A puddle under the refrigerator or water pooling under the crisper drawers almost always comes from one of a few sources. Where the water appears is the best clue. Here’s how to find the cause and what you can fix yourself.
First: wipe up the water so you can see where new water appears. If you think the water line is leaking, close the shut-off valve that feeds the fridge.
Water Inside the Fridge
Clogged defrost drain
The most common cause. During defrost, water melts off the evaporator and runs through a small drain to a pan under the fridge. If food particles or ice block the drain, the water collects under the crisper drawers or freezes at the bottom of the freezer. On many models you can flush the drain with warm water once you find the opening, often at the back of the fresh-food section or under the freezer panel. A drain that freezes again and again may point to a defrost problem.
Door doesn’t seal
Warm, humid air coming in through a bad gasket condenses into water inside the fridge. Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the gasket isn’t sealing.
Fridge not level
Most refrigerators should lean slightly back so the doors close and water flows to the drain. If yours leans forward, adjust the front legs.
Water filter
A filter that isn’t seated correctly, or a cracked filter housing, leaks inside the fridge or down the front. Remove and reinstall the filter. Use the correct filter for your model.
Water Under or Behind the Fridge
Water supply line
Fridges with an ice maker or water dispenser have a supply line at the back. Pull the fridge out carefully and check the connection at the valve and at the fridge, and look for cracks in old plastic lines. Replace plastic lines with braided or copper lines.
Water inlet valve
A cracked or worn inlet valve at the back of the fridge leaks onto the floor, often only when the ice maker fills.
Drain pan
The pan under the fridge collects defrost water so it can evaporate. If it’s cracked or has shifted, water runs onto the floor.
Water From the Dispenser or the Ice Maker
Drips from the door dispenser or the ice maker usually come from low water pressure, a worn inlet valve or a dispenser that doesn’t close. If your ice maker is also misbehaving, see our ice maker troubleshooting guide.
When to Call a Technician
Call if the leak continues after you’ve cleaned the drain, checked the line and filter, and leveled the fridge, or if the drain keeps freezing, there’s heavy frost in the freezer, or the inlet valve is leaking. Leaks can damage hardwood and subfloors quickly, so it’s worth fixing soon. If the fridge is also getting warm, see why a refrigerator stops cooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is water collecting under my crisper drawers?
Almost always a clogged defrost drain. Flush it with warm water and keep the drain opening clear.
Why is my fridge leaking water on the floor?
The most common causes are the water supply line, the inlet valve, a cracked drain pan or a clogged defrost drain overflowing.
Can a new water filter cause a leak?
Yes, if it’s not seated correctly, if it’s the wrong filter, or if the filter housing is cracked.
Is a leaking refrigerator dangerous?
The leak itself is mainly a risk to your floor. If water has reached the outlet or the cord, switch off the breaker before you touch the plug, then dry the area.
Book Refrigerator Repair
We repair refrigerators from Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, Sub-Zero, Bosch and more, in Sacramento, West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Dixon, Vacaville, Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova, with same-day service available. See our appliance repair services, call (510) 677-7166 or book an appointment online.
