How to Repair a Leaking Refrigerator
Most homeowners get very scared when they see their refrigerator leaking. Usually they jump to the conclusion that their refrigerator is seriously damaged and that it will need to be replaced immediately. However, a refrigerator leak is usually easy to fix and for the vast majority of cases caused by simple problems that can be corrected fairly easily at little or no cost. Several problems can cause a refrigerator to leak; these include an improperly working door or gasket, a leaking drain pan, a clogged defrost drain or a leaky ice maker. Here are some tips on how to fix these common problems.
Inspect Your Refrigerator First
Before jumping to conclusions about why your refrigerator is leaking, do a thorough inspection. Many times, it will be easy to see where the water is coming from and from that point deduce the problem. For instance, water leaking from the back is usually due to an ice maker issue, water from the side of the refrigerator is usually due to a faulty door or gasket, etc.
How to Repair a Condensation Leak by the Door
leaking refrigeratorCondensation leak by the door of your refrigerator is usually caused by one of two things. Your door is not closing properly or the rubber gasket surrounding the door is broken or clogged causing condensation to take place and leak from the door. To fix these problems inspect the door thoroughly. Check the gasket surrounding the door and if dirty clean it with a warm rag or sponge. Many times food can cake on and cause the door not to close properly. If the gasket is torn or broken, you can replace the entire gasket by buying a new one at any home improvement store. Keep in mind that your best bet is to purchase a gasket made for your specific door, however if one is not available, you might be able to buy a one size fits all gasket. These types of gaskets might take longer to fit and install.
If your gasket is properly working, check to see if the door is malfunctioning. Close the door to make sure if it closes fully and flush. If the door doesn’t close fully and flush, you might want to tighten the door screws and bolts. Another way to help your door close properly is to make sure that the refrigerator is at a slight angle. Refrigerators with self-closing doors require the help of gravity to close the door fully. Most refrigerators have legs in the front of the unit that can be adjusted. Simply remove the grill, locate the legs and twist or use a screwdriver to adjust the angle. If your refrigerator does not come with adjustable legs, buy some wooden shims and place them underneath the legs or unit to adjust the angle accordingly.
How to Repair a Leaking Drain Pan
Every refrigerator comes equipped with a drain pan. A drain pan catches condensation (water) so that it doesn’t leak all over your kitchen floor. Drain pans are located underneath the unit and can easily be inspected and replaced if damaged. In order to access the drain pan, remove the grill at the bottom of the refrigerator. Now, gently pull out the pan towards the front of the unit. Drain pans should easily slide out. Once you have removed the drain pan, pour out the excess water and wash the pan in the sink. Now inspect the pan. If the pan looks fine, pour a little water in it and see if it leaks. If a leak occurs, simply replace it. If the pan is not damaged, reinsert the pan underneath the unit.
How to Repair a Clogged Defrost Drain
A defrost drain helps remove water usually caused by condensation from your refrigerator, you can usually find the defrost drain inside your refrigerator underneath the vegetable or fruit bins. Once you have located the defrost drain inspect it to make sure that it is not clogged or damaged. Many times food items or sticky liquids can clog a defrost drain causing water leakage. Use hot water, soap or even a small screwdriver to break up the clog. Be careful not to damage the surrounding refrigerator. Once you have repaired the clog, pour some hot water down the defrost drain, if your defrost drain is working properly the water should end up in the drain pan.
How to Repair a Leaky Ice Maker
If your refrigerator comes with an ice maker, and you notice water coming from the back of the unit, the cause is probably a leaky ice maker. Two things that you should inspect are the water line tube that runs from the sink or water source to the ice maker located in the back of the unit and the fitting that connects the tube to the refrigerator. If you notice that the water line tube is damaged, simply replace it to stop the leak, however if the water line tube is in good condition, make sure that the fitting is working. Shut off the water that comes to the refrigerator and tighten the fitting with your hand or a pair of pliers. If the leak still doesn’t stop, you may need to have a professional come down and inspect the ice maker components.