Uncovered food, stored outside the drawers or bins of the fridge, can create condensation on the wall. Once this condensation is present, water will leak into the bottom of the refrigerator, which can create puddles inside or even outside the unit. In this case, the gutter, or drain hole of the fridge, will be clogged, with water stagnating inside.
To solve this problem of leakage in a fridge (American or simple) which makes water or clogged gutter,
- Check the water drain gutter
- Check the door seal
- Check the water collection tank
- Check the solenoid valve
- Test the fridge thermostat
- Examine the circuit board of the fridge
If your fridge “makes water” or if it is even full of water despite a recent defrost, it will therefore be necessary to check the various elements which may be the cause of this breakdown and this presence of water in the bottom of the refrigerator.
The principle will be the same on a freezer: it is another household appliance producing cold.
The advice and images on this page can help you solve your water problem at the bottom of your refrigerator (single or American) or freezer.
If you’ve discovered water pooling at the bottom of your fridge, it’s a sign of an issue that needs immediate attention. While a minor nuisance at first, left unchecked, this problem could potentially lead to more serious damage, including electrical problems or mold growth. This article will discuss the possible reasons why there might be water at the bottom of your fridge and how to fix it.
Causes of Water Accumulation in Your Fridge
1. Blocked Defrost Drain:
The defrost drain, which moves water from the defrost cycle out of the fridge, is one of the most common sources of water accumulation. If this drain gets blocked due to food particles or ice buildup, the water can’t exit the fridge as intended and may instead spill out into the bottom of the fridge.
2. Faulty or Damaged Drain Pan:
At the bottom of your refrigerator is a drain pan, where the water from the defrost cycle usually goes. If this pan is cracked or has holes in it, water may escape onto the floor of your refrigerator.
3. Leaky Water Supply Line:
If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or an ice maker, it will have a water supply line. A leak in this line can lead to water accumulation inside your fridge.
4. Problem with the Door Seal:
The door seal, or gasket, keeps the cold air inside your refrigerator and the warm air out. If the seal is damaged or worn out, warm air can enter the fridge, causing condensation on the coils and eventually leading to water accumulation.
Solutions for Water at the Bottom of Your Fridge:
1. Clear the Defrost Drain:
To clear a blocked defrost drain, you’ll need to locate the drain’s opening in your fridge, which is usually on the back wall. Once located, you can try flushing it with warm water using a turkey baster or similar tool. If there’s a stubborn blockage, a pipe cleaner or straightened hanger can help remove the blockage.
2. Replace the Drain Pan:
If the drain pan is the issue, you’ll need to replace it. To do this, remove the back panel from the fridge, take out the old pan, and install the new one.
3. Fix the Water Supply Line:
If you find a leak in the water supply line, the solution might be as simple as tightening the connection. If the line itself is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
4. Replace the Door Seal:
Inspect the door seal for any signs of damage. If it’s cracked or worn, it should be replaced. Replacing a door seal usually involves loosening the retainer, removing the old gasket, and installing a new one.
To prevent these issues, make sure to perform regular maintenance on your fridge. This can include cleaning the defrost drain and checking the drain pan for damage. If you can’t find the source of the leak or if you’re unsure about performing these tasks yourself, it’s best to call a professional appliance repair service.
CHECK SOLENOID VALVE
If your appliance is equipped with a water or ice cube dispenser, make sure the water supply hose is leak-tight. The problem may also come from the solenoid valve that is used to supply water.
- This part is located at the bottom of the device. Set the multimeter to the maximum value in kΩ and place the test leads on the solenoid valve terminals.
- If the multimeter shows OL or 1, it must be replaced.
INSPECT REFRIGERATOR PCB
A faulty electronic card can create temperature problems in the refrigerator, create frozen plugs in the gutter, and potential water overflows. Likewise, a short circuit in one of the electronic card components can cause your installation to shut down.
Check the condition of your electronic card, look for burn marks, component swelling or other marks. If there is, replace the electronic card.
In conclusion, water accumulation at the bottom of your fridge is usually a sign of a minor issue that can be fixed with a little troubleshooting. However, if left unchecked, these minor issues can turn into major problems. So it’s always a good idea to address these problems as soon as you notice them.
