Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop Parts
Resources
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop PartsResource CenterGlossaryHelp
sears home advantageSears Home Advantageappointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. Whirlpool
  3. Whirlpool Refrigerator
  4. Refrigerator leaking

Whirlpool refrigerator leaking

Common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator is leaking

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator is leaking are a clogged defrost drain, faulty ice maker assembly or a damaged evaporator.

  • 50%

    50% of the time it's the
    Defrost Drain

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Ice Maker Assembly

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Evaporator

  • 30%

    30% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Use The Repair or Replace Calculator

    Determine What's Best For Your Appliance

    Product Type
    Home Appliance Brand
    How Old Is Your Appliance?

    Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool 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.


    Ice Maker Assembly Replacement

    A faulty refrigerator ice maker can have diverse effects, impacting various aspects of the refrigerator's operation, including its ability to make ice. Increased noise during the ice-making process could indicate a problem in the ice maker's components. A malfunctioning ice maker may lead to water leaks around the ice maker assembly, potentially causing water puddles in and around the refrigerator. If the bail arm fails to shut off ice production, it could result in the ice maker drawer jamming due to an overproduction of ice, potentially leading to damage to the drawer or adjacent shelf. The failure of other components in a refrigerator that stops cooling will affect ice production, so a thorough inspection of the refrigerator by a Sears Home Services professional is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

    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 Whirlpool refrigerator leaking issue

    How is the leaking problem fixed?

    Correcting most leaking problems usually involves replacing the defrost drain, ice maker assembly 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

    When the refrigerator is leaking 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 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.

    Addressing Whirlpool Icemaker Leaking Issues

    One common issue that Whirlpool refrigerator owners face is the ice maker leaking water. This problem can arise due to various reasons and needs prompt attention to prevent further damage to your refrigerator and surrounding areas.

    Causes and Solutions for Whirlpool Icemaker Leaking Water

    If you notice your Whirlpool ice maker leaking, there are several potential causes. Understanding these can help in identifying the appropriate solution:

    A common cause of a leaking ice maker is a problem with the water supply line. This line can become clogged, kinked, or disconnected, leading to water leaks. Inspect the water supply line for any visible damage or disconnection. Ensure it is properly connected and replace it if there are signs of wear or damage.

    Another cause could be a malfunctioning ice maker assembly. Components such as the water inlet valve, ice mold thermostat, or the fill tube might be defective. Examine the ice maker assembly and replace any faulty components. It is often best to have a professional technician perform this task to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.

    Improper installation of the ice maker can lead to water leaks if the ice maker is not level or if the connections are not properly secured. Check the installation of your ice maker to ensure it is level and all connections are secure. Reinstall the ice maker if necessary, following the manufacturer's instructions.

    For more detailed assistance or if the problem persists, it is advisable to contact a Sears Home Services professional who can provide expert diagnosis and repair.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Jake is a great person.

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


    Nancy V, Meridian, ID

    Great job

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


    Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ

    Service appointment

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


    Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY

    Repair Refrigerator Resources

    8 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying a Refrigerator
    4 min readNov. 19

    Buying a refrigerator is a big decision that requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes. Learn how to choose the right style, measure your space, and make environmentally friendly choices with ease.

    Samsung Fridge Troubleshooting: A Comprehensive Guide image.
    6 min readNov. 15

    Get expert troubleshooting tips for your Samsung fridge with our comprehensive guide.

    Title image for blog article "How Does an Inverter Work?"
    6 min readNov. 13

    Learn how an inverter compressor works in a refrigerator.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Refrigerator Ice Maker Work?"
    9 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a refrigerator ice maker works and how to keep it in top shape.

    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 Whirlpool refrigerator symptoms you may experience

    These refrigerator brands may also experience leaking