Leaks inside the kitchen do not always come from the dishwasher or sink. A faulty fridge may be to blame, even if it does not contain a water dispenser or ice maker. Thankfully, the leak will only be water, as the coolant utilized in fridges is a gas, and not a liquid. Unfortunately, a water puddle inside or underneath the refrigerator means there is an issue which will require attention right away.
Defrost Drain
Blocked defrost drains are one of the most typical causes of water leaks from a fridge and they are an excellent place to begin to troubleshoot. The tiny drain opening can get easily blocked by ice or food particles, preventing water, which accumulated inside the defrost cycle, from draining to the pan. As sufficient water builds up, it’ll start to leak out of the fridge and onto the floor. Clear your drain by flushing it using warm water. Utilize some stiff wire, like a wire clothing hanger, if needed, to remove all blockages.
Drain Pan
It isn’t common, yet periodically the drain pan in the bottom of the fridge may develop a crack which would permit water to leak out. It’s normal for a tiny bit of water to accumulate inside the drain pan, yet it isn’t typical for it to get out of the pan. Water inside the drain pan ought to evaporate before it becomes a problem because of the condenser fan that blows hot air across the pan’s surface. Assess the drain pan for any damage or cracks and replace it if it’s leaking.
Ice Maker
A water line connection to the ice maker may come loose or its seals may crack and lead to leaks which end up as water pooled around and under the fridge. Plastic hoses also can tear, crack, or become kinked, creating pressure which can create a leak at their connections.
Assess the length of the water line that leads to the ice maker (typically on the rear outside of the refrigerator), and its connections for any indications of dampness. If the supply line to the ice maker is the issue, there will often be water dripping or running down the line and onto the floor. Tighten your connections or you can replace your water line. It also may be necessary to replace your connectors to get a tighter seal.
Water Filter
A bad connection between the water supply and water filter may cause a leak inside refrigerator units that have a filtering system. Carefully assess the housing and filter assembly for any indications of dripping water, which usually can be seen running down the exterior of the filter and inside the fridge’s interior if the filter is the issue. Replace and remove the filter, following the manufacturer’s directions. The filter replacement has to be the precise one that is specified for the fridge.
Water Supply Line
In addition to issues seen with the ice maker and water filter, you may experience problems with the water supply line. On occasion, it can either become blocked or filled with frozen water. This can let water pool on the floor of your kitchen, creating a huge mess for you. Production by the ice maker and lack of flow to the water dispenser are key signs that the water line may need some attention.
To fix this, unplug the refrigerator and turn off the main water. Survey the interior of the line for signs of damage or blockages. If you notice cracks or tears, it is time to replace the line altogether. A small blockage is mostly likely ice and can be solved by allowing the line to defrost for a couple of hours.
Water Valve Damage
If you are experiencing water coming from the back of your fridge, it could be related to the water valve. This valve connects to your water dispenser and icemaker, but it could be malfunctioning and need professional attention. Unplug your refrigerator to eliminate the risk of potential electric shock and assess exactly where the leak is coming from.
For more information on the best appliance repair service, reach out to Mike’s Quality Services. Contact us today!