Fridge Is Freezing and Leaking

Freezing Issues

• While you certainly would not want your fridge compartment to be warm, it should not reach freezing temperatures either. Nevertheless, freezing in refrigerators is common and can be caused by a number of things. One of the most common is the disproportionate allocation of cool air between shelves in the fridge. You might find that the shelf direclty above the bottom storage drawer is much colder than the top shelf facing you at eye level. Other issues derive from leaks in the refrigerant system or a broken motorized damper. Air dampers control the flow of air between the freezer and the fridge compartment.

Leaking Issues

• Some of the top culprits behind a leaky fridge include a cracked drain pan or a faulty door seal, also known as a gasket. When refrigerators fail to close properly, cold air sneaks out. Consequently, your fridge must work overtime to retain low temperature levels. Damaged drain pans will leak water that should otherwise evaporate and help keep the bottom of your fridge dry. Backed-up water and leaking inside the fridge may also result from blocked tubes or defrost drains that fail to funnel water to the drain pan.

Possible Solutions

• When troubleshooting solutions, try moving food such as fruits and vegetables to the top shelf where temperatures tend to be slightly warmer. Also, check the thermostat to make sure that the temperature is between 35 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Replace the thermostat if you are unable to adjust the temperature, or call a technician if the freezing is due to a technical issue, such as cold-air migration between compartments.

  For leakage problems, clearing debris from the defrost drain or tube with warm water may alleviate your blockage issue. If the drain pan is cracked, visit your local appliance store or contact the manufacturer to inquire about a replacement. For dry door gaskets, clean the rubber with soap and water, and lubricate the seal. However, door gaskets that are old and brittle should be replaced to prevent further leakage.

Warnings

• When working on large appliances such as refrigerators, always unplug the fridge from its power source or electrical outlet. Similarly, switch off circuit breakers or fuse boxes powering your refrigerator. Be mindful that refrigerators are heavy and liable to tip over if pushed too hard or handled incorrectly. Avoid brushing or pushing up against sharp edges and corners, which are usually found in the back of and underneath the fridge.