Small puddles coming from your refrigerator can lead to big damage. Water damage can impact your flooring, and mold can grow in this damp environment. When your refrigerator is leaking water, you need to find the cause and address it at the source. Use this guide to determine why your refrigerator is leaking, as well as the best course of action to take.
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4 Common Causes of Refrigerator Leaks
When your refrigerator is leaking water, you are probably wondering why. Here are four reasons your refrigerator could be leaking.
A Leaky Inlet Valve
Water has to get into your refrigerator from the main water line somehow, and the water inlet valve is how. If there is a leak in the inlet valve, water will leak from the back of the fridge, or you will find water leaking when trying to pour water.
A Damaged Gasket
The squishy plastic piece inside the door of your refrigerator is called a gasket. It acts as a seal so that when your refrigerator is closed, no cold air can escape, and no warm air can enter. If you have noticed condensation or puddles on the front of your refrigerator, your gasket is most likely to blame. Over time, the gasket can deteriorate or get damaged. Without this seal, warm air meets cold air, and condensation forms and can even pool.
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Overflowing Drip Pan
The drip pan is located under your refrigerator, and its function is to catch condensation from the defrost drain. The drip pan lets this condensation evaporate. But if too much water builds up in the pan, water can overflow and leak under your refrigerator. Oftentimes this overflow is caused by a malfunctioning defrost setting.
Clogged Defrost Drain
The defrost drain melts frozen condensation and transports it through the refrigerator where it eventually lands in the drip pan to evaporate. However, if the defrost drain gets clogged the water cannot flow through the drain and will instead leak out of the refrigerator door.
Steps You Can Take to Fix a Leaking Refrigerator
Once you have identified what caused your refrigerator to leak, you can set out to stop it. The sooner your refrigerator is fixed, the less likely water damage and mold growth are.
Fix the Level
If water is leaking out of the drain pan, it could be because your fridge is not level. You can easily check this by using a level. Use it just as you would with hanging a picture on your wall. If the bubble is not in the middle, you can adjust the fridge by moving it gently until it is level.
Inspect the Drain Pan
Another cause of a leak from the drain pan is cracks or damage. A damaged drain pan will leak and not allow the water to evaporate. Inspect the drain pan for any cracks or noticeable damage. You may need to replace this piece.
Remove Any Clogs in the Ice Machine
A leaky inlet valve could be coming from a clog leading to the ice maker. To check for a clog, remove the ice maker. If there is a clog, you could melt it with a blow dryer until it clears and water flows freely again.
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Check the Water Supply Line
A leaky inlet valve could also be caused by the water supply line. To check this, you will need to unplug your fridge and pull it out of the wall. Look for a plastic hose connecting the water filter to the refrigerator to check for any leaks. If you cannot do this on your own, you may need to call in an expert.
Call a Professional
Ultimately, the best way to ensure your leaking refrigerator gets fixed is to call on an expert appliance water leak specialist. A professional technician will be able to accurately diagnose your leaking refrigerator, as well as provide clean-up and restoration services. The right water damage restoration specialist will take steps to prevent mold growth caused by water damage.
Appliance Water Leak Restoration Services From Dry Force
When your refrigerator is leaking water, you need professional help quickly. Our team of technicians offers exceptional appliance water leak restoration services in your area. At Dry Force, we provide 60-minute response times 24/7. So no matter when you need assistance, an expert restoration specialist is available to help extract water from your home. Our team provides flood and water damage restoration services in Dallas, TX and other areas.
Our IICRC-certified technicians can handle refrigerator supply line leaks, dishwasher malfunctions, washing machine supply hose failures, leaking garbage disposals, and overflowing washing machines. In addition, our professionals offer other types of restoration solutions such as storm damage repair, burst pipe maintenance, roof leak restoration, and sewage backup maintenance. Give our technicians a call by phone at (877) 589-7504 to receive assistance with water damage in your home or business.
