Refrigerator leaking water

Common reasons your refrigerator leaking water

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

  • 68%

    68% of the time it's the
    Defrost Drain

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Dispenser Water Tubing

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Evaporator

  • 7%

    7% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Common refrigerator repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.

Defrost Drain Replacement

A clogged defrost drain can lead to problems with draining melted frost and ice during the defrost cycle. This may cause water to overflow in the drain pan, resulting in leaks under the refrigerator. To prevent potential damage caused by leaks, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the refrigerator promptly and address the clogged defrost drain.

Dispenser Water Tubing Replacement

A broken refrigerator dispenser water tube can cause water to leak around the dispenser, forming puddles or moisture on the fridge's exterior. This leak can reduce the water flow to the dispenser. You may also see water dripping from the dispenser nozzle or collecting in the dispenser tray. Sometimes, a crack in the tube can allow contaminants in or affect the water's taste and smell. Quickly getting a Sears Home Services expert to fix a cracked water tube is important to avoid potential water damage.

Evaporator Replacement

A defective refrigerator evaporator can lower cooling efficiency, resulting in increased temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer sections. This temperature rise may lead to food spoilage and less effective preservation of frozen goods. Frost or ice accumulation on the evaporator coils can hinder their ability to absorb heat effectively. Inside the refrigerator, excessive condensation may cause leaks. Moreover, a damaged evaporator may produce unusual noises like hissing or gurgling sounds during the refrigeration process.

What to expect when you experience a refrigerator leaking water issue

How is the leaking water problem resolved?

Fixing most leaking water problems usually involves replacing the defrost drain, dispenser water tubing or evaporator. However, there are many potential causes, so thorough troubleshooting and an accurate diagnosis are key to effectively fixing the problem.

Follow these suggestions for a refrigerator that is leaking water

When your refrigerator is leaking water it can be for many reasons. Avoid replacing unneeded parts by 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 be mindful of when diagnosing a refrigerator that is leaking water

Successfully diagnosing malfunctions in modern appliances can be a formidable task for individuals lacking comprehensive knowledge and training. Attempting to address refrigerator issues without employing precise diagnostic techniques may lead to ineffective repairs reliant on guesswork. The past decade has witnessed significant advancements in appliance technology, resulting in the integration of complex electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on contemporary appliance models have become increasingly complex.

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Jake is a great person.

He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.


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Great job

Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.


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Service appointment

Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator leaking water from the bottom?
The issue could be due to a clogged defrost drain, a broken water line, or a malfunctioning door seal.
How can I check if the defrost drain is blocked in my refrigerator?
Inspect the defrost drain for ice build-up and remove any blockage. You can also use a hair dryer to thaw out the drain if it's frozen.
Could a damaged water filter housing cause my refrigerator to leak?
Yes, if the water filter housing is damaged or a seal is worn, it could lead to leaks inside the refrigerator.
What should I do if my refrigerator is leaking from the water line?
Inspect the water line for leaks or damage. Tighten the water line connection if it's leaking. Replace any damaged water system components.

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Glossary Terms

A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

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.