5 Steps To Fix a Refrigerator Leaking Water

If you’ve noticed pooling water around your refrigerator, don’t panic and call in a plumber just yet. Although a leak is worrying, many refrigerator leaks have relatively simple fixes that can be completed with ease by the average DIYer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot the cause of the leak and fix the issue in no time. 

Step 1 – Figure Out Where the Leak Is Coming From

The first thing you need to do is figure out where the leak is coming from—and be sure it’s water and not refrigerant. There are a few sources that can be behind a refrigerator leak, and it’s important to pinpoint where the leak is coming from so you can fix it. The following are the most common causes of refrigerator leaks:

• Water dispenser: The water dispenser can cause leaks, particularly if it has a blocked filter or a bad hose connection. These leaks will be at the back of your refrigerator or from the dispenser itself. 
• Defrost drain: The defrost drain can lead to overflowing water from the freezer. This may occur at the back or front of your refrigerator. 
• Ice maker: A faulty ice maker can lead to water pooling in your freezer and leaking out the door. 
• Door seals: Faulty door seals will lead to leaks from the door of the freezer or refrigerator compartments. 
• Excess condensation: A freezer compartment that’s too warm or opened too frequently can form excess condensation, which can then leak out of the doors. 

If you can easily determine the cause of the leak, move on to the part of our guide that deals with that specific issue. If you’re still not sure where the leak is coming from, move through the next steps to figure out the source. 

Step 2 – Check the Defrost Drain

The defrost drain is a small channel that runs down the back of the refrigerator. It’s used during the freezer’s automatic defrost cycle to remove excess moisture from the freezer compartment. Occasionally the defrost drain can become frozen or blocked, which causes water to pool in the freezer compartment. If water is pooling inside your freezer or you notice excessive ice buildup around the drain, a clog is the likely culprit. Here’s what to do:

• Unplug your refrigerator. 
• Locate the defrost drain. You may need to check your refrigerator manual for specifics on your model. 
• Use a funnel or pipe to flush the drain with warm water. 
• If the water isn’t flowing freely, there may be a clog. Use a pipe cleaner or a long, flexible cylindrical brush to clear the drain. 
• Once the drain is flowing freely, dry any excess water. You should now find the leak is solved. 

Step 3 – Check the Drain Pan

If the defrost drain isn’t the cause of your leak, the culprit may be the drain pan itself. If the pan is cracked or full, water may spill out and pool under your refrigerator. Under normal circumstances, the drain pan shouldn’t need emptying and water that pools in it should just evaporate. Here’s how to check it:

• Unplug your refrigerator.
• Access the drain pan. This is usually found at the back bottom of your fridge behind a grill, but check your manual if you’re not sure. 
• Once you locate the pan, check to see if it’s cracked or damaged. If it is, it will need to be replaced with a new part. You’ll be able to source one online. 
• If the pan is full but otherwise intact, use an old towel to dry up the excess water, then continue to monitor to see if the leak recurs. If it does, there may be an issue with excess humidity in the freezer compartment. 

Step 4 – Inspect the Water Dispenser

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, this may be the source of the leak. There are a few components that can malfunction and lead to leaking water. Here’s how to solve the issue:

• Check the water supply line: Inspect the line connecting the fridge to your home’s water supply. If there are any loose connections or cracks, tighten the line or replace it entirely. 
• Replace the water filter: An old, clogged water filter can lead to leaks. Check to see if your filter is out of date (ideally they should be replaced every six months) and then replace it according to the instructions in your manual. 
• Check the dispenser nozzle: The water dispenser should automatically prevent water from leaking out when not in use. But if the nozzle is damaged, then it may drip, leading to pooling water. Check the nozzle for damage and if it’s faulty, order a replacement part. 

Step 5 – Make Sure the Seals Are Intact

Another potential cause of a leaking refrigerator is faulty seals. The seals keep the cold air in and the warm air out. But if they’re faulty, it can lead to an overly humid environment inside your freezer and refrigerator, which can result in pooling water and leaks. To check the seals:

• Carefully inspect the seals around the fridge and freezer doors for cracking, damage, and looseness. 
• If you notice the seals are damaged, source replacement seals that are compatible with the make and model of your refrigerator, and replace them. 
• If you’re unsure if the seals are functioning, try placing a piece of paper in the seals, shutting the door, and then pulling. If the paper comes out without any resistance, then the seals need to be replaced. 

Other Potential Issues

If you’ve tried these fixes and still haven’t found the source of the leak, try one of the following solutions:

• Make sure your freezer isn’t being opened too frequently. This can cause excess condensation and leaks. 
• Make sure the ice maker is functioning. If it’s faulty, it can lead to water pooling in the freezer. 
• Check to ensure that no food products are leaking inside the fridge or freezer compartments.