A clogged or frozen defrost drain
Meltwater from the defrost cycle normally runs down a drain to a pan. If the drain is clogged or frozen, water backs up and pools under the crispers or inside the freezer. This is the most common cause.
Troubleshooting guide
Refrigerator Leaking Water: Common Causes & What to Check
Water on the floor or inside the refrigerator is usually one of a few things: a clogged defrost drain, an overflowing drain pan, a water-line problem, or a door that is not sealing. The location of the water helps narrow it down.
Already know you need a technician? Call 850-769-8021 or request service.
Common causes
What usually causes it
A cracked or overflowing drain pan
The pan behind the lower kick plate can crack or overflow if water is not draining correctly, and the water ends up on the floor.
Ice maker or water-line problems
A loose fitting, a cracked supply line, or a faulty inlet valve can leak at the back of the refrigerator or under the unit.
Door gasket and condensation
A gasket that does not seal lets humid air in. The extra condensation can run down inside the cabinet or drip from the door.
Safe checks
What you can check yourself
These steps are safe for most homeowners. If a step feels beyond your comfort level, skip it and call.
- Note where the water is: inside under the crispers, under the front, or at the back by the water line. That tells you a lot.
- If your model has a defrost drain at the back of the freezer, flush it with warm water using a turkey baster. Check your manual for the location.
- Remove the lower kick plate and look at the drain pan for water, cracks, or debris.
- Check the water-line connection and the ice maker supply for drips. If you see one, shut off the water supply valve.
- Try the dollar-bill test on the door gaskets and make sure the refrigerator is level, tilted slightly back so doors close on their own.
Safety first. Water near electrical parts is a safety concern. If water is reaching outlets, the control area, or the compressor, unplug the refrigerator and shut off the water before cleaning up.
When to call
When it is time to call a technician
Call if flushing the drain does not stop the leak, if the leak is from the water supply line, if the unit is leaking near electrical parts, or if the leak returns after you clear it.
Appliance Doctor repairs leaking refrigerators, ice makers, and water lines in Panama City and Northwest Florida.
Service visit
$150 service visit & diagnostic fee
The fee covers the technician's trip, diagnosis, and basic repairs that take under 30 minutes. The fee is not credited toward a larger repair. If a repair needs more time, parts, or specialized work, we give you a repair quote before proceeding. Repairs carry a 30-day labor & diagnostic warranty. See warranty terms.
Local factors
Coastal Florida factors and what technicians look for
Humidity increases condensation and makes defrost drains more likely to freeze or clog, so coastal kitchens see more of these problems. Corrosion at water-line fittings and under-unit connections can also develop sooner in salty, humid air. Wiping gaskets and keeping the drain clear helps.
Technician insight
Technicians start with where the water is and when it appears. Water only after the defrost cycle points to the drain. Water from the supply side points to fittings or valves. Matching the pattern to the cause avoids replacing a water line when the real problem was a frozen drain.
Questions
Common questions
Why is there water under my crispers?
That is the classic sign of a clogged or frozen defrost drain. Water from the defrost cycle has nowhere to go, so it collects in the bottom of the cabinet.
Can a leaking refrigerator damage my floor?
Yes. Slow leaks can swell wood flooring and cabinets over time. Dry the area and call for diagnosis if the leak returns. Shut off the water supply if the source is a water line.
Is the ice maker the cause?
It can be. A cracked supply line, a loose fitting, or an inlet valve problem can leak. If the leak is at the back or underneath and stops when the water is shut off, the water line or ice maker is likely the source.
Next step. Request refrigerator service if the leak continues or the source is unclear. Tell us where the water appears and whether the refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser.
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Call during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM) or send a service request online. We reply within one business day.