Why Is My Fridge Leaking Water Inside? [5 Reasons Why & How To Fix It]

What causes a fridge to leak water?

Picture the scene, you get home from a hard day at work to find a big pool of water on your floor next to your fridge, leaving you to think “why is my fridge leaking water?”. Now, you don’t need to imagine this scene because you are probably living this nightmare in real life. If this has happened to you and you are looking for a fix, well you are in luck.

As one of the leading independent appliance repair companies in Southend-on-Sea and the Chelmsford area, we have been in the appliance repair industry for over 35 years. This means we have come across our fair share of leaking fridges and means we have seen just about everything that you can imagine when it comes to what causes a fridge to leak water.

Throughout this guide, we will provide you with five common reasons as to why your fridge is leaking water and different ways on how you can fix this quickly. As always, if you are unsure of how to fix your fridge and are not experienced in repairing appliances, we highly recommend that you get in contact with a local repair specialist who will be able to help identify the problem and quickly fix your issue at hand.

We offer next-day and sometimes same-day fridge appliance repairs across the Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford areas. To learn more about our fridge repair service, speak to us on 01702 300010.

5 reasons why my fridge is leaking water and how to fix it

As qualified appliance fridge repair experts, we have come across our fair share of fridges that leak water. This is one of the most common issues that occurs with fridges and can range from simple fixes to more complex repairs.

That being said, there are some common reasons why your fridge is leaking and although it is always best to ensure that a qualified appliance repair specialist diagnoses the issue at hand, there are still some prevalent issues that we can help you identify that we typically see when visiting clients with complaints of a leaking fridge.

These are the five common reasons why your fridge is leaking water:

• Blocked defrost drain
• Broken drain pan
• The water supply line is blocked
• Faulty door
• Uneven fridge

Blocked Defrost Drain

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of a fridge that leaks water. Typically this will be caused by food particles or debris blocking the drain. This usually happens when crumbs and bits of leftovers fall into it and build up. When the defrost cycle occurs, water should flow down into a pan however when the defrost drain is clogged it can lead to ice buildup, disrupting the process. This results in water pooling at the bottom of the fridge or on shelves, potentially damaging stored food items and leaving your kitchen floor with a puddle full of water stemming from the leaking fridge!

In order to repair this issue, start by melting the ice using warm water poured down the drain in the freezer. If this doesn’t work, you can grab a pipe cleaner or wire hanger to break up the ice and clear the blockage. For more stubborn clogs, consider moving the fridge and disconnecting the valve. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the drain hole with a soft straw or pipe cleaner, can prevent future blockages. If you are unsure about the repair process, we recommend getting help from a qualified professional or a local fridge repair specialist.

Broken Drain Pan

A broken drain pain is another common occurrence that we see as fridge repair specialists. When we get sent out to repair leaking water in fridges, if the defrost drain isn’t blocked it is most likely that your drain pan is cracked and broken. Underneath your fridge is an item known as a drain pan which collects any condensate water from the evaporator fins. Typically the water in the drain pan evaporates and there is never any need to empty but when it is cracked or broken this is not the case. Instead, this water can start to leak out onto your floor and cause you further problems damaging your kitchen flooring and the surrounding units.

To repair this issue all you need to do is pull out the drain pan and look for any signs of cracks or splits. If you notice any signs of damage, all you need to do is purchase a new drain pan that will fit your specific model and make of your fridge and then replace it. If you are unsure on how to do this, it is best to get in contact with a local appliance repair specialist.

The Water Supply Line Is Blocked

Sometimes a fridge with an ice maker will leak due to the water supply line being clogged up and blocked. The water supply line is what is used to deliver both chilled water and ice to the drinks dispenser. If this line has become blocked or torn, it will lead to water spilling out onto your floor beneath the fridge.

To fix the blocked water line supply, you should unplug the fridge and check the shut-off valve is closed. The valve is located under the sink or behind the fridge with the most common cause for the blockage being ice within the supply line. Therefore, in order to fix this issue make sure the fridge is turned off for at least 2 hours or longer so the ice can melt and clear the blockage. On the other hand, if your fridge supply line has a tear in it, you should replace the entire water supply line with a new pipe.

Faulty Door

Although you may not think it, a faulty door seal or a door that doesn’t close properly on your fridge can actually lead to water leaking from your fridge. If your fridge fails to close the entire way, over time the fridge temperature will begin to warm up leading to the fridge having to work harder to keep it cold. Not only does this reduce the freshness of your food and drinks stored in your fridge but can also lead to a large puddle forming at the base of the fridge due to the fact that condensation builds up and starts to melt the colder parts of your fridge.

To fix this, you first need to identify why your faulty door is shutting properly. It can be anything from as simple as to make sure you close the door securely when using it to making sure that the door seal and hinges are adjusted correctly. If you are unsure of how to replace a door seal or adjust your fridge door hinges, get in contact with a local repair expert who will be able to help.

Uneven Fridge

An uneven fridge can also be another culprit as to why your fridge is leaking water and causing havoc in your kitchen. Although it is true to say that your fridge does not need to be completely aligned and even as that is pretty much impossible. That being said an uneven fridge can lead to the coolant not being able to flow properly. This leads to condensation forming and causing puddles to develop beneath the fridge.

As a rule of thumb, the front of your fridge should be raised slightly higher in order for the coolant to flow correctly. Start by getting a spirit level to determine how even the fridge is and then adjust the legs of the fridge accordingly. Sometimes it can be tricky to reach the legs of the fridge to adjust them so you may need help to move the fridge and disconnect it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a leaking fridge can be attributed to various factors, each requiring a different repair solution. Throughout this article, we have mentioned common culprits such as a blocked defrost drain, a broken drain pan, a blocked water supply line, a faulty door, or an unevenly positioned fridge. These are just some of the most common foreign issues we come across however with that being said your fridge may be suffering from something else so it is always best to consult an expert.

If you are in search of reputable and affordable fridge repairs in the Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford area; look no further than Sale Appliances Repairs.

We offer fast and affordable repairs on fridges and refrigeration appliances across the Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford areas. Get in contact with a member of the team on 01702 300010 and book in your fridge repair today. We offer next-day and sometimes even same-day fridge repairs in the Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford area. Get in contact today and book your repair now.