Refrigerator Leaking? Here’s Why and How to Fix It

Is your refrigerator leaking? No need to worry. It’s usually something simple causing the problem, which is easy to fix.

To find the cause of the leak, simply check each of the components listed in this article, and you will hopefully be able to stop the leak.

Check the Defrost Drain

The best place to start when trying to find the cause of a leaky refrigerator is to check the defrost drain. When the defrost drain clogs up or fills up with ice, water can start to overflow out of the drain onto your kitchen floor.

Here’s how to check the defrost drain:

1. Remove all of the contents of your fridge so you can access the drain, which is located at the bottom of your refrigerator.
2. Locate the drain and check for any obvious signs of a blockage. If you find loose debris blocking it, clear it out. If there is no obvious blockage, you can run hot water through the drain to ensure it runs completely through the drain. If it doesn’t, then use a piece of wire to unblock the drain.
3. If the drain is frozen, turn your fridge off and let it defrost.
4. Once you’ve defrosted the drain or unblocked it, you can turn the fridge back on and check if the leak has stopped (you will have to monitor it over 12 hours or so). If the leak is still happening, you will need to check the next component.

Check the Water Inlet Valve

The next component to check is the water inlet valve. The valve opens and provides water to the ice maker, and when it becomes faulty or gets a crack in it, your refrigerator might leak.

Here’s how to check the water inlet valve:

1. Turn the power off to the refrigerator.
2. To access the back of the fridge, you will need to pull it out from the wall or cabinet.
3. Once you have access to the back of the fridge, you need to first remove the back panel and then locate the water inlet valve (check your manual if necessary).
4. Once located, check the valve for cracks and that it’s connected to the water supply pipe correctly.
5. If you find any cracks in the valve, it is defective and will need to be replaced. Once replaced, you can turn your fridge back on and check if the leak has stopped. If it is still leaking or if the valve is fine, then move on to checking the next component.

Check the Water Tank

The next component to check is the water tank. If the water tank gets a crack in it, this will cause a leak to occur.

To inspect the water tank:

1. Make sure the power to the fridge is still turned off.
2. Locate the water tank (consult your manual if necessary).
3. Check the tank for any signs of leaks coming from it.
4. If there is a leak, then the water tank should be replaced, and if not, it is not the cause of the problem, and you can move on to checking the next component.
5. If you replace the tank, you will then need to turn the refrigerator back on and check if the leak has stopped.

Inspect the Water Filter Head

The next component to check is the water filter head. When the filter head becomes defective, leaks can occur.

Here’s how to check the water filter head:

1. Locate the water filter head (consult your manual if necessary).
2. Inspect the filter head for any signs of wear and tear – paying special attention to the seals, which can become worn out.
3. If you find any damage, you’ll need to completely replace the component and then check if the leak has stopped.
4. If the water filter head is fine, you can move on to checking the next component.

Check the Water Filter

Another possible cause of your refrigerator leaking is a faulty water filter. You should be replacing your water filter regularly, but even if you do, it can wear out sooner than it should, and this can cause leaks to occur.

To check the water filter for leaks, you need to:

1. Make sure the power to the refrigerator is still turned off.
2. Locate the water filter in your refrigerator (consult your manual if necessary).
3. Remove it from the water filter housing, and then try to put it back in to ensure it fits in the housing correctly.
4. If it doesn’t fit correctly, this is a good sign it is defective and should be replaced. If it does fit correctly in the housing, you can leave it in place and move on to checking the next component.
5. Once replaced, you can turn the fridge back on and check if the problem has been solved.

Check the Drain Pan

The final component to check is the drain pan. If your refrigerator is self-draining, it will have a drain pan at the bottom that collects melted water. Over time the water evaporates due to the condenser fan blowing warm air over it. Sometimes the drain pan can crack, and this causes a leak to occur.

Here’s how to check the drain pan for a leak:

1. Make sure the power to the refrigerator is still turned off.
2. Remove the back panel if you haven’t already.
3. Locate the drain pan (consult your manual if necessary).
4. Check the pan for any signs of cracks in it.
5. If it is cracked, the drain pan will need to be replaced.
6. Once replaced, you can put the fridge back together, turn it back on, and check if the leak has stopped.