When the refrigerator is leaking water inside, it can be shocking. It can make you worry about how well your appliance is working and what happens to your wet groceries. But don’t panic right away and call an appliance repair service. Most leaks inside refrigerators are from easy problems that you can fix. If you know what to check for and how to solve these issues, you can save time, money, and a lot of stress.
Top 5 Reasons Behind Water Leakage Inside Your Refrigerator
There are many reasons you could see water leaking inside your KitchenAid refrigerator or other brands. It could be a blocked defrost drain or a broken water line. Usually, these problems can be avoided with simple upkeep. You can also fix them yourself easily. Before you accept a wet situation, let’s look at the top 5 reasons your refrigerator might be leaking water. Knowing where the problem comes from is the first step to fixing your refrigerator and keeping your kitchen dry.
1. Clogged Defrost Drain
Perhaps the most common cause of a refrigerator water leak is a clogged defrost drain. This small drain carries away excess water from condensation and melting ice to a drain pan under the fridge. When it works well, your fridge stays dry and free of puddles.
Over time, this drain can get blocked by food pieces, ice, or other debris. This prevents water from draining properly, which can lead to a pool of water inside your fridge. If you don’t clean it regularly or if you store food improperly and block the drain, the problem can get worse.
The good news is that fixing a clogged defrost drain is usually easy. Many fridges come with a small drain cleaning tool that you can find near the drain. By carefully using this tool, you can remove the blockage and get the drainage working again.
2. Faulty or Damaged Door Seals
If your refrigerator door does not seal well, warm and humid air can get in. This can lead to too much condensation and cause a leak inside your fridge. One common reason this happens is damaged or worn-out door seals. When these seals are not working, air can easily come in and out. This upsets the temperature inside and makes unwanted moisture.
It is important to check the door seals for any cracks, tears, or gaps. You can do a simple test with a dollar bill to see if there is a problem. Just put a dollar bill between the door seal and the frame of the fridge, close the door, and try to pull the bill out. If it comes out easily, your seals might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replacing door seals is usually easy to do. You can buy replacement seals online or at an appliance parts store. Just make sure to get the right size and model for your refrigerator. If you do not feel comfortable doing this repair, an appliance repair service can take care of it for you.
3. Improper Installation or Levelling
Believe it or not, how your refrigerator is positioned can really affect how well it works – and it can even help stop water leaks. If your fridge isn’t level or installed the right way, it can mess up the water’s natural flow meant for drainage. This can make water pool inside the fridge.
When a refrigerator is not sitting level, the drainage system meant to send water to the defrost drain can get out of whack. This causes water to gather in areas where it shouldn’t. This often happens if the fridge tilts backwards, causing water to sit at the front instead of going to the back drain.
To make sure your fridge is level, use a level tool to check it. Most fridges have adjustable feet you can use to fix the leveling. Check your fridge’s manual for specific steps on how to adjust the feet.
4. Cracked or Damaged Drain Pan
Beneath your fridge, there is a hidden part called the drain pan. This piece works hard to collect water that drains from the defrost drain. It allows the water to evaporate naturally. Although it’s a simple component, a cracked or broken drain pan can cause water to leak from the bottom of your fridge. This can make it seem like there is a leak inside.
Over time, the drain pan can get weak, rusty, or damaged, especially if it is not cleaned and dried often. This can cause cracks or holes, making water escape and gather around your fridge. It’s important to check the drain pan for any signs of damage to rule out this possible issue.
If you find that the drain pan is damaged, you should replace it right away. This will help stop leaks and potential water damage to your kitchen floor. Luckily, drain pans are usually not expensive and are easy to find. You can often buy the right replacement pan online or at an appliance parts store.
5. Frozen or Blocked Water Supply Line
For refrigerators that have ice makers and water dispensers, a frozen or blocked water supply line can cause internal water leaks. This line brings fresh water to the appliance. It can get clogged with ice, mainly in winter or if the temperature settings are too low.
Here are some clear signs of a frozen water supply line:
- Reduced or no ice production from the ice maker.
- Little or no water coming from the water dispenser.
- Weird noises from the water line, like gurgling or vibrating.
If you think your water supply line is frozen, you need to thaw it gently. Do not use force to clear the blockage, as this can harm the line. Instead, turn off the refrigerator and let the ice melt on its own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to fix a refrigerator that is leaking water inside quickly. This helps avoid damage to your appliance and the area around it. By knowing why the leakage happens, you can take the right steps to solve the issue. This could be due to a clogged defrost drain, broken door seals, bad installation, or other problems. Finding and fixing these issues early is vital. For expert services, trust KitchenAid Appliance Repair Professionals. We guarantee that our experienced technicians will efficiently diagnose and resolve any refrigerator issues you may have. Don’t let a leaking refrigerator disrupt your daily routine. Contact us today for reliable and prompt service to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Remember, addressing the problem early can save you time and money in the long run. Stay proactive in maintaining your appliances to ensure they remain in top condition for years to come. If you want more insights on your refrigerator, check out our blog on Fridge Airflow Systems: Why Some Sections Are Warmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I unclog the defrost drain in my refrigerator?
If your fridge’s defrost drain is blocked, use the cleaning tool that usually comes with it. If that doesn’t help, you can slowly pour warm (not boiling) water down the drain. This can help melt any clogs. If the issue still continues, you might want to call an appliance repair service.
What signs indicate that the refrigerator door seals might be damaged?
Damaged door seals can show signs like cracks, tears, or gaps. To check the seal, close the door on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull the bill out, the seal is probably not working well and should be replaced.
Is it necessary to have my refrigerator professionally leveled?
You can attempt to level your refrigerator by using a level tool and adjusting its feet. However, if your fridge is very uneven or the floor is greatly slanted, you may need our professional help at KitchenAid Appliance Repair Professionals for installation or leveling services.