Fix a Leaking Refrigerator

Refrigerators may leak from a variety of locations. Fortunately, most leaks are quick and easy to repair, and fixing a leak on your own will save a great deal of money.

Steps

Fixing a Leak from the Lower Front of the Refrigerator or Freezer Door

Clogged drain tubes from self-defrosting refrigerators are often the culprits for leaks from the bottom of a refrigerator. Fixing the clog usually fixes the leak.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Check to find out where your self-defrosting refrigerator drains defrosted water. A tube or channel usually directs the melted water into a pan at the bottom of the refrigerator. Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where the pan could be located.
  3. Remove the cover panel. In some refrigerators, you will also have to remove the floor panel.
  4. Once you’ve located it, remove the bottom end drain tube or channel from the refrigerator and feed the tube into a bucket to catch any melted water.
  5. Remove the upper portion of the drain tube or channel. Use the bucket or some towels to catch any water that flows from the defroster.
  6. Use a hair dryer to thaw any frozen areas within the drain tube. Squeeze or gently move the tube around to feel for frozen or stiff sections.
  7. Place the upper end of the tube under a faucet. Run hot air through the tube to dislodge the clog if you’ve found one. Be sure that there is enough room in the bucket to drain the excess liquid out of the bottom of the tube after the obstruction is cleared and the water from the tap runs freely through.
  8. Reattach the drain tube or channel once you’ve finished clearing it.

Fixing a Leak from Beneath the Front of the Refrigerator

Water coming from beneath the front of the refrigerator may come from either the drip pan or the inlet line to the water dispenser.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Check the inlet line to the bottom of the water dispenser for leaks. If the line is leaking, then tighten all connections.
  3. Inspect the line again. If the line continues to leak, then check for holes or cracks in the line. If cracks or holes are present, replace the line.
  4. Check the drip pan for cracks, holes or incorrect placement. Correct any placement problems. If the pan has cracks or holes, then purchase a new one from a home repair store and replace it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Fixing a Leak from the Inside Rear Wall of the Refrigerator

Some refrigerator manufacturers route the drain line from the defroster and down the back of the refrigerator’s interior, instead of down the exterior. The line then flows to the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. A clogged drain is usually responsible for the leak.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Remove all food from the refrigerator. You don’t have to remove the food from the refrigerator door.
  3. Remove crisper drawers to reveal the drain. You can also take this opportunity to clean them out if you haven’t done so in a while.
  4. Insert a thin plumbing snake into the drain.
    • If you cannot locate a plumber’s snake, use a pipe cleaner or a stiff wire to unclog your interior refrigerator drain.
  5. Push the snake into the drain until you meet the clog. Hook the clog by turning the snake in a clockwise direction.
  6. Pull the snake down and out of the tube to dislodge the clog.
  7. Fill a turkey baster or cooking syringe with warm water.
  8. Insert the warm water into the drain tube using the turkey baster or syringe.
  9. Clean up any material that washes out of the drain.
  10. Replace the crisper drawers and food.

Fixing a Leak from the Rear of the Refrigerator

Water from the rear of the refrigerator may come from the defrost drain pan or from the ice maker’s water valve or line.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Locate the ice maker’s water valve. Consult the fridge’s manufacturer’s manual if you’re not sure where to look. If you don’t have a hard copy of the manual, check online.
  3. Check the ice maker’s water valve for leaks. If water is coming from this valve, then tighten all fittings and make sure they are properly connected.
  4. Recheck for leaks. If leaks continue from the valve, then you will need to replace the valve. Purchase a valve from a home repair store and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Check the drain pan for leaks. If the pan has visible holes or cracks, purchase a new pan from a home repair store. Replace the pan following the manufacturer’s directions.
  6. Check to see that the refrigerator is level using a laser or manual level. If the refrigerator is tilted, then water may spill out of the drain pan before it evaporates.
  7. If your refrigerator isn’t level, use shims to level the refrigerator.

Tips

  • If the refrigerator is running on Energy Saver mode, the door frame heaters that usually evaporate condensation may be disabled. Turn off Energy Saver mode and then wait 24 hours. If the leak stops, then you know it was because of condensation.
  • Leaks from the inside ceiling of the refrigerator should be addressed by a qualified repair technician. The drain may be clogged in the freezer section beneath the evaporation, requiring removal of the panel separating the refrigerator and the freezer, and also replacement of the insulation.

Warnings

  • Always consult your manufacturer’s guidelines for complete information on the location of parts and on proper repair procedures.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Bucket
  • Towels to catch excess water
  • Hair dryer
  • Replacement ice-maker valve, if needed
  • Replacement drip pan, if needed
  • Thin plumber’s snake
  • Turkey baster or cooking syringe

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Sources and Citations

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