The fridge is one of the most used appliances in the house. Homeowners require it to work correctly to keep their groceries fresh all week long, which is why a malfunctioning or broken fridge can be a big issue. One of the biggest fridge problems of all is a leaking fridge. Keep reading to learn more about what causes a refrigerator to leak water and what should be done to fix it.
Is a Fridge Leaking Water Dangerous?
Yes, a leaking refrigerator can be dangerous. If the fridge is leaking water, it can lead to a slippery floor, which is a fall hazard. Or it can potentially result in electrical shocks, as the refrigerator is plugged into an electrical outlet.
Another dangerous situation is if the fridge leaks refrigerant. Refrigerants are harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if inhaled. So, a refrigerant leak can lead to refrigerant poisoning and pose environmental risks.
What Causes a Refrigerator to Leak Water?
Here are the seven most common causes of a refrigerator leaking water.
1. Blocked Defrost Drain
Ask any plumber, “Why is water leaking from under my refrigerator?” and their first guess will probably be that the defrost drain is blocked. The purpose of the defrost drain hose is to get rid of excess water when the freezer defrosts. But if the drain hole gets clogged with debris (food, ice, dirt), the water can back up and result in a leak on the floor.
Luckily, this can sometimes be a quick fix. You can examine the drain and see if there’s a visible blockage. You can wiggle the drain hole to dislodge debris. If that doesn’t work, call a professional.
2. Cracked Drain Pan
Underneath the fridge is a drain pan that collects water from the evaporator fins. When everything is working correctly, the water in the drain pan simply evaporates, so there’s no need to empty it. But if the pan is damaged or cracked, the water can leak onto the floor instead.
Take a look at your drain pan. If it’s visibly damaged, replace it with a new one. If a new drain pan doesn’t eliminate the leak, the leak is caused by another issue. In this case, a plumber can inspect the fridge and identify the real source of the leak.
3. Leaking Water Line
If a fridge is producing less ice or the water leak is collecting at the back, it can be a sign of a loose or damaged water line. If the water line freezes over, it can also result in a fridge leak.
Check to see if the pipe valve is where the water is leaking out. If so, simply tightening the valve might fix the issue. A damaged hose can also be the reason for a leak. In this case, all you would have to do is replace the hose. If both of those actions don’t fix the issue, it’s time to call in the professionals.
4. Improperly Installed or Faulty Water Filter
Some fridges have a fancy water filter that delivers fresh, clean, cold water on demand. With these fridges, water flows through this filter before delivering water or making ice. If there are any issues with the filter — such as being installed incorrectly or being the wrong size — it can produce a leak. Sometimes, it’s just a case of wear and tear. An old water filter can stop working correctly and prevent proper water passage.
You can replace your water filter with a new one. Consider using a plumber so the installation is done correctly and you avoid future filter issues.
5. Open the Fridge Door
Many modern fridges have a warning noise if the refrigerator is left slightly ajar. But if a fridge doesn’t have this feature, it can be easy to miss that the door is open. Additionally, if the door gasket is broken or dirty, it can prevent the door from having an airtight seal even when closed.
An open door causes the fridge to work harder to keep things cool, increasing condensation and causing a leak. If your fridge seems warmer than usual, this is a sign that your door is the issue. To fix this problem, clean your fridge’s gasket and replace it if it’s damaged.
6. High Humidity
Sometimes, a fridge leak is just because of the climate in a home. If the inside of a house is very humid, condensation can build up in the fridge. Usually, the refrigerator just allows this extra condensation to collect in the drain pan and evaporate. But if there is an excessive amount of water, the drain pan can overflow, and a leak can spring up.
If high humidity is the issue, ensure you regularly empty out and clean your drain pan so it doesn’t overflow. Do this every month during seasons that are extra humid.
7. Frost Buildup in the Freezer
A freezer is certainly meant to be extra cold, but seeing ice and frost in the freezer can be a sign of a problem. When water melts from the freezer or fridge, it typically flows to the drain pan. However, if the drain pan is clogged or broken, water can pool inside the fridge instead. When water pools in the freezer, it leads to a frost buildup.
In this situation, the leak is inside the fridge, not outside of it. You can empty out your fridge and freezer, defrost them entirely, collect all the excess water and restart everything.
What Should You Do If Your Fridge Is Leaking Water?
Some fridge leaks can lead to potentially dangerous situations, such as exposure to poisonous substances or electrical shocks. Leave the problem to the professionals. As soon as you see a leak, contact a professional plumber.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing and Drain for all of your residential plumbing needs. Let us help you with your fridge leak and maintenance.
