Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water? 5 Common Reasons and Fixes

When you notice a pool of water around the bottom of your refrigerator, either somebody was sloppy while using the water dispenser, or you have a more serious problem. If you have a refrigerator leak on your hands, you’ll want to take care of it as soon as possible to avoid water damage and mold growth.

Luckily, you can usually diagnose and fix most refrigerator leak problems yourself if you’re handy and can follow directions. When you notice a leak, you’ll need to pull out the refrigerator and check where the water is coming from. The source of the water will usually indicate the source of the problem.

1. A Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain

One of the most common causes of water leaking inside a refrigerator is a faulty defrost drain. The defrost drain is located at the bottom of each compartment of your refrigerator. Make sure that no items ever block this drain or debris clogs it.

When the defrost drain is blocked by food particles or ice, it prevents the water accumulated during the defrost cycle from properly draining into the pan.

Eventually, water will start to build up. Without anywhere to drain, water will flow onto your floor.

You can clean this drain with a rag or by sending a bit of hot water down it to make sure there are no clogs. If there are no clogs, the warm water you send in should make it all the way to the drip pan. 

If that doesn’t stop your refrigerator from leaking water inside, try using a wire hanger to remove additional debris.

2. A Damaged or Loose Water Line

If you pull out the fridge and the water supply line is leaking, you’ll notice there’s water under the refrigerator.

The water supply line is the hose that connects to the back of the fridge, and sometimes, the connections can get a little loose or the tubing can get worn down. If that’s all the issue is, you can fix the refrigerator water line from leaking yourself if you’re comfortable with it:

• Remove the damaged section of tubing and use couplers to reattach it.
• Use a new nut and ferrule if the leak is happening at the connection. 

Further instructions for these types of repairs are available online, and you can always call in a plumber to help. Fixing a leaking water line is a great way to conserve water in the kitchen as well.

3. High Humidity or Excess Condensation

If you notice beads of water are building up around the door and side panels, you likely have a condensation problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps to take if you notice your fridge is dripping:

• Check that the refrigerator doors shut completely and properly. If you let go of the door handle when the door is halfway open, it will typically swing shut on its own. If it doesn’t, you can re-level the fridge so the back is a bit lower than the front.
• Check the gaskets that run along the door. Gaskets are long strips of flexible rubber that help create an airtight seal with the door. You can clean gaskets with a rag and warm water.
• Consider using a dehumidifier if humidity levels in your home are high. It can help reduce excess moisture and stop your fridge from leaking water.

4. A Damaged or Overflowing Drain Pan

One common source of leaks under the refrigerator is the drain pan. This is a small tray at the bottom of the refrigerator that collects condensation during the defrost cycle. It’s normal for water to collect in the pan and then evaporate, but sometimes, problems with the pan can lead to water accumulating under your refrigerator.

Examine the drain pan for any cracks. It's OK if you spot a tiny bit of water. However, if you notice a significant amount of pooling, chances are the pan has a crack that's causing the leak. Replace the pan immediately if you notice any damage.

You may also want to make sure the pan has proper airflow. If it’s blocked at all, water might not evaporate fast enough, causing the pan to overflow.

5. A Worn or Misaligned Door Gasket

Another cause of a fridge dripping is a faulty door gasket. The door gasket is the rubber strip that runs around the edge of the fridge door to seal it off from outside air.

A faulty door gasket can allow warm air to enter your fridge, leading to condensation and leaks. Over time, gaskets can wear out, lose their seal, or become misaligned.

To check if this is why your fridge is leaking water, perform a visual inspection of the gasket, looking for cracks, tears, or looseness. If the gasket is worn out, replace it with a new one to ensure a tight seal.

If the gasket looks dirty, give it a good scrub with warm, soapy water to improve adhesion. When you’re done, the fridge door should close properly and not remain slightly ajar.

Do Plumbers Fix Refrigerators? Yes — Here's When to Call

While some refrigerator leaks are easy to fix, others may require a professional’s expertise. If you suspect a leaking fridge due to a faulty water line or a severe drain clog, a licensed plumber can help. Here are some times when you might want to forego the DIY fix and call in a professional instead:

• If you’ve checked for common issues and the leak persists.
• When the water supply line is severely damaged or needs replacement.
• If there’s excessive water buildup that isn’t draining properly.

How to Prevent Future Refrigerator Leaks

The best way to stop water leaking from your refrigerator is good maintenance. Here’s a checklist you can follow to ensure good refrigerator health:

• Clean the defrost drain regularly.
• Inspect and secure the water supply line.
• Keep the fridge level to avoid excess moisture buildup.
• Check and clean the door gasket.

By staying proactive, you can reduce the risk of leaks and extend the lifespan of your refrigerator.

That said, there’s no 100% effective way to prevent leaks. If you find yourself needing expert assistance, contact Roto-Rooter for professional plumbing services. Don’t wait for the leak to get worse — contact Roto-Rooter now for reliable plumbing solutions for all of your refrigerator leak issues.