While some minor leaks can be fixed with routine maintenance, other issues require professional repair to prevent further damage. If your refrigerator is leaking and you’re unsure of the cause, Houston Appliance Fix can quickly diagnose and resolve the problem. Read more about our refrigerator repair:
Reasons Why the Fridge Is Leaking Water
- Frozen Drain Line
- Cracked Drain Pan
- Damaged Door Gaskets
- Damaged Water Supply Line or Faulty Water Valve
- Malfunctioning Defrost System
Frozen Drain Line – №1
During the defrost cycle, water collects in a drain trough beneath the evaporator and flows through a tube into a drain pan. If this trough is damaged or clogged, water can freeze inside the drain line, blocking proper drainage. This forces water to leak inside the fridge instead of draining properly.
Diagnosis
- You may notice ice buildup near the evaporator cover
- Water may pool at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment
Fix
We do not recommend DIY repairs for this issue. Attempting to manually remove the ice may damage the plastic cover or evaporator, leading to expensive repairs. A professional technician can safely thaw the drain line and restore proper drainage.
Repair cost: from $200
Cracked Drain Pan – №2
The drain pan collects water from the defrost cycle, allowing it to evaporate over time. However, because it’s made of plastic and exposed to repeated heating and cooling, it can crack over time, causing leaks onto the floor.
Diagnosis
- Move the refrigerator and check for water accumulation under the unit
- Inspect the drain pan for visible cracks or misalignment
Fix
Replacing a drain pan may seem simple, but we do not recommend doing it yourself. The drain system is sealed, and improper handling can lead to further leaks or damage. A technician can safely replace the drain pan and ensure a secure fit.
Damaged Door Gaskets – №3
The door gasket (seal) keeps warm air out of the refrigerator. If it is torn, cracked, or loose, warm air can enter, causing excess condensation inside the fridge. This moisture can accumulate and drip onto the floor.
Diagnosis
- Inspect the door gasket for visible cracks or gaps
- Close the door and run your hand along the edges to feel for escaping cold air
Fix
- Clean the gasket with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt buildup
- If the gasket is damaged, replace it to ensure a proper seal
- If the issue persists, a technician can install a new gasket and check for additional sealing issues
Replacement cost: from $200
Damaged Water Supply Line or Faulty Water Valve – №4
Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers rely on a water supply line. If this line is cracked, loose, or leaking, water can drip onto the floor. Additionally, a faulty water valve may cause continuous water flow, leading to leaks.
Diagnosis
- Check behind the refrigerator for signs of water leakage
- Inspect the water supply line for visible cracks, loose connections, or kinks
Fix
Water supply issues can be difficult to diagnose without specialized tools. If you suspect a problem, we recommend calling a technician to inspect the water line, valve connections, and system integrity to prevent further leaks.
Diagnosis and repair cost: from $250
Malfunctioning Defrost System – №5
A refrigerator’s defrost system periodically melts ice from the evaporator coils. However, if the system enters defrost mode too frequently, too much water may collect in the drain pan, causing an overflow onto the floor before it can fully evaporate.
Diagnosis
- You may notice excessive water pooling around the fridge
- Water appears more frequently after defrost cycles
Fix
Since this issue involves electronic components and system diagnostics, we do not recommend DIY repairs. A technician will need to inspect the defrost timer, thermostat, and heating elements to determine the cause and fix it properly.
Diagnosis and repair cost: from $300
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I’m an appliance repair technician based in Houston, Texas. Here, I share my hands-on experience and insights. Hope you find my articles helpful! Feel free to drop a comment or share your thoughts—I’d be happy to chat!
3 Comments
My refrigerator is leaking, and I thought I could fix it myself, but I was wrong—it’s more complicated than I expected. I’m in Midtown, Houston. Can you help me with this? It’s a Whirlpool fridge.
Yes, we operate in Midtown Houston. Please submit your request on our website, and we will get in touch with you.
Sometimes I see water under my fridge, but it’s not all the time. I still don’t know what’s causing it, but it seems to stop after I defrost the fridge. Maybe it’s a clogged drain.