Your fridge is an essential appliance in the kitchen for storing your food, which is why you have to act quickly when you notice a breakdown. One of the frequent breakdowns on a refrigerator can be a leak: you will then notice the presence of water in the bottom of the fridge.
If you notice that there is water at the bottom of the fridge, under the vegetable drawer or in front of the appliance, it may be a storage problem or a problem during the defrosting phase. . First of all, check that there is no food stuck to the wall of the refrigerator, which can hinder the flow of defrost water. If products touch the bottom of the appliance, ensure that this is no longer the case.
If the water leak in your fridge is still present, then you will need to check certain elements of the fridge:
- the exhaust hole
- the door seal
- the recovery tank
It can be quite concerning when you notice a pool of water seeping from your refrigerator. Leakage in refrigerators can be a nuisance and potentially damage your kitchen floor if not addressed promptly. But why does your fridge leak? In this article, we will cover the common reasons behind this issue and the solutions to rectify them.
1. Blocked Defrost Drain
A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage from a refrigerator. Food particles or other debris can clog the drain hose, leading to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the fridge and onto the floor. To resolve this issue, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer using warm water. Using a long, slender instrument, such as a pipe cleaner or turkey baster, can help remove the clog.
2. Damaged or Unsealed Door Gaskets
If your refrigerator is leaking water from the doors, the problem might be the gaskets. These are the rubber seals that outline your fridge’s door, and their job is to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If they are damaged or unsealed, the fridge has to work harder, leading to condensation around the fridge and on the floor. Inspect the seals for damage or weakening and replace them if necessary.
3. Overflowing Drip Pan
Your fridge’s drip pan could be causing the leak. It’s located beneath the fridge and collects any condensation from the defrost drain. Normally, the water that drips into the pan evaporates. However, if the fridge is set to a very low temperature, the volume of water could exceed the pan’s capacity. In this case, consider adjusting the fridge’s temperature or replacing a damaged pan.
4. Faulty Water Supply Line
If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, check for a leak in the water supply line. The line could be loose, or it might have a tear or hole. Usually, tightening the connections can solve the problem. But if the water line is damaged, it’ll need to be replaced.
5. Malfunctioning Ice Maker
If your fridge has an ice maker, check to see if the water is leaking from there. Sometimes the water line to the ice maker can become loose or cracked, or the ice maker itself can overflow, causing a leak. The solution could be as simple as adjusting the water valve, or it may require professional assistance.
6. Refrigerator is Not Level
If the refrigerator isn’t level, water from the defrost cycle might pool on the floor. The front of the refrigerator should be slightly higher than the back to encourage water to flow into the drain pan. Adjust the fridge to the correct level by turning its front feet clockwise to raise it or counterclockwise to lower it.
Remember, while some issues can be fixed with a DIY approach, others might require professional assistance. If you’ve tried these solutions and the problem persists, it’s time to call in a professional. Regular maintenance and quick responses to minor issues can keep your refrigerator in good condition and increase its lifespan. It’s important not to ignore leaks as they can lead to more serious problems over time.
