.
5. Check the Door Seal.
If the door seal on your fridge is damaged or not sealing properly, warm air can enter the fridge and cause condensation, leading to water leaks. To fix this, inspect the door seal and replace it if it’s damaged. You can also try cleaning the seal with warm, soapy water and drying it thoroughly.
7. Clean the Condenser coils.
Dirty condenser coils can cause the fridge to work harder than it needs to, leading to excess condensation and water leaks.
To fix this, unplug the fridge and use a vacuum or soft-bristled brush to clean the coils. You may also use a coil cleaning brush and spray to clean the coils properly.
8. Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above remedies and your fridge still leaks water inside, it’s time to call in a professional. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix any underlying issues with your fridge that may be causing the leaks.
FAQs
Why is water dripping into my fridge from the freezer?
Water pouring into your refrigerator from the freezer is a typical problem that various circumstances can cause.
One of the main reasons is a clogged or frozen defrost drain. When the freezer defrosts cycle kicks in, it melts the frost buildup on the evaporator coils. The melted frost then flows down the defrost drain and into the drain pan, where it evaporates.
However, if the defrost drain is clogged or frozen, the water will accumulate in the freezer and eventually leak into the fridge.
How do you unblock a defrost drain in a refrigerator?
To unblock a defrost drain in a refrigerator, you can follow these steps:
Turn off the power to the fridge: Water pouring into your refrigerator from the freezer is a typical problem that various circumstances can cause.
Locate the defrost drain: It is typically found behind the back panel in the rear of the freezer section.
Remove the back panel: Depending on your refrigerator model, you may need to unscrew or snap it off.
Clear any debris: Check the drain and surrounding area for any debris, such as food particles, ice, or dirt. Clean any residue with a soft brush or cloth.
Use a defrost drain cleaner: You can use a defrost drain cleaner or a mixture of hot water and baking soda to unclog the drain. Insert the cleaner into the drain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Flush with hot water: Once the cleaner has had time to work, flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris.
Replace the back panel: Reattach the rear panel and restore power to the refrigerator.
By following these steps, you can successfully unblock a defrost drain in a refrigerator.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
