A fridge is supposed to be built to last. But it’s still possible to run into a problem or two from time to time, even if yours is by a trusted brand.
One of the most common issues is the fridge leaking water. The sight of a pool of water on the inside or outside of the fridge might cause panic in the household.
However, in most cases, the root of the problem is a few smaller mistakes that can be easily fixed. In that light, we’ll go over the possible causes of the fridge leaking water and what you can do about each.
Possible Reasons for a Leaky Fridge
The first order of business is to make sure that it’s indeed the fridge that’s leaking and not another appliance or water source. Is the fridge leaking water inside or outside?
If it’s on the inside, then there’s no doubt about the source, assuming you’ve checked the water bottles and food containers. And if the puddle is in the proximity of the fridge on the outside, you might want to inspect other sources first, such as the sink or the dishwasher.
If you’re sure that it’s the fridge, here are the possible problems and the attendant solutions.
Water Filter
The Problem:
For a fridge equipped with a water dispenser, it’s possible your water filter wasn’t installed properly or you may have gotten the wrong model.
If it’s a Maytag fridge leaking water, for example, you might not have purchased the right water filter for your fridge. If the water supply connection going through the water filter (or elsewhere) is not perfect, water will leak out.
The Fix:
Once you’ve verified that the source of the problem is the filter, you’ll want to take action immediately. Identify the brand and model of your fridge and you can look up the compatible water filter model(s).
You should be able to get the model locally or online. Also, if you haven’t changed the water filter in over six months, it’s time to do so.
Drain Hole
The Problem:
Without a doubt, one of the most common causes is a clogged defrost drain hole.
This can happen with any brand or model, whether it’s a Kenmore fridge leaking water or another popular brand. All refrigerators, including GE, Amana, Viking, and KitchenAid, are equipped with a drain hole that can get clogged up from time to time.
Food particles and even ice can block the condensed water from escaping through the hole and out to the drain pan. When that happens, the water will flow onto the floor gradually.
The Fix:
While calling an appliance repair company might seem the easiest, this is something you can handle. The first step is to flush the drain from the inside of the freezer with some warm soapy water.
After that, use something like a turkey baster or a small funnel to unclog the drain, which may require a bit of force. If that doesn’t work, you can try to remove by hand, gloved if necessary, the particles in the drain.
Drain Pan
The Problem:
The drain pan is located at the very bottom of the refrigerator. If you notice your fridge leaking water, you may have a faulty drain pan. Always examine the drain pan first.
Keep in mind that a tiny bit of water around the pan is perfectly normal. However, anything more than that is probably not. A large pool of water is likely to be caused by a cracked drain pan.
The Fix:
If your fridge’s drain pan is cracked or damaged beyond salvage, your only option is to replace it. Some drain pans are easier to remove than others, but you might need to remove the panels to get to yours.
With some models, it will slide right out from underneath the fridge. Also, cleaning the drain pan regularly will decrease the chances of it developing cracks. Of course, the age of the refrigerator may have something to do with it as well.
Fridge Is Not Level
The Problem:
If you’ve recently purchased a new fridge or remodelled your kitchen floor, your fridge may not be sitting level after it’s moved.
This can disrupt the circulation of the coolant. The fridge will have to work harder to compensate and the result is extra condensation around the coils, which leads to the production of more water, including a puddle on the floor.
The Fix:
You’ll have to lift the fridge to level it, so this is where you may need someone to help. With the fridge tilted or sitting on cinder blocks (or something else appropriate), you can spin the rubber feet to adjust the height.
Keep in mind that your fridge doesn’t have to be perfectly level. The front of the appliance may be a little taller. To be absolutely sure, use a levelling tool.
Is Your Fridge Always Running?
When Should You Call a Service Professional?
All of the causes of your fridge leaking water and the solutions suggested are what you can safely address on your own.
But if you’ve tried your best to solve the problem and you’re still striking out, you might have a more serious fault on your hands.
Extended periods of moisture in the fridge can be detrimental to the appliance, so you don’t want to wait too long before getting help. This is especially if the fridge is leaking coolant instead of water. You can call the expert technicians at We Repair Appliance, servicing the Vaughn area including Thornhill, Brampton, Markham, and Richmond Hill.
Fixing Your Fridge Leaking Water
Hopefully, you never have to figure out why water is coming out of your fridge ever again. But a puddle on the outside or the inside of the fridge is often not a big deal. In the best-case scenario, you may only have to level the fridge. At worst, you might have to unclog the defrost drain. For persistent problems that you have a hard time getting a handle on, call the certified pros at We Repair Appliance.