We’ll start by talking about everything related to refrigerators and how to prevent water leaks inside your own. We are available to provide assistance whether this occurs frequently or you have never noticed a leak before. With that said, let’s get right into this subject!
Sometimes it seems impossible to identify the source of a malfunctioning kitchen appliance. A clogged defrost drain is frequently to blame for water leaks inside refrigerators. Fortunately, this shouldn’t be too challenging to locate, and it’s one of the simpler problems to fix in your fridge, so almost anyone can do it.
What’s Causing My Refrigerator to Leak?
A refrigerator may begin to leak due to a few common issues. Fortunately, you can try some fixes yourself before hiring a contractor.
Improper Tilting
You wouldn’t believe it, but your refrigerator shouldn’t be level with your floor. In order to keep the coolant running properly and, in some cases, to make the door swing shut automatically, it actually requires a slight backward tilt. The back of the fridge should be about ¼” to ½” closer to the floor than the front.
The appliance may be tilted incorrectly or be too close to level to drain properly if you recently moved your refrigerator or finished remodeling. A spirit level positioned perpendicular to the doors on the top of the refrigerator will make it simple to check this. These steps should be followed to correct an incorrect angle.
- From the refrigerator’s bottom front, remove the grille or kick plate.
- What are the two front legs called?
- Using a crescent wrench, you can adjust the leg’s length by turning it either counterclockwise or clockwise. Don’t take the legs off.
- Until you achieve the proper angle, check your work against the spirit level.
However, keep in mind that your refrigerator needs to be level from side to side, with the spirit level parallel to the doors. You’ll need to adjust the back legs if it isn’t. Similar to the front legs, they can be adjusted in length or width, but you must first remove the fridge from the wall.
Damaged Drain Pan
The water that a refrigerator naturally leaks is supposed to collect in a pan underneath the appliance so that it can safely evaporate without wetting your floor. Despite the rarity of this pan developing holes or cracks, this can be a reason for a water leak. Here are the steps for finding and fixing this issue.
- A refrigerator’s bottom front grille or kick plate should be removed.
- Find the sizable, flat pan that is resting in the refrigerator’s base.
- Pull the pan out slowly, looking for damage while doing so because it might contain water.
- If the pan is broken, take it to the hardware store with you to get a replacement that is the same, or look for a replacement on the manufacturer’s website.
The pan may have some water in it after a typical defrost cycle, but it shouldn’t be more than about one-third full. If so, one of the following issues may be adding to the problem.
Blocked Defrost Drain
An opening that allows humid air to leave the freezer compartment is located along the bottom back wall. The condenser coils in the refrigerator will have to work harder and start to leak water if this drain becomes blocked, whether by a buildup of items in the freezer or debris clogging the line. Here’s how to look for and address this issue.
- Search for the defrost drain and take off any frozen foods that are covering it. Check to see if the issue is resolved by clearing a path from the drain to the ceiling and waiting a day.
- Empty the freezer, unplug it, and take off the defrost drain cap if you still see puddles.
- Warm water should be poured down the drain using a turkey baster. You can plug the fridge back in to use it again after doing this to clear any ice buildup in the line. Over the coming days, it might be necessary to manually empty the drain pan.
- If the defrost drain from step 4 does not produce any additional water, there may still be a clog. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall, unplug it, and manually inspect the drain line. This line connects the freezer to the fridge’s base. Use a bottle brush or pipe cleaner to clear the obstruction.
Consult the user guide for your specific refrigerator’s make and model if you can’t find any of these components on your appliance. Try searching online for an electronic copy of the manual if you can’t find it.
Frozen Water Supply Line
The water line feeding your refrigerator’s ice maker or water dispenser may be frozen or clogged. Follow these instructions to inspect this tube.
- Pull the fridge away from the wall and unplug it. Locate the water supply line, which is typically made of metal braided with clear, flexible plastic.
- Use a crescent wrench to tighten the connection points if you notice leakage signs there. Reconnect everything, and after an hour, check for drips once more.
