DIY Tip: Fixing a Leaky Refrigerator

Refrigerator Is Leaking Water

Troubleshoot
A pool of water spreading from under your refrigerator or cabinets is never a good thing. Refrigerators use a significant amount of water to conduct their business. Occasionally, problems pop up that cause this water to start leaking. Repairing the situation of a leaking refrigerator first requires a little troubleshooting to determine the exact cause. Once you find out what the cause is, the solution to your wet floor is relatively easy to figure out.

Water Inlet ValveIf the refrigerator is leaking water the water valve may be cracked or have a loose fitting. If the water inlet valve does not shut off properly and the water pressure is good, replace the water inlet valve.

Water Tank Assembly
The tank can sometimes be made up of coiled tubing and is usually located behind the crisper drawers, behind a panel in the refrigerator section. If a leak is discovered, replace it.
Drain Pan
Your leaking refrigerator may just have a cracked or damaged drain pan. Your fridge regularly drains water into this pan to prevent water pooling in the fridge itself. Evaporation takes care of the rest. Look underneath your fridge where the drain pan sits and pull it out for inspection.
Water Filter
If the refrigerator is leaking water the water filter housing, head, or filter itself may be the issue. The filter itself might not be installed correctly. Be sure it is installed properly. As for the filter housing and head be sure to inspect them thoroughly and replace it if any cracks or defects are found.
Clogged or Freezing Defrost Drain
If your leaking refrigerator is draining inside as opposed to onto your floor, you're probably dealing with a clogged defrost drain. This defrost drain can become clogged with debris or, more often, it freezes shut. Look in your refrigerator manual to locate your defrost drain, and take the appropriate steps to unclog it (inundating your drain with warm water will often do the trick).

Leaky Washing Machine

Do you have a leaky washing machine but can't seem to figure out where the water is coming from? Here are a few tips to point you in the right direct. If you're still unsure then head over to our repair forum at http://forum.appliancezone.com .

Here are some of the common areas that your washer may leak:

Inlet Hose Connections - Check for drips around the supply hose connection on the back of the washer as it fills with water. If the hoses are old, corroded or rusted replace them. But if they're in good shape you can replace just the hose's internal washers.

 

Hose Connectors - Open the cabinet and start the fill cycle. These hoses tend to leak around a worn out clamp, but the hoses themselves can also crack and break. Identify what is causing the leak and replace it.

 

Pump - Open the cabinet and check around the pump. The pump will typically leak around the pulley. If you notice this, the pump will need to be replaced.