If you notice water leaking from your fridge, you might be alarmed, but it is usually relatively easy to fix in most cases. If you are asking yourself the question ‘why is my fridge leaking water onto the floor’ then you’ve come to the right place.
The most common reason for a fridge to leak water onto the floor is usually something to do with the defrost drain. If this becomes blocked it can cause water to dispense underneath the fridge – but there are also other reasons which include water line problems, or problems with the surface below the fridge itself.
In this article we will dive into the 5 most common reasons for a fridge leaking water onto the floor and how to fix them. We will also take a look at when you should consider calling a professional, and when your fridge might need to be replaced.
5 Reasons Your Fridge Is Leaking Water Onto The Floor
Let’s take a look at the 5 most common reasons why your fridge may be leaking water onto the floor and the solutions for each problem so you can get the issue solved as soon as possible.
1. Defrost Drain Blockages
Defrost drain blockages are probably the most common reason for water leaking out of a fridge.
Most fridges have an automatic defrost cycle that regulates the amount of frost within the freezer. The fridge will automatically run heating coils to remove the frost if it becomes too thick, which is then removed as water through the defrost drain.
If the defrost drain is blocked water can accumulate and end up on the floor. If there is any food in the way of the drains then simply move it out of the way.
If there is ice within the drain you can pour a small amount of hot water down the drain to unblock it. If food is blocking the inside of the drains then use a small piece of wire to dislodge it.
2. Drain Pan
The defrost drain, when working normally, dispenses water into a drain pan located at the bottom of most refrigerators.
This collects water which is evaporated by heating coils to cool the refrigerator, and is usually not an area where leaks can occur as the level of water is monitored constantly. If the drain pan is damaged physically it can be a source of a leak, however.
Given how easy it is to locate the drain pan and inspect it, it makes sense to do so when troubleshooting a leak. You should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to locate the leak, however, it is almost always found at the bottom of any refrigerator.
Simply remove the pan and check for any cracks that may have developed – if there is damage this component can be easily replaced.
3. Water Lines
If your fridge has a water or ice dispenser then it will be connected to a water line that provides the water for these accessories.
If the water line is damaged, or if any of the connections are loose, then water can leak from these areas onto the floor. Water line problems are easy to notice – if your water or ice dispenser stops working suddenly or works less effectively this is a key sign that the water line is damaged.
To inspect the water line you will need to turn on the shut-off valve and turn off the power to the refrigerator. Identify the water line and check it thoroughly for damage, as well as the connections at each side.
If it is damaged then you will need to replace the line, which can be a tricky task. If you don’t feel confident with replacing the line then don’t hesitate to contact a professional. If you’re up for the task you will need to purchase a new hose and swap it out.
Follow the instructions from the fridge manufacturer for replacing the hose and ensure both connections are tight to prevent leaks in the future.
4. Uneven Surface
This one may sound surprising, but most fridges are designed so that the front end is slightly higher than the back (around 0.25 to 0.5 inches taller).
This is so the coolant can circulate properly around the fridge allowing the temperature to be regulated correctly. If the fridge is not levelled correctly, coolant can build up in areas which can lead to condensation around the pipes.
Over time the condensation can drip onto the floor leading to pools of water underneath the fridge.
To fix this you can check the incline of the fridge by placing a level on the bottom of the fridge. If the fridge isn’t tilted correctly it can be fixed by adjusting the level of the legs or rollers.
Always double-check the required tilt with the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure you are in the right range.
5. Water Filter
The water filter connects directly to the water line and can also be an area where leaks can form.
If you decide to inspect the water line then give the filter a once over. Check for any cracks and leaks, as these may be a sign that your water filter needs to be replaced.
Luckily water filters are regularly changed so this shouldn’t be an issue, but its worth taking a look if you suspect an issue with the water line or filter.
When Should You Contact A Professional?
First and foremost, if you have a warranty for your fridge then you should use this any time there is a leak to get it fixed correctly as soon as possible.
If your fridge is out of warranty, consider calling a professional if you are unable to fix the leak yourself. It can be quite easy to unblock a defrost drain or replace the drain pan, but if your water lines are damaged it is much more technical to fix them and you may not feel comfortable doing this yourself.
Do Leaking Fridges Need To Be Replaced?
Most leaks can be easily repaired, as shown in the list above, but when should a leaking fridge be replaced entirely?
You can use the age of the fridge as a good indicator as to whether it should be replaced. If your fridge is more than 15 years old and has numerous leaks you should consider buying a new one, as the cost of ongoing repairs can outweigh the cost of a new fridge.
Other signs that your fridge may need to be replaced include loud noises coming from it, as well as faulty components, alongside leaks that may already be present.
Final Thoughts
A leaking fridge shouldn’t be a huge cause for concern right away. Use the list above to identify the problem and see whether it can be fixed easily at home or if you need professional assistance.
In some cases, especially for fridges that are older than 15 years, a leak might be just one of several issues and it could be time to replace your refrigerator entirely.