- You may need to replace the water line entirely if the connections are tight but there are still leaks. The water supply line between your house and the refrigerator should be turned off.
- Take out the water line and shop for a replacement while carrying it with you.
If you are certain of your ability as a plumber, only move on to step 4. If you need a plumber, contact one right away. Replacing the water line incorrectly can result in significant damage. If the water supply line is the issue, you can plug in the refrigerator, leave the water supply connection unplugged, and use it as usual—just without the water and ice dispensers—until the line can be fixed.
How Do I Stop My Fridge from Leaking Water?
Look at your appliance’s defrost drain if you’re having trouble keeping your refrigerator leak-free. Usually located toward the lower back of your refrigerator’s built-in freezer, this drain resembles a small hole.
When you reach the defrost drain, you should clean out any debris that may be present inside or around it using a Q-tip or another small, pointed object. That should be an easy fix because after you do that, extra water will be able to exit your fridge through its lower drain tube without leaking.
How Do You Test the Defrost Drain on a Refrigerator?
Testing the defrost drain on your refrigerator shouldn’t be too difficult. To start:
- The built-in freezer of your refrigerator should have a defrost drain.
- Inspect the area for debris or built-up ice.
- If a small amount of water is poured into the defrost drain and it drains easily, no further action is required.
One thing to keep in mind is that, if ice is present, you should grab a hairdryer and use it on the lowest setting for 5–10 minutes to clear your drain.
Is the Defrost Drain Always in the Freezer?
Undoubtedly, the freezer is where the defrost drain is found in refrigerators. This is due to the fact that its main purpose is to drain extra water from your refrigerator freezer’s main compartment and ice tray.
Additionally, you rarely need to see or access the defrost drain in a refrigerator because it typically exits the back of the appliance through a tube and then exits the fridge below.
What Happens If a Freezer Drain is Clogged?
There is a good chance that a leak will start if the drain in a freezer gets clogged. As we discussed, a blocked defrost drain will cause water to collect and possibly even drip into your main refrigerator compartment, which can lead to a mess.
Additionally, your freezer may develop a thick layer of ice at the bottom, which will be difficult to remove and increase the likelihood of a significant leak. Again, this is easily avoidable, so do your best to regularly clean and check the defrost drain in your refrigerator to stop problems before they arise.
How Do I Keep My Defrost Drain from Clogging?
Keeping your refrigerator at a moderate temperature is typically the best way to prevent a clogged defrost drain. The ideal temperature for your refrigerator’s main section should be between 33 and 39 degrees, and the freezer should be at zero degrees.
Although it may seem like a good idea to have a refrigerator that is extremely cold, lowering the temperature too much can harm your appliance and, ultimately, your food.
How Do You Fix a Frozen Freezer Drain?
Fixing a frozen drain won’t be too difficult if your refrigerator was set too cold and you are now stuck with it. We advise grabbing a turkey baster, adding hot water to it, and then inserting it into the drain hole of your freezer.
This procedure should only need to be repeated a few times to eventually melt any frozen water that may have become lodged in your freezer’s drain or tube.
Where is the Drain on a Refrigerator?
A refrigerator’s drain is typically located near the bottom of the appliance, just above the floor. Any extra water from your freezer will go in this container and then be filtered out through a tube.
Given that each refrigerator will vary slightly, we advise getting in touch with the maker if you’re having trouble locating the drain on your appliance.
How Do You Unblock a Refrigerator Drain Tube?
It’s critical to fix your refrigerator’s drain tube as soon as you suspect a blockage. In order to accomplish this, you must insert a plumbing snake through the previously mentioned small hole in your freezer.
The blockage in your tube ought to start to clear up after a few up-and-down movements of the snake, though larger obstructions might require more perseverance. Moreover, if you don’t have a snake to use, you can always try our advice regarding a turkey baster and hot water, though it won’t always work as well.
Where Does a Fridge Drain To?
