My Refrigerator Water Line Froze & It's Thawed but Leaking From the Wall

Catch the Problem Early

• As soon as you notice a problem with the water line, turn the refrigerator off and let it sit until any ice melts and pushes back through the line. If your refrigerator is full of fresh and frozen foods and you don't want to unplug it, flush the line with warm water. A small amount of warm or slightly hot water poured down the line slowly melts any remaining ice. This method only works if you catch the problem early.

Damaged Line

• If you previously noticed a frozen water line and did not fix it, you might notice water leaking near the refrigerator. If the water is leaking around the wall, it indicates that there is a crack or hole in the water line. This often occurs during the freeze/thaw cycle. The water line expands and contracts during the change in temperatures, which creates the cracks. You must replace the water line with a new one.

Replacing the Line

• Replacing the water line is extremely difficult if you do not have experience in the field. The process involves finding where the line attaches to the water supply and where it attaches to the inside of the refrigerator. You must purchase a new piece that works with your model and is long enough to cover the distance between the water and the fridge. Contact the manufacturer of the refrigerator, as yours might still have an intact warranty that covers the repair.

Warning

• Turn the water supply off as soon as you notice the leaking line. Leaking water can lead to serious problems, including mold, mildew and rot. Once the wall behind the refrigerator starts rotting, you must remove the plaster or drywall and completely replace the damaged area. The problem can worsen to the point where the moisture settles into the frame of the wall.