Is condensation in the fridge normal? Yes, a small amount of condensation is a normal part of cooling. As the temperature drops in the fridge freezer, the air can't hold as much moisture – so you get condensation on the interior walls of the fridge. But once the temperature levels out, condensation should disappear.
If you keep noticing wet patches inside your fridge, it'll probably be due to warmer air getting inside the appliance. Make sure you're not keeping the fridge door open for too long and avoid putting warm food inside.
If you live in a humid area—or summer weather has arrived—it's normal for some condensation to appear on the outside of your freezer. Similar to the way a cold can of soda “sweats” on a hot summer day, condensation forms when warm, moist air comes into contact with the cold surface of your freezer.
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.
If your fridge temperature is set too low, it can cause condensation to form. The ideal temperature range for a fridge is between 35-38°F. Anything below this temperature can cause moisture to form on the walls and shelves of your fridge.
Modern refrigerators have a defrost mechanism to prevent ice build-up. During the defrost cycle, the melted water should drain out through a small tube. However, this tube can become clogged with food particles, debris, or ice, causing water to back up and pool at the bottom of the fridge.
Cleaning Defrost Drain Tube
You can flush out the drain hole with a solution made of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of hot tap water. Use a meat/turkey (bulb) baster to squeeze the solution into the drain hole and flush out the drain tube. When clear, you will hear water running down into the drain pan below.
The hole is usually behind the salad drawers, though this varies depending on your fridge's make and model. Check your machine's user manual if you're unsure of its location. Nowadays, most fridges come with drain holes. But if yours is a few years old, it might not have one.
Refrigerator Is Leaking Water
Clogged defrost drain: Over time, debris and ice can accumulate in the drain, causing water to back up and overflow. Try clearing the drain using a pipe cleaner or flushing it with hot water. Regularly cleaning the drain can help prevent future clogs.
A refrigerator leaking water inside the freezer compartment could be caused by a damaged ice maker assembly such as a cracked ice tray. The ice maker may also not be aligned under the fill tube properly, allowing water to drip into the freezer compartment.
The most common frost-free fridge freezer fault is a build-up of ice on the evaporator. If evaporator ice builds up, it's going to affect the airflow, resulting in the temperature never getting low enough.
If the refrigeration system isn't sealed correctly during installation, moisture will find its way in. Second, we've got leaks. Over time, wear and tear can result in leaks in the refrigeration system. These leaks not only let the refrigerant out but also allow moisture to creep in.
Frost free fridge freezers are great because you don't need to manually defrost them. Instead, they use fans to blow cold air around and get rid of any ice. But you can get a build-up of ice if you leave the door open for too long or if you overload the fridge.
Clogged Defrost Tube
If your fridge has water pooling at the bottom, the defrost tube is your MOST likely suspect. Your defrost tube is what carries the water all the way down to the drain pan where it eventually evaporates. When working correctly, it helps make sure your fridge has a smooth defrost cycle.
Ensure the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not blocked. Cool air enters and exits the refrigerator from the freezer compartment through these vents. Objects blocking the vents will decrease proper air circulation, which can cause temperature and moisture problems.
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.
Cause 1: Cracked drain pan. Cause 2: Congested drain hole. Cause 3: Poorly arranged food. Cause 4: Defrosting your freezer too much.
Locate the Drain Tube: Typically, the drain tube is found at the back of the fridge or freezer compartment. Consult your refrigerator's manual if you're unsure.
Generally, condensation can form if the fridge temperature is too high. Warmer temperatures cause the air inside the fridge to hold more moisture, which condenses on surfaces as water droplets. To minimize condensation in a fridge, keep the temperature at its recommended range, usually around 37-40°F (3-4°C).
Use a hair dryer to thaw all the ice out and locate the drain hole. Pour hot water down the drain hole until it's draining properly again. Once it's draining properly blow compressed air down to make sure it's clear.
Unplug your fridge. 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.
It is just up from where the floor slopes up to the back wall, in the center. In some models it is behind a plastic panel along the back wall which is held in place by a screw. You can remove the screw and panel and the drain hole will be visible.