Ignoring a leaky fridge can be a costly mistake, as the resulting water damage may lead to expensive repairs for both your floor and the appliance itself. Fortunately, diagnosing a fridge leak is a straightforward task if you know where to direct your attention.
The solution might be as simple as leveling the refrigerator or unclogging blocked lines. Knowing how to access these components is key. We have asked the experts from ABV refrigerator repair service in Boston, MA, how to fix a leaky fridge.
Ways to Fix a Leaking Refrigerator
1. Check Water Supply Line
To identify the cause of fridge leaks, it’s crucial to check the water supply line and inlet valves. If you notice issues like poor ice making or a weak water dispenser flow, inspect the water supply line. Before proceeding, make sure to unplug the refrigerator and find a suitable place to store perishable items.
Pull the fridge away from the walls and locate the plastic hose that connects the ice maker and water filter. If you observe water dripping from the hose, it’s a clear indication of the source of the leak. In such a case, you should replace the hose.
If you choose to fix it yourself, remember to turn off the water supply before replacing the hose. If you choose to contact the refrigerator repair company, they will help you address your issue.
2. Check the Level of the Fridge
Another simple remedy is to check the levelness of the fridge. If the fridge isn’t level, water may spill out of the drain pan. Ensure it is level from side to side and tilted slightly to the back. You can use a level to verify that the bubble is centered.
To achieve the desired levelness, you can also adjust the fridge by raising or lowering the adjustment screws. Accessing these screws requires removing the front cover grille.
3. Check Drain Pan for Damage
In some cases, leaks can be attributed to a broken drain pan, allowing water to seep through a crack instead of evaporating as intended. The drain pan is situated beneath your refrigerator and typically contains some water, so don’t be alarmed if you find water in it when you pull it out.
4. Check Defrost Drain
The defrost drain is typically situated at the back of a freezer and can become easily blocked, especially when the freezer is overloaded. A blocked drain causes the coils to work harder, leading to the accumulation of condensation.
This condensation eventually drips to the floor and forms a puddle. To resolve this issue, rearrange the items in your freezer to ensure the drain is no longer obstructed. Then, flush warm water through the drain to clear any clogs.
5. Water Dispenser
If your water dispenser is dripping water, the likely cause could be trapped air in the water line. This trapped air can lead to a build-up of pressure, forcing water to escape through the dispenser opening.
To address this issue, try purging water continuously through the water dispenser for at least three minutes. This process should help release any trapped air and resolve the dripping problem.
When to Call a Pro
If you have already inspected all the common issues and the problem persists, it might be related to an electrical malfunction.
Alternatively, it could be caused by components like a compressor start relay or refrigerator not cooling, which may require professional expertise beyond DIY skills. In such cases, it’s best to call a refrigerator repair Boston company once you have ruled out all other potential causes of the leak.
Knowing when to seek a professional’s help or when it’s time to consider purchasing a new refrigerator is essential. If your current refrigerator has reached the end of its useful life, it may be more cost-effective and practical to invest in a new one.
