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  1. Repair
  2. KitchenAid
  3. KitchenAid Refrigerator
  4. Refrigerator leaking water

KitchenAid refrigerator leaking water

Common reasons your KitchenAid refrigerator is leaking water

The most common reasons your KitchenAid refrigerator is leaking water are a clogged defrost drain, cracked dispenser water tubing or a damaged evaporator.

  • 42%

    42% of the time it's the
    Defrost Drain

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Dispenser Water Tubing

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Evaporator

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid refrigerator

    Defrost Drain Replacement

    When the defrost drain is clogged, frost and ice melting from the evaporator fins during the defrost cycle won’t be able to drain away, causing an overflow of water in the drain pan and leading to water leaking underneath the refrigerator. To prevent potential damage to the floor and refrigerator if leaks are noticed, have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the refrigerator to address and rectify the clogged defrost drain promptly.


    Dispenser Water Tubing Replacement

    Cracked refrigerator dispenser water tubing will result in water leaking around the dispenser area, leading to puddles or moisture accumulation on the exterior of the refrigerator. This leakage can result in decreased water flow to the dispenser. You might also notice water dripping from the dispenser nozzle or pooling in the dispenser tray. In some cases, a crack in the tubing can introduce contaminants or compromise the water's purity, affecting its taste and odor. Promptly addressing a cracked water tube with a Sears Home Services professional is crucial in preventing possible water damage.

    Evaporator Replacement

    A damaged refrigerator evaporator causes a decrease in overall cooling performance, leading to elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These higher temperatures can result in food spoilage and less effective preservation of frozen items. Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils may hinder their ability to absorb heat efficiently. Excessive condensation inside the refrigerator can lead to leaks. Additionally, a damaged evaporator may cause unusual noises, such as hissing or gurgling sounds, during the refrigeration cycle.

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

    How is the leaking water problem fixed?

    Correcting most leaking water problems usually involves replacing the defrost drain, dispenser 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 refrigerator that is leaking water

    When the refrigerator 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 refrigerator failures.

    What to look out for with a refrigerator leaking water diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator 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.

    KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Leaking Troubleshooting

    If your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is leaking after you just replaced the water filter, then air in the water lines between the filter and the water dispenser is likely causing the water dispenser to drip. Purge one gallon of water as constantly as possible through the water dispenser to fix this water dispenser leaking issue.

    This same problem can happen if you have an outage in your water supply system. Purging water through the dispenser should remove air from the water lines in that scenario as well.

    Another problem that can cause KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser leaking is a defective water valve. A small piece of debris stuck in the body of the water valve will cause water to leak from the water dispenser. You’ll likely need to have a service technician replace the water valve in that situation.

    An electronic control board problem can also cause the dispenser to leak in your KitchenAid refrigerator. A defective relay on the control board can send electrical current to the water dispenser water valve and cause it to drip or leak. This is also a failure that will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a service technician.

    Schedule refrigerator repair service when you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser leaking.

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    Glossary Terms

    Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

    R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

    CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.

    A refrigerator thermostat is a device within a refrigerator that regulates its temperature by turning the cooling system on and off based on the interior temperature compared to the set desired temperature.

    Additional possible KitchenAid refrigerator symptoms you may experience