Home Garden

The Drain in the Bottom of the Fridge Is Leaking

Water can leak from the bottom of a refrigerator drain for a variety of reasons. Ignoring the leak can damage the appliance and kitchen floor. Most common refrigerator leaks can be repaired without calling a repair technician. Repair technicians can cost a lot of money, and usually cannot come to a home immediately to fix an appliance. Instead of calling a repair technician, inspect the appliance closely to determine whether you can fix the problem to save time and money.
  1. Damaged Drain Pan

    • The drain pan collects the excess water so it does not drip onto the floor. When you notice water leaking from the drain pan, it might be damaged or cracked. Locate the drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator. You might need to remove the screws from the grill before you can remove the pan. Slide the pan out gently to prevent spilling water on the floor. Look for cracks, dents or small holes in the drain pan. If the pan appears damaged, consult the manufacturer or call an appliance repair store to see whether they have a replacement for the make and model of your refrigerator.

    Clogged Drain Hole

    • The drainage hole above the drain pan allows water to flow freely from the appliance. When debris or ice clogs the drainage hole, the water builds up and spills out the bottom of the refrigerator. If you notice a pool of water inside the refrigerator or water leaking out the sides of the appliance, then debris might have clogged the hole. Remove the grill on the front of the appliance and pull out the drain pan. You might need to unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall if you cannot find the drainage hole on the front. Sometimes the hole may be behind the rear cover. Insert a coat hanger wire or pipe cleaner into the hole to remove the debris.

    Loose Water Supply

    • While water might appear to be leaking from the drain pan, it might actually be leaking from a water supply line. Check the water supply line by unplugging the refrigerator from the wall. Pull the appliance out carefully and inspect the water supply line for leaks. If you feel excess moisture or see water dripping, try tightening the water supply connector. If you find a tear or hole in the line, you will need to replace it.

    Leaking Drain Considerations

    • Other parts of the refrigerator can fail, such as the condenser or refrigerator motor, and cause the water to leak. Before you investigate the leak, always consult the owner’s manual to see if it contains valuable information to remedy the problem. If the water leaks rapidly from the appliance, turn the water supply off completely until you determine the cause. When you cannot fix the leak, consult a repairman.