Refrigerator leaks water
Common reasons your refrigerator leaks water
The most common reasons your refrigerator leaks water are a clogged defrost drain, locked compressor or a defective water valve.
68% of the time it's the
Defrost Drain
17% of the time it's the
Compressor
8% of the time it's the
Water Valve
7% of the time it's the
Something else
Schedule your refrigerator repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 42M refrigerators. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
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
Common refrigerator repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.
Defrost Drain Replacement
If the defrost drain becomes blocked, melted frost and ice from the evaporator fins won't drain properly during the defrost cycle. This can cause water to overflow in the drain pan, resulting in leaks beneath the refrigerator. To prevent any damage to your floor and refrigerator from leaks, it's important to have a Sears Home Services expert examine the refrigerator and promptly fix the clogged defrost drain.
Compressor Replacement
A refrigerator compressor that is locked might display various symptoms suggestive of a failure. The most noticeable indication is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, which can lead to increased temperatures and food spoilage. The freezer may also struggle to maintain freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the icemaker. You may also observe that the compressor is unusually quiet or fails to emit its typical humming sound during operation. Sometimes, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The compressor's inability to circulate refrigerant properly can disrupt the defrosting process, leading to ice accumulation in the freezer. Moreover, a defective compressor could cause a sudden influx of melting frost into the drain line, leading to blockages, inadequate drainage, and potential water leaks.
Water Valve Replacement
If a water valve malfunctions, it may affect the operation of both the water dispenser and icemaker. If the valve doesn't open, the icemaker won't receive water to produce ice, and the dispenser won't dispense water. Moreover, a faulty valve may cause water leaks, especially around the valve assembly. In some cases, a defective water valve can completely stop the water dispenser or icemaker from working. If the valve doesn't close properly, water may leak into the icemaker, freeze, and form a solid block of ice around the evaporator and fan. This restricts airflow, jeopardizing the effective cooling of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
What to expect when you experience a refrigerator leaks water issue
How do you resolve a leaks water problem?
Correcting most leaks water problems involves replacing either the defrost drain, compressor or water valve. However, this isn't always the case, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Recommendations from our pros for a refrigerator that leaks water
When a refrigerator leaks water it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional diagnose the issue and repair the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
Some things to consider with a refrigerator leaks water diagnosis
Effectively diagnosing malfunctions in modern appliances necessitates a comprehensive understanding and specialized training. Addressing refrigerator issues without employing precise diagnostic techniques may lead to ineffective repairs and unnecessary part replacements. With significant advancements in appliance technology over the past decade, contemporary models now feature intricate electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on modern appliances have become increasingly intricate.
Repair Refrigerator Resources
If your fridge isn’t working, these quick fixes can help.
Explore the top five summer refrigerator problems, including cycling, leaks, and ice buildup, and find solutions to keep your fridge running smoothly with expert tips from Sears Home Services.
Master DIY repair tips for your refrigerator's ice maker this summer. Learn to fix common issues like blockages, motor problems, and ice makers that stop working
Is your refrigerator not working? Discover the top 5 reasons why and how Sears Home Services can help get it cooling again. Expert solutions are just a click away.
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
- Refrigerator broken shelf
- Refrigerator burning smell
- Refrigerator cold but freezer not freezing
- Refrigerator compressor not running
- Refrigerator dispenser not working
- Refrigerator display not working
- Refrigerator door not closing
- Refrigerator drawer problem
- Refrigerator fan not working
- Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is
- Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
- Refrigerator leaking
- Refrigerator leaking from bottom
- Refrigerator leaking water
- Refrigerator light not working
- Refrigerator no power
- Refrigerator no water
- Refrigerator noisy
- Refrigerator not cooling
- Refrigerator not draining
- Refrigerator not turning on
- Refrigerator not working
- Refrigerator stopped working
- Refrigerator too cold freezer too warm
- Refrigerator water dispenser not working
- Refrigerator will not make ice
- Refrigerator won't turn on when plugged in