Why is water coming out of the bottom of my fridge freezer?

Author: Roel Littel  |  Last update: Monday, December 22, 2025

Clogged drain hole If water is leaking from the bottom of the refrigerator, then this could be due to the overflow of the drain tray. Check the drain tray to see if the water drain tray is filled with water. If it is, this indicates that the automatic evaporation of water has failed.

How to fix a refrigerator that is leaking water from the bottom?

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. If you don't have compressed air, use a turkey baster to make sure the drain line is clear and draining properly. Then you'l be good to go again.

Why is my fridge freezer leaking water underneath?

The most common cause of a leaky fridge freezer is blocked drain tubes. Before you do anything, take any food out and turn off the appliance. Don't worry, the food won't need to be out for too long, but if you've got an ice chest or a cooler, put any frozen items in there.

How do I stop my fridge from watering at the bottom?

How to Prevent a Leaking Fridge
  1. Always ensure no items are obstructing the drainage hole.
  2. Keep the fridge on level ground, away from doors and ovens.
  3. Have a professional check the water lines and filters every season and replace worn-out parts.
  4. Clean the fridge regularly to prevent buildup.

Where is the defrost drain on a bottom freezer?

Models with a defrost drain hole located on the back wall of the freezer just up from where the floor slopes up to the back, in the center. Models with a plastic panel held in place by a screw. Remove the screw and panel and the drain hole will be visible. If a drain hole is not visible, service is required.

How To Fix A Leaking Refrigerator QUICK! Water Leaking From Freezer - SOLVED DIY!

Why is the water pooling at the bottom of my freezer?

Freezers produce a lot of condensation that collects into the drain pan. If the drain pan is cracked, water may start to pool on the floor around your appliance. Take a peek at your user's manual to find the location of the drain pan. It's usually located at the bottom of your freezer.

How to unclog a fridge defrost drain?

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.

What number should a fridge be on?

Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.

Where is the drain hole in my freezer?

Locate the Drain Hole: The drain hole is typically located at the back of the freezer compartment, near the bottom. It may be covered by a plastic or rubber plug.

How long do refrigerators last?

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.

Why is my whirlpool refrigerator leaking water from the bottom?

In some instances, a Whirlpool refrigerator leaking water from the bottom may be due to a damaged drain pan. While the condenser fan helps any accumulated water evaporate, cracks or holes will cause pan leaks before the water has a chance to dissipate.

Why is there standing water in the bottom of my refrigerator under crisper drawers?

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.

Why is my freezer leaking water at the bottom?

A very common reason why your freezer leaks water is a cracked drain pan. As your freezer runs to keep food cold, it produces condensation. The drain pan is responsible for collecting this water to prevent leaks. If your drain pan is cracked, however, it can cause a leak to develop underneath the appliance.

Why is my Frigidaire refrigerator leaking water from the bottom?

Loose connections could cause water to leak to the floor. Pull unit out from the wall and use a dry paper towel to wipe all water lines, connections and valve to determine if they are wet. Make sure to tighten all the connections by pushing together.

How to get rid of water at the bottom of a fridge?

Locate the condensation drain, usually found at the back or bottom of the fridge. Use a soft brush or a pipe cleaner to gently remove any blockages. Ensure the drain pan, where the water collects, is also clean and free from debris.

How do you know if your refrigerator water line is clogged?

Place a bucket under the end of the water supply line. Turn ON the water to the supply line and check the flow. If the water flow seems weak or irregular, the problem is with the water supply. A regular, steady flow could indicate the water valve has become restricted or clogged.

Why is my refrigerator water dispenser leaking from the bottom?

If the dispenser has a steady drip, it may be caused by air in the water line or an improper water line connector installation after door removal. If the water filter was recently replaced, dripping from the dispenser may occur because air is trapped in the water filter.

Why is my fridge leaking water on the floor?

Inspect the water line and the inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator. If the valve is leaking, try tightening the connection; if this doesn't work, you may need to replace the valve. The water line running to the fridge could be pinched or cracked, causing water to leak onto the floor.

Where is the refrigerator drain tube located?

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.

Can you defrost a fridge freezer without turning it off?

To defrost a freezer without turning it off, first remove all the items from your freezer, and pack them tightly into the fridge, being careful to shut the door properly. Then cover the floor with towels to soak up excess water that comes from the freezer during the defrosting process.

How do you clean the coils on the bottom of a freezer refrigerator?

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean the grille, the open areas behind the grille, and the front surface area to be cleaned. A specific Refrigerator Coil Brush can also be used. We recommend using the Whirlpool Maintenance Brush part number 4210463RW.

Why is the bottom of my fridge frozen?

Cause: Air vents in your fridge help circulate cold air. If they're blocked, the cold air can't move around, causing some areas to freeze. Fix: Clear any obstructions around the vents and rearrange items inside the fridge to allow for better airflow. Regularly clean the vents to prevent dust and debris buildup.

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