QA

Why Does My Refrigerator Leak Water

A clogged defrost drain is the most likely cause of your fridge leaking water. The fridge automatically defrosts itself and drips water down into a pan. Sometimes, food particles or other debris will clog the defrost drain. Clogs can lead to ice buildup.

How do you stop a refrigerator from leaking water?

If you need to fix a refrigerator water line leak in copper tubing, the steps are basically the same as repairing a plastic water line. Identify the damaged length of line, remove it with a tubing cutter, and replace it with copper tubing secured with brass unions at each end of the fix.

Why is water leaking from the bottom of my refrigerator?

If your fridge has water pooling at the bottom, the defrost tube is your MOST likely suspect. Your defrost tube is what carries the water all the way down to the drain pan where it eventually evaporates. This tube can get clogged with ice or debris which leads to water backing up and leaking back into the fridge.

Where is the defrost drain on my refrigerator?

On most refrigerators the defrost drain tube and drain hole is located inside the freezer at the bottom back. Look in the freezer near the bottom and locate the drain tube and the drain hole. There may be a panel made from plastic that covers the drain tube and hole. Remove the panel with a screwdriver if applicable.

Can a refrigerator water line burst?

A common kitchen water damage problem is a burst water line leading to your refrigerator. When this happens, the volume of water that can spew onto your kitchen and spread throughout your house will shock you.

Is it OK to turn off water to refrigerator?

There’s no need to shut off the water to the entire kitchen, which can be an inconvenience for you and the family. Instead, control the flow to the fridge by shutting off the water at the site prior to a repair or the installation of a new replacement fridge.

How much does it cost to install a water line for a refrigerator?

A typical water line costs between $65 and $170 to run. The cost to install a basic refrigerator on a first floor kitchen with a water line is about $250. If you need an electrical outlet installed by an electrician, you’ll need to pay an average of $220-$750 per outlet.

When should I replace my refrigerator water line?

Water, water everywhere is NOT a good thing when a water line fails. So, the “when to replace it” answer is every 5 years.

Where is the water shut-off valve on a refrigerator?

The shut-off valve is usually located under the kitchen sink, in the basement, in a crawl space or in the cabinet next to the refrigerator. There will be a small 1/4 inch copper line attached to the cold water supply line using a saddle valve (t-valve).

Where does the fridge get water from?

Drinking water in a refrigerator is provided from one of two sources: A reservoir within the fridge that requires filling by hand and via a hose connected to the building’s main water supply, which fills the reservoir automatically as water is dispensed, usually from the refrigerator’s door.

What happens if fridge drain hole blocked?

This drain hole is in place to catch the moisture which collects in a fridge, particularly that which builds up on the back wall of the fridge. If the drain hole becomes blocked, this then causes problems for the rest of your refrigerator.

Where is the drain hose on fridge?

The drain hose opening is about half an inch in diameter and is located in the lower part of the refrigerator cabinet. Wipe away any food residue or debris on the bottom of the box with a damp cloth to help locate the opening, if necessary.

Where is the fridge drain?

The drain hole and defrost tube are located in the freezer at the bottom. Locate the drain tube near the bottom of the freezer and the drain hole. A plastic panel may cover the drain tube and hole.

Where is the freezer drain located?

The drain hole is usually located at the back wall of the freezer on the panel. On some refrigerator/freezers a plastic panel covers the drain hole. Remove the screw(s) and the panel to access the drain hole.

Can a fridge make ice without a water line?

A water line allows you to make ice in your refrigerator. Refrigerators that feature built-in water dispensers or automatic ice makers need to be connected to a water source. Fridges without ice makers or water dispensers don’t need any type of water source to function properly.

Does Lowes install water line for refrigerator?

Appliance Delivery and Connection Lowe’s offers free local delivery and connection of refrigerators, freezers, ranges, washers and dryers to an existing water connection, drain or exhaust vent as long as a new connection kit is purchased from Lowe’s.

How old do refrigerators last?

Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you’re having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you’ll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that’s already on its way out.