Four Common Reasons For Leaking Fridges And How To Fix Them
Did you go into your kitchen for a midnight snack and end up finding an unexpected pool of water on the floor? Annoying, we know, but why is it happening and how do you fix it?
There could be several reasons why your fridge is leaking; keep reading for the most common problems that we encounter. Remember to unplug your fridge before you start checking any of these to avoid injury. Also, if you are unsure of what to do or where parts in your fridge are, call for a technician to do it for you so that you don’t cause more damage. If you need a fridge repair, give First Aid Appliance Repair a call. We service the Cochrane area and know how to fix the most common problems in all fridge brands.
Diagnostic
Ice Maker: If your fridge is leaking water from under and around the fridge, one reason might be there is a problem with the ice maker. Over time, the seals can age and crack, or the the water-line connection to the ice maker can loosen; the plastic hoses can also get kinks in them which can cause leaks.
Drain Pan: If your fridge is leaking from the bottom but your ice maker is not the culprit, try checking the drain pan (located at the bottom of the fridge) for leaks. It is normal for the drain pan to collect a small amount of water, but it should not be leaking. Over time, the pan can crack which can cause leaking.
Drain tubes: Occasionally the drain tubes in your fridge can become clogged, get kinks, or even freeze; all of which can cause leaks. You will have to cover panel to located the tubes.
Water Filter: If there is water pooling inside your fridge, it might be your water filter. If there is a poor connection between the water supply and the water filter it can cause leaks. This could be do to it not being the proper size or model for your fridge, or it wasn’t installed properly. Also, over time the moisture can cause cracks in the seals.
Defrost Drain: The defrost drain can be blocked or clogged by ice or food debris, which prevents the water that accumulates during the fridge’s defrost cycle from pouring into the drain pan. As the water starts to build up, it will leak out of the fridge.
How to Fix
Ice Maker: Locate the ice maker, usually positioned towards the back of the fridge, and see if there leaks coming from the connection from the hose to the water line. If this is the problem, try tightening it; if that doesn’t work check the seal around the connection for cracks or tears. If that is the issue than the water line needs to be replaced.
Drain Pan: If you see water leaking from the drain pan, take a look at the condition of the pan. If there are cracks or tears in your drain pan, it needs to be replaced.
Drain tubes: If a clogged drain tube is your issue, remove the the bottom end of the drain tube from the fridge, and place it into a bucket to place any excess water. Remove the top part of the tube and rinse it out with warm water. If you notice parts of the tube are frozen, you can use a hair dryer to melt those sections, and again wash out the tube with warm water. This should force any clogs or ice out of the tube. You can then put the the tubes back into the fridge. If you see kinks in the tubes, remove the tubes and straighten them out.
Water Filter: Locate the filter in your fridge and examine it for any leaks or dripping water. Check the connection to see if it wasn’t installed properly, and readjust as needed. If it is the wrong size or model, or if it is damaged, you will need to replace it.
Defrost Drain: If you see blockage in the defrost drain, simply remove it from the fridge and wash it out with hot water. If the clogged ice or debris is stuck, you can you a piece of wire, like a clothing hanger, and carefully use it to loosen the clog.
