Leaky or Frozen Water Supply Line
Clogged Defrost Drain
Another common cause of a leaking fridge is a clogged defrost drain. This drain is at the bottom and back of your freezer. Over time, the drain can get clogged with bits of food and other debris. An overly stuffed freezer can also block off the drain. If you have a blocked or clogged drain, the condenser coils in the fridge will start to drip water.
Clearing the path to the drain will help prevent this problem and resolve related leaks. You may also need to flush the drain with warm water. You can use a turkey baster or anything else that will allow you to squeeze water with some force into the drain hole.
Fridge is Not Level
Damaged Drain Pan
Inlet Tube or Valve Issues
Worn Out Door Seals
Fridge Water Line Leaking
If your fridge water line is leaking, you’ll start noticing puddles leaking out from under the fridge. If your fridge has a water dispenser, you may also notice that it doesn’t work as well as it should. The ice trays might not fill up properly, either. These are all signs of a fridge water line leaking.
To address the issue, you’ll need to pull the refrigerator out from the wall so you can access the water supply line. Be sure to turn off the water supply and also unplug the fridge while you’re working on it, for safety.
The first step is to inspect the water supply line visually. Do you see any water dripping from it, or cracks or other damage in it? If so, you’ll need to replace the tube along with the quick-coupling connectors that hold it in place. You can purchase these at your local hardware or home improvement store.
It’s also possible that there is a clog in your inlet valve or it’s damaged. Over time, these lines and connection points can get clogged with food and other debris. They can also sometimes get iced over. If the inlet valve has a clog, it may just need flushing. However, there is a chance that it needs a replacement.
An appliance repair specialist can accurately diagnose the problem if your fridge’s water line is leaking. They can determine the best way to fix the issue, whether by replacing the line, flushing or replacing the inlet valve, or something else.
Freezer Leaking Water
If the freezer is leaking water, you’ll see water seeping out onto the floor from underneath the fridge. This could be the result of several different things. Things may be melting inside the freezer due to faulty door seals that are letting warm air in. The water supply line could be leaking, or the ice maker’s inlet tube or valve may be faulty. Debris could be clogging the defrost drain, or blocked off by ice or an overstuffed freezer.
Whatever the issue might be, it’s a good idea to make sure your freezer isn’t overstuffed with items that are blocking the defrost drain. You can also visually inspect the water supply line and inlet tube by carefully pulling the fridge away from the wall. Be sure to turn off the water and unplug the fridge to make sure you stay safe while you’re inspecting the parts.
If you see water dripping off anything, or see ice built up where it shouldn’t be, you may have located the source of the freezer leak. You might even hear water dripping, but keep in mind that this can be a perfectly normal freezer sound. When the freezer enters its normal defrost cycle, for example, you might hear a trickling or gurgling sound as water starts draining off the evaporator coils.
The distinction here is that normal freezer sounds don’t accompany a leak. If you find water leaking from the freezer, there is a problem that needs fixing. Calling in a qualified appliance repair specialist is a good idea since it can save you both money and trouble.
A specialist is skilled at knowing how to find a water leak and how to fix it. The sooner you fix the leak, the less likely it is that your floors or cabinets will sustain water damage. Best of all, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your fridge and freezer are working properly.
ABC Can Get Your Fridge Back in Good Working Condition
We rely on our refrigerators every single day. When something goes wrong, it can cause a large disruption to our lives, and it can lead to wasted money. You can count on the professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our licensed pros can make all needed appliance repairs, so your life can continue as normal.