Refrigerator leaking water

There are several causes of water damage in your kitchen. A refrigerator leaking water can cause major damage if not attended. Even if it doesn’t have a water dispenser or an ice maker, you can still have water pooling underneath or inside the refrigerator. Here are some of the most common places you might notice a leak and why that happens.

Refrigerator leaking water from the bottom

The defrost drain

This is one of the most common causes of your refrigerator leaking underneath. Sometimes there are food particles or ice stuck in the drain opening. When this happens, the water accumulated during the defrost cycle does not drain to the pan anymore and therefore builds up, leaking out of your fridge and on the floor.  If you see any blockage, you can use a wire hanger to remove the food particles. Otherwise, just clear the drain using hot water.

The drain pan

If you notice water pooling from beneath the front or the rear of your refrigerator, it might be the drain pan. This is where water collects during the defrost cycle. Normally, the water evaporates and there is no issue, but sometimes the drain pan might be damaged. Whether there is a crack or other kind of damage, you should replace it in case you notice any kind of deterioration. 

The Ice Maker

There’s usually water dripping on your floor from the ice maker supply line when there is something wrong with this component of your refrigerator. The two main things you can do is replace the water line or tighten the connections. The seal gets worn in time and might crack. Also, the water-line connectors themselves need replacing from time to time.  In order to identify if this is the cause of your leak, go along the water line connecting to the ice maker on the rear exterior of the fridge. Look for any signs of moisture on the line or on the connections. 

The Water Filter

When you replace the water filter, it is very common that there will be some water on the floor right after. This happens because of the air trapped in the water dispenser, causing a water overflow in the drip tray underneath your refrigerator. However, water continuously dripping is a sign of a poor connection between the water supply and the filter. If that is the case, you will notice water dripping from the filter into your refrigerator. You can remove the filter and replace it with another one that is designed for your refrigerator. Incorrect size or model will allow water to escape the filter.

Refrigerator leaking water inside

Refrigerator Leaking Water from Freezer

The main areas of the freezer that might cause a leak are the two main water sources: the defrost condensation and the ice maker’s line. Sometimes, there is ice clogging the defrost drain hole. This causes the water to freeze up in the defrost pan instead of going down the drain. That water that has been pooling in the pan will overflow the vents during the defrost cycle and leak into your refrigerator. Check for any debris or ice stuck in the defrost drain hole and clear that area.  

The Door Gasket

When the door seal is damaged, air can enter or escape from your refrigerator. This allows warm air in the fridge even when the door is closed, causing cooling and frost problems. If you notice that the food is moist or water drips inside your refrigerator, check for any faults in the seal. Replace it if it’s torn.    

When to contact the water damage restoration professionals

If the water pooling outside your refrigerator has not been handled quickly, it will infiltrate in your floors and walls. When this happens, it is very hard to properly dry the water and prevent mold growth.  Our Emergency Team is available 24/7 for any water damage and will restore your home back to normal. We also take away the stress of dealing with the insurance company, as we bill them directly. We use advanced equipment to dry out your home and prevent mold growth. We operate in all 5 boroughs of New York, Long Island, and Westchester.