Take a look at the defrost drain hose. This tube might be located underneath the freezer compartment, below the produce bin, or behind the unit. Food particles and other debris can clog the drain hose. Eventually, a blockage will cause melted condensation to leak on the floor.
Water puddling under the drawers or at the bottom of your fridge is a big clue. You should also look out for bad smells (like mouldy food or stagnant water) and droplets on the back wall. A quick wipe might fix the issue in the short term, but you should try unblocking the hole as soon as possible.
Common causes of refrigerator leaks include:
Frozen water supply lines. Frost buildup. Broken seals. Broken water dispensers.
However, over time, filters can become clogged, damaged, or improperly installed, leading to leaks that can cause water damage and compromise the efficiency of your appliance.
One of the most frustrating yet common issues homeowners encounter is a clogged drain tube in their refrigerator. This problem can lead to water pooling inside the fridge, causing unpleasant odors, food spoilage, and reduced efficiency.
Remove the food and any crisper drawers. Mop up any excess water and remove the drain hole cover if yours has one. Use the unblock tool that came with your fridge (or else a pipe cleaner, straw or cotton bud) to remove the food and debris build-up. Replace the cover and turn your fridge back on.
Here' why: As humidity in the air mixes with your refrigerator's cold temperatures, condensation forms and fills the drain pan quicker than usual. And when the pan overflows, you'll see a puddle on the floor. Fix: Manually empty the drain pain on humid days to avoid leaking.
Excessive humidity can impact the moisture level inside your fridge. During times of excessive humidity, you inadvertently add extra moisture to the interior of your fridge every time you open the door. This buildup eventually condenses and turns into water, which can look a lot like a leak.
Water leaking inside your fridge is usually due to excess condensation or a minor blockage. Sometimes, it might be a leaking container or a sign to clean your fridge and water dispenser. Although a minor concern, excess water in the refrigerator can be annoying.
It is usually found as a small opening that is located at the back of your fridge's freezer compartment, normally behind the salad drawers. However, the location may vary for different fridges and it's advisable to consult your fridge's user manual if you aren't sure of where it is located.
Leaving the door open causes air leaks which can cause the evaporator to ice up causing water to leak from the bottom. Close the door. The unit should restore itself to normal settings.
Flush the Water Lines
Locate the Water Line: The water line is usually in the back of your fridge. If you're unsure where it is, check your refrigerator's manual. Use a Turkey Baster or Funnel: Fill a turkey baster or small funnel with warm water and white vinegar. Insert it into the water line and gently squeeze.
Anything placed too close to the vents, blocked or otherwise, might freeze. If airflow disruption occurs as a result of blocked vents, the airflow itself becomes pretty unpredictable. The food/beverage items that are in the path of the disrupted airflow may start freezing.
Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.
If your fridge has a water filter, this might be the source of your leak. Maybe the connection to the filter has come loose. Or maybe someone installed a filter that's too small, or the filter is old and cracked and in need of replacement. Replacing the water filter is a DIY repair if you're handy with a wrench.
Humidity is generally caused as warm, humid air enters from outside every time you open the door. As the air cools, it dumps more water inside your fridge. Always close the fridge door as quickly as possible after opening it. Leaving the door open allows warm air to enter and increases the possibility of condensation.
Refrigerant Leaks
Leaking refrigerant can cause your fridge to warm up. Fixing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $100 and $440.
A good rule of thumb is to change the fridge water filter every six months. However, if you notice poor water flow, a change in water taste, or an odor, you should change the filter right away.
It requires turning off the water supply, disconnecting the water line from the fridge, and draining out any water that's inside. Then add vinegar to the line, let sit for 30 minutes, and drain by running the vinegar through the water dispenser until empty.
If you pull out the fridge and the water supply line is leaking, you can either call a plumber or fix the leak yourself.
Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge already on its way out.