What Can Cause a GE Ice Maker to Leak?

Water Line Connections

• The most obvious place to begin looking for a leak in your ice maker is at the connections, where the water supply line hooks into the actual device. Water flows through a copper tube beneath the sink or another nearby water source into the refrigerator and eventually sprays water into the ice cube mold trays. Most GE refrigerators use screw-type ends in which you screw the flange nut over the connector and twist the coupling, in the same way that you connect a coaxial cable to your television set. If the line running to the ice maker is not securely fastened to the device, water may drip slowly out of the line. Tightening or replacing both ends of the water line should stop this type of leak.

Pinched Lines

• Inspect the water lines leading to the ice maker for pinched or kinked areas. A pinch in the water line can cause line pressure to build when the valve is activated. This can lead to overfilling of the tray and a leak into the bin below. Sudden bursts of increased pressure could make the water overshoot the intended area and end up in the wrong place.

Water Valve

• The water inlet valve in the ice maker is designed to automatically open and close to allow water into the ice maker and water dispenser. This valve links the line that runs from the sink to the refrigerator to the ice maker. If the valve is damaged or improperly installed, it can leak either at the connection to the lines or through the actual valve housing itself. Check the valve for leaks, since this is a highly pressurized place where water would easily escape if there is an imperfection in the component.

Defrost Drain

• When the automatic defrost system heats and melts the ice growing on the cooling coil, the water drips into a drain below and is carried away to a pan under the appliance for evaporation. If the defrost water drain is cracked or overflows, the water the heater displaced will drip down into the ice bin. A clogged defrost drain may also cause an overflow that sends water down into the fresh food compartment.