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

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

  • Use The Repair or Replace Calculator

    Determine What's Best For Your Appliance

    Product Type
    Home Appliance Brand
    How Old Is Your Appliance?

    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.

    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

    Title image for blog article ":How Does a Kegerator Work?"
    9 min readDec. 05

    Learn how a kegerator works and get answers to frequently asked questions.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Thermoelectric Fridge Work?"
    4 min readDec. 04

    Discover how a thermoelectric fridge works and how to maintain it so it works efficiently.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Propane Refrigerator Work?"
    6 min readNov. 22

    Learn how a propane refrigerator that uses R290 refrigerant works.

    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.

    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.

    Common refrigerator symptoms to look out for