It’s never clear where the water goes, especially given how much water enters the refrigerator’s drain. Typically, your refrigerator will have a pan underneath it that will collect any extra water coming from its drain and store it there until it evaporates.
Of course, if a clog occurs, this can occasionally result in water leaking or pooling inside or beneath your refrigerator, so the pan design isn’t always flawless. You can probably expect your refrigerator to have a water collection pan because, as I said, this is fairly standard regardless of the appliance manufacturer.
Should There Be Water in the Tray under My Fridge?
Yes, it is typical for some water to collect in the pan or tray under your refrigerator. As previously mentioned, the extra water will collect here after passing through the drain tube of your appliance and should eventually evaporate.
Naturally, there shouldn’t be a lot of water in the tray under your refrigerator, especially to the point of overflowing, so be on the lookout for that.
Why is Water Pooling at the Bottom of My Fridge?
The drain tubes in your refrigerator are probably to blame if you notice water beginning to collect there. Water will typically back up and leak into the main compartment of your fridge or onto your floors when the drain in your refrigerator becomes clogged.
There’s no need to freak out because you can easily fix this by using a snake or hot water to clear any clogging in your refrigerator’s drain and tubes. However, it might be necessary to contact a professional if you’ve tried our advice and still notice puddles inside or around your refrigerator.
Do You Have to Empty a Refrigerator Drain Pan?
No, you shouldn’t be required to empty the drain pan of your refrigerator. As we previously mentioned, the water in the drain pan will eventually evaporate, so you don’t need to check it frequently.
But if water is constantly pouring out of the bottom of your refrigerator, its pan might be the issue; in this case, you should try to empty it.
Can You Replace a Refrigerator Drain Tube?
Yes, you will need to replace your drain tube if it develops a defect or is already damaged. Despite the fact that this procedure varies depending on the brand of fridge you own, ordering a replacement part from the manufacturer ought to be simple.
A new drain tube typically costs around $40, and hiring a professional to install it can cost anywhere between $50 and $150 per hour. Of course, if you have experience with refrigerator repairs, you could attempt to replace the drain tube yourself.
When Should I Call in a Professional?
You can safely make all of the aforementioned repairs and modifications yourself because they are all simple DIY projects. However, if you’ve tried them and you still notice water puddles close to or underneath your refrigerator, it’s time to speak with a qualified contractor. Moisture leaks can significantly shorten a refrigerator’s lifespan in addition to being a nuisance because they interfere with fan performance or result in rust. The longer the issue persists, the more likely it is that you’ll have to completely replace the refrigerator.
Always seek immediate professional advice if coolant rather than water is leaking from your refrigerator. Because coolant is toxic, it must be contained and properly disposed of.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Refrigerator Leaks?
Most home warranties cover at least one refrigerator in the kitchen, despite the fact that refrigerators are expensive to repair or replace. Here is our recommendation for the top home warranty provider.
To Wrap It Up
There are fixes available, regardless of how recently or frequently you’ve noticed water leaking inside your refrigerator. According to what we discovered, keeping a refrigerator’s defrost drain clear and unblocked is the best way to stop water leaks.
If water starts to collect inside or around your refrigerator, you might also want to try pouring hot water down the drain. Again, this should be a quick fix, so there’s no need to take your appliance apart completely.
Whatever the case, keep in mind to regularly check the defrost drain and don’t be hesitant to contact the manufacturer to order a new drain tube if required.
FAQs
Is It Normal for a Fridge to Be Wet Inside?
A refrigerator’s back interior wall occasionally has water or ice on it. The physical process of water formation on a refrigerator’s back wall is completely normal. The coldest location will be where water condenses and gathers. Less moisture can be held in cold air than in warm air.
What Causes a Blocked Defrost Drain?
Water leakage is frequently caused by a blocked defrost drain. This will happen when food particles or other debris clogs the drain hose which leads to ice buildup and water leak outs from a refrigerator or freezer.