KitchenAid freezer leaking water

What causes a freezer to leak water from the bottom?

A frozen defrost drain tube in the automatic defrost system of an upright KitchenAid freezer is the #1 cause of this appliance leaking water underneath.

That drain tube carries condensate water from the collection tray under the evaporator to a defrost drain pan next to the compressor where that water evaporates off before the next defrost cycle.

When the defrost drain tube freezes, water overflows the drain pan below the evaporator and leaks out underneath the freezer.

To prevent the freezing, a technician will sometimes install a metal device shown below that transmits heat from the defrost heating element to the opening of the drain tube to prevent freezing:

Installing this part can often prevent the defrost drain tube from freezing up and keep the freezer from leaking water.

Schedule freezer repair service if you suspect that the defrost drain tube is freezing up and causing your freezer to leak water from underneath.

A cracked or damaged defrost drain pan can leak water that will seep out underneath your freezer. Unplug the freezer and remove the machine compartment cover to check that drain pan. Replace that part if it’s cracked or damaged.

A loose or damaged freezer door gasket can cause excessive frost that can overflow the evaporator drain tray or defrost drain pan and cause leaks under your freezer.

Check the freezer door seal for damage or tears and replace that part if you find it damaged.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace a refrigerator door gasket on a common type of refrigerator. You can use that same procedure to replace the door gasket on common upright freezers.

What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid freezer leaking water issue

How is the leaking water problem fixed?

Correcting most leaking water problems usually involves replacing the drain tube, water tubing or evaporator. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a freezer that is leaking water

When the freezer is leaking water it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of freezer failures.

When you need KitchenAid appliance repair, trust the pros at Sears Home Services to fix the problem fast. Schedule your repair appointment today.

What to look out for with a freezer leaking water diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your freezer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.