How to Fix a Leaking Refrigerator

No one wants a leaking fridge. Not only can it have a negative effect on your refrigerator’s ability to function properly, but it can also damage your floor and lead to a safety hazard. With that being said, a leaking refrigerator should be addressed immediately.

Keep reading for easy repair tips for a leaking refrigerator. 

Level Your Refrigerator

First, take a look at your refrigerator to determine if it’s leaning to the side or tipping forward. An unleveled refrigerator can create mechanical stress, making it challenging to keep your perishables fresh and cool. Fortunately, leveling is a quick and painless process. 

If your fridge isn’t leveled properly, you may notice the following issues:

• Temperature fluctuation
• Frost build-up
• Unable to align or seal doors properly

To prevent these problems, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to ensure a leveled refrigerator. Here’s how to level your refrigerator to prevent it from leaking water.

You’ll need an air-bubble level and a second person to help you get underneath the fridge. First, remove the grille at the bottom of the refrigerator to examine the legs. Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, you’ll see either height-adjustable legs or rollers. For refrigerators with legs, rotate the legs clockwise to raise the fridge or counterclockwise to lower it. For refrigerators with height-adjustable rollers, look for an adjustment screw near the top of the roller.

Although it varies by model, using a screwdriver to tighten the screw should raise the refrigerator’s front, and loosening will lower it. Next, measure the refrigerator’s tilt by placing a level against the bottom of the fridge. Typically, manufacturers suggest having the front of the refrigerator to be about 0.25 to 0.5 inches higher than the back.

Inspect Your Defrost Drain for a Blockage

Food particles, ice, or a loaded freezer can cause blockage in the defrost drain, which means your appliance has to work overtime. This can cause condensation on the coils, which leads to water leaking onto the floor. 

To unclog the defrost drain, open the freezer and inspect the defrost drain along the back wall. If items are blocking it, move things around until air can flow freely. If the leaking continues, the clog is most likely something smaller, such as ice. To fix this issue, you’ll need to remove all of the food, then unplug the appliance. Next, remove the plastic plate over the drain hole and flush warm water down the defrost drain to clear the drain of debris.

Check Your Water Supply Lines

If your fridge is level and your drain is unobstructed, the next problem to troubleshoot is the water supply lines. With your perishable items removed and your fridge unplugged, you’ll want to inspect the plastic hose that moves. If you see water leaking or accumulating along the outside of the hose or you notice pinhole leaks, you’ll need to replace it. Although we recommend repair technicians, you can purchase a new hose and replace it yourself, we recommend using ¼ pex for the water supply lines. Make sure to turn off the shutoff valve to the water supply underneath the sink. If you have a saddle valve consider replacing it to an all brass ¼ turn valve.

Check Your Drain Pan

Finally, you’ll want to check your drain pan under your fridge. If water has escaped the pan and leaked onto the floor due to a crack, warp, or another form of damage, then you’ll need to replace it.

Call the Pros at iFiX for Your Refrigerator Repair

If your refrigerator continues to leak, it’s time to call our Ogden appliance repair team as soon as possible so more problems don’t arise. Our experience in diagnosing and repairing all makes and models of refrigerators makes us the best choice for refrigerator repair in Northern Utah. Our professionals have the experience, training, and resources needed to properly repair your home’s appliance. If you are in Weber or Davis Counties, iFiX is your solution for appliance repair needs. Contact us today at 801-731-4349 to schedule an appointment.