Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water? Talk Radio News

Are you worried about water leaking from your refrigerator? Your refrigerator might be leaking due to a broken fan or leaky water valve. Or maybe, your compressor has stopped working due to overheating.

Leaking in the refrigerator affects the cooling capacity and may spoil the food. Apart from food wastage, it may also lead to serious health risks.

To prevent leakage from the refrigerator, first, you should analyze the cause of the problem. If you leave it unrepaired, it can end up costing more money in the long run.

This article will look at seven common reasons that might lead to leakage from your refrigerator. After detecting the cause, you will see ways to fix a leaking refrigerator.

7 Reasons Why Your Refrigerator is Leaking Water

1. Clogged Defrosting Drain

A well-functioning refrigerator requires frequent condensation. It means your refrigerator is in a constant state of freezing and defrosting. Excess water drains down the defrost drainpipe and into the drain pan during the process.

The condensation circle continues to spin, but the excess moisture cannot escape. As a result, it runs from the refrigerator.

2. Check the Door Seal

If your refrigerator’s door is not well-sealed, moisture may get out through the door and onto the floor. In this case, thoroughly clean the gasket. Clean any food particles or built-up dirt with warm water and soap.

3. Damaged Water Valve

Your water supply line connects to your water inlet valve. The valve provides water and ice to your refrigerator, but all the water leaks out onto the floor if it is damaged.

A leaking water inlet valve can also be the source of a steady leak.

You will also see visible cracks if the valve is damaged. Therefore, give it a thorough check, and if the valve is faulty, install a new water valve.

4. Cracked Drain Pan

The drain pan beneath the refrigerator’s door collects any leftover condensed moisture. The moisture usually evaporates on its own, and you do not have to empty the fridge.

But, if the drain pan itself cracks or breaks, the water will flow out and onto your dining room floor. However, the drain pans are inexpensive. So, you can buy and install a new drain pan even if it’s completely damaged

5. Humidity

If you live in an area where summer days are incredibly humid, the excess moisture in the air could cause water leakage.

When the extra humidity comes into contact with the air inside your fridge, condensation occurs more frequently than usual. As a result, the drain pan fills up faster, causing leakage if not evaporated.

6. Unleveled Refrigerator

It is a common misconception that you should install the refrigerators so that the bottom is level with the floor. This, however, is not the case. The proper technique is to tilt the refrigerator slightly backward.

This could be the case if you bought the fridge or moved to a new house where you reinstalled the refrigerator and noticed water leaking after a few days.

7. Water Filter Connection Issue

The most recent refrigerator models include a water dispenser or a water filter. On the one hand, this gives your kitchen a very upscale appearance, while on the other, it saves you some space.

What if your refrigerator has a built-in water filter, and you notice water leaking out? In such instances, check whether the two appliances are in connection or not.

Ways to Fix a Leaking Refrigerator

A leaking refrigerator won’t work as well as it should, won’t keep your food as cold as it should, and can cause costly water damage to the flooring and structure beneath it.

Fortunately, there are several DIY fixes that you can try on your own or with the assistance of a technician.

1. Defrosting the Drain Pan

Manually inspecting your defrost drain is the simplest and most direct way to determine if it is malfunctioning. Examine your defrost drain to see if it is clogged with anything. Even if there isn’t anything visible blocking the drain, flushing it is a good idea.

2. Leveling the Refrigerator

What is this you have to check the horizontal positioning of the fridge? Your fridge should be in level from side to side for good formants.

Turn the adjustable legs and use your level to position the fridge in the correct order. Also, make necessary adjustments with its front legs.

3. Cleaning the Defrost Drain

Cleaning of defrosting adjustments drain is essential to improve the airflow. To empty the freezer and expose the drain if the fridge still leaks after 4 to 5 days. Then unplug the refrigerator and pour hot water to open the drain.

If the problem still exists, buy a matching replacement and install it with the help of a technician.

4. Fixing the Water Supply Line

Unplug the fridge and pull it away from the wall when fixing the water supply line. Then, inspect the water supply lines at the back of the refrigerator. After inspection, tighten the connection points and check back for any signs of leak after a few hours.

If you still see leakage, turn off the water supply and rotate the shut-off valve clockwise. If you are confident in replacing the waterline yourself, do it; otherwise, call a technician for your ease.

When to Replace Your Refrigerator?

In some cases, you cannot return or repair your refrigerator. You feel confused about fixing it or buying a new refrigerator at that time.

Always consider the age of your unit and the cost of repair services. Looking at these will give you the best sign of whether you should replace them or not.

So, if the repair cost is greater than the cost of a new refrigerator, you should not waste your money. In such cases, get a new unit as soon as possible to avoid wasting money.

Wrapping it up

We hope you understand all the most common causes of water leaks from refrigerators.

Remember to solve the leakage issue as soon as possible before it is too late. You can always seek a technician’s help to resolve the problem if you can’t do it yourself.

Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?