When you discover an unexpected puddle beneath your refrigerator, you may immediately assume that someone was careless with the water dispenser. However, this could also indicate a water leak in your refrigerator. While it’s easy to find a puddle, it’s not always as easy to find the source of the leak or to repair it. Since your refrigerator keeps costly food supplies from spoiling, a leak in your refrigerator threatens more than your socks!

There are many possible causes of refrigerator leaks. Whether you’re thinking of conducting a DIY repair or calling a plumbing maintenance specialist, it helps to know where to look for the source of the leak. The more information you can give to your plumber, the easier it will be for them to complete your repairs. Read on to learn the common sources of refrigerator leaks and how to fix them.

A Leaky Drip Pan

Where you find the puddle is a great indication of where it’s coming from. If you discover water in front of your refrigerator, there’s a good chance it’s coming from a leaky drip pan. The drip pan is situated just beneath the refrigerator and is connected to the defrost line, which carries water to the drip pan where it is supposed to evaporate. If it doesn’t, or if there is a crack, water can leak and pool onto the floor.

If you want to repair it yourself, you’ll have to remove the drip pan from beneath the refrigerator. You’ll need to remove the grill or front panel to reach it, then fill it with water from the faucet to test for potential leaks. If it is, in fact, leaking, you’ll need to order a replacement to solve the issue.

A Leak in the Supply Line

The supply line delivers water to the refrigerator for use in creating ice or for the water dispenser. If it leaks, you’ll have to move the refrigerator to conduct repairs or to confirm that this is the problem. While you could technically repair it yourself, trusting a plumbing specialist will guarantee an effective and long-lasting solution.

Reputable plumbers can remove any damaged sections of tubing and reconnect it using couplers. They may also use a new nut and ferrule to repair the leak if it is coming from the connection. A plumber’s practiced eye and premium tools will ensure efficient leak detection and lasting refrigerator repairs.

Defrost Drain

Every refrigerator has a defrost drain at the bottom of its compartments. If this drain is obstructed or becomes clogged, it can cause leaks. You can inspect this to identify obstructions and remove them by sending hot water through. You can also clean the defrost drain with a rag. While this is a relatively simple fix, clogs can turn into more costly problems if you don’t attend to them. Prompt plumbing maintenance will save you a lot of trouble down the road!

Condensation Issues

Water drops collecting around the door or side panels are a tell-tale sign of condensation problems. A common cause of this is if the refrigerator door isn’t shutting completely, causing cool air to leak out and collect along the door’s edges. A faulty door may require re-leveling so the back is lower than the front, leveraging gravity to ensure the door stays tightly closed.

Dirty gaskets are another cause of condensation. Gaskets are the strips of rubber that line the door, creating an airtight seal to prevent cold air leaks. If these become dirty, they aren’t able to seal in cold air, which leads to excessive condensation along the door and side panels. Use a rag and warm water to keep them clean.

Reliable Plumbing Repair Services

If you don’t want the stress of finding and repairing the refrigerator leak yourself, you can hire a trusted professional like ProFlo! As a locally owned business, we strive to provide personalized plumbing repairs to home and business owners. Our services are backed by years of experience, technical expertise, and an unmatched commitment to customer care! If you discover a puddle beneath or around your refrigerator, ProFlo can set it right. Call us today at 951-694-1300 or contact us online for a free estimate.