Enjoying a glass of ice-cold water on a hot day is a treat, especially when you can easily fill a glass with ice straight from your refrigerator. However, ice makers are notorious for breaking down at some point in their lives. This typically results in a messy puddle at the foot of your refrigerator. To help you avoid water damage in your house, we have created an outline of six ways you can respond to a leaking ice maker so you can enjoy your ice-cold beverages without the mess.
Table of Contents
Why Is the Ice Maker In My Refrigerator Leaking Water?
1. Examine the Water Lines and Tighten Connections
The water that forms ice in your refrigerator comes from a thin pipe or tube that is connected to the cold water supply in your home. You can usually find this pipe or tube behind your refrigerator.
If this pipe or tube becomes damaged, you can find yourself dealing with water leaks every time you use the water or ice maker in your refrigerator. If you find that the line is loose, you will need to tighten the line. You may need to use a saddle splitter valve while you work.
2. Disassemble Any Ice Jams
If you have tightened your connections and your ice maker is still leaking, you may need to break up any ice jams. Ice in the chute of your ice maker has the potential to melt and re-freeze into larger ice chunks until the ice has formed into a blockage. The melting ice could be the culprit of your frequent leaks.
To unclog the ice blockage, all you will need is the handle of a simple wooden spoon. Ensure that all of the ice is broken up but take caution that you are not damaging your ice maker. Remember to put a towel down for any ice debris or water.
3. Align Your Ice Cube Fill Valve and Cup
A small spigot is located inside your ice maker. This spigot fills the ice cups with water that will later form into ice cubes. Sometimes this water distribution system can malfunction which will cause your ice maker to leak. If your ice maker is leaking water, open it and align the fill valve and cup to prevent water damage. You can easily nudge these components into the correct position to stop spills in your refrigerator.
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4. Clean the Condensation Drain
Your refrigerator will periodically run a defrost cycle to melt away any buildup of freezer-burn ice. Occasionally, your condensation drain may freeze over, which will block the melted freezer-burn ice from draining properly. This can result in leakage.
Check your condensation drain. If a layer of ice has formed over the top of it, break it up and clean it out. Your ice maker should stop leaking after you do this. Be careful not to damage the condensation tray when you break up the thin layer of ice. You should not need to use any force when you do this.
5. Level Your Refrigerator and Ice Maker
You will need a laser or bubble leveler for this solution. If the ice maker in your refrigerator is leaking water, the problem might not even be your ice maker at all. Your leaks could be a result of an uneven refrigerator and ice maker. Yes, these two components can become askew for a few reasons. Your ice maker could be crookedly installed, or the refrigerator itself nay be uneven.
If your refrigerator is uneven, find a flat object, such as a book, to prop it into position. This will temporarily fix the water leak while you call a professional. If your ice machine is off-kilter, use your leveler to adjust the floor of the ice maker compartment.
6. Inspect Your Filter and Dispenser
The last possible reason why your ice maker is leaking water could have to do with your water filter and dispenser. Check out the cold water line in your refrigerator to ensure it is connected properly to the water filter.
If you see water dripping from the housing, you should contact a professional to inspect the issue as this is not normal. Similarly, water should not be collecting and pooling beneath your water filter. Keep in mind that your water filter should be changed every few months.
Appliance Water Leak Restoration Services
Appliance leaks can leave you scratching your head and searching the internet for answers. Whether your ice maker, dishwasher, or washing machine has sprung a leak, our team is available to help you resolve the issue. Our team offers residential water damage and commercial water damage restoration services for homes and commercial properties in Texas. Our team has the tools necessary to help you fix a leak in your refrigerator or appliance.
Water damage can result from any amount of water, no matter how small. Our technicians offer comprehensive water damage restoration services in Addison, TX and other areas. We are committed to helping you respond to mild to severe water leaks in your home from malfunctioning appliances. To prevent further damage and mold growth, call us at (877) 589-7504 to book an appointment. See why we are one of the most trusted names in the water damage repair and restoration industry. Contact us today.
