Summary: A leaking refrigerator can be fixed by following a few simple steps. Cleaning the water dispenser, unblocking the defrost drain, checking the water supply line, inspecting the door seal, examining the ice maker or water dispenser, and replacing the water filter assembly or filter can all help resolve the issue. By addressing these common causes, you can put an end to the fridge leak.
A refrigerator can leak water from the inside, pointing to a problem that homeowners can readily fix. Water puddles in the fridge are common occurrences and can be fixed by simply cleaning the water dispenser. It’s a part of standard home maintenance to repair a leaky fridge.
Water pooling inside the fridge may not, in fact, be caused by a leak at all. The leaky appearance may be due to a buildup of condensation or a repairable blockage. Clearing up the blockage can quickly reduce the excess moisture and dry the interior of the fridge.
1. Blocked Defrost Drain
If these simple fixes fail to solve the interior leak, homeowners should consider alternate causes and solutions. First off, inspect the defrost drain for any visible signs of a blockage. The defrost drain can clog with debris or freeze, making it difficult for water to drain out of the fridge.
Unblocking the defrost drain may resolve the leak. Clear out food and drawers from the fridge to access the drain. Pour hot, soapy water down the defrost drain to clean and unblock it. Thread wire through the drain if the clog persists. After flushing the drain, the leak should stop.
2. Damaged Water Supply Line
The water supply line connects with the ice maker. A damaged line can cause the fridge to leak from the inside. Damage to the water supply line becomes evident when water flows poorly out of the water dispenser, or the ice-making feature is no longer robust.
Replacing the faulty water supply line is the solution. Before replacing the hose, turn off the water supply. Pull out the fridge and look for the hose connecting the ice maker and water filter. A dripping hose indicates that it’s the source of the leak.
If the line is undamaged, a blockage may be the culprit. Unblock it by running warm, soapy water through the hose. Cleaning the hose in this way is recommended even if a blockage does not exist. Reattach the line and monitor for further signs of a leak.
3. Improper Door Seal
A fridge door that fails to shut properly because of a worn or dirty gasket can lead to leaks. Excess humidity causes a buildup of condensation that turns into water. The rubber seal around the fridge door—the gasket—can become torn or cracked over time and with frequent use.
Open the fridge door and check the gasket for damage. If the gasket appears split or comes loose, wipe it clean. If the leak continues, replace the gasket. Soak the new gasket in water so it’s pliable. Remove the old gasket; position the new gasket; and check the fit.
4. Cracked Ice Maker or Water Dispenser
A water dispenser is a major convenience; however, the tank that supplies water to the dispenser or ice maker can crack. The crack causes water to leak into the interior parts of the fridge. Inspect the tank to determine if cracks are present and causing the leaks.
Unplug the fridge, allowing ample time for it to shut off. Check the tank for signs of damage. Also handle the water supply lines from the ice maker and water dispenser, feeling it for any small cracks. If the tank or lines are damaged, replace them to resolve the leak.
5. Worn Water Filter Assembly
Leaks can occur inside the fridge when the water filter assembly is damaged at the connection point. Remove the cover from the filter unit. Some fridge models require pushing a button to pull out the filter, while others can be removed by pushing it in and turning it clockwise.
Upon removing the water filter assembly, inspect it for damage. If wear and tear are visible, replace the water filter unit with a new one. The leak inside the fridge should stop if it is caused by a defective water filter assembly.
6. Old Water Filter
The water filter purifies water that flows out of the water dispenser or ice maker. The filter must be replaced every six months to not only ensure a flow of clean water but to prevent it from developing defects. If faults develop, the water filter can cause internal fridge leaks.
Changing the water filter regularly prevents issues, like leaks. Access the water filter from inside the fridge. Remove the cover and pull out the filter. Install a brand-new filter and its cover. After a few hours, the water leak should stop if it is due to a defective water filter.
A fridge leaking from the inside can be a nuisance. But the abovementioned solutions should put an end to the leak. If moisture escapes from the fridge or any other appliance that relies on water, serious water damage can result. ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration and Recovery can help.
As a premier water damage cleanup service, we provide residential homeowners and commercial businesses with swift, professional attention. Whether your water damage is caused by a leaky fridge, another malfunctioning appliance, storms, burst pipes, or excess humidity, we’ll resolve the issue.
Our experienced technicians arrive promptly and assess the extent of the water damage. We run advanced water extraction machinery and powerful dehumidifiers to eliminate the excess moisture from the property. Crews are available for content cleaning, carpet cleaning, and additional restoration services.
Technicians at ServiceMaster DRR are IICRC certified, which means they possess the training and skill to safely remove excess water from the home, including sewer water. Hazardous wastewater teems with bacteria—and requires proper handling and sanitization by our licensed crews.
Do not delay addressing water damage, which is known to spread quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the home or building. Plus, ignoring water damage can lead to further issues, such as the development of mold colonies that pose a danger to the building’s occupants.
No matter what the cause of your water damage emergency, ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration and Recovery is ready to provide immediate relief. We’re proud to serve San Francisco, California, and the Bay Area, 24 hours a day. Call us today for the best in local water damage restoration services at (800) 439-8833.
