Where is the water coming from?
| Location | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Under crisper drawers, inside fridge | Blocked defrost drain |
| Ice on the freezer floor | Frozen defrost drain or drain heater failure |
| Floor in front, near the bottom | Drain pan cracked or overflowing, drain tube misrouted |
| Floor at the back | Water supply line or water inlet valve |
| Around the water filter | Filter not seated, cracked filter head |
| Dispenser area | Dispenser line or valve dripping, ice compartment melting |
What to do now
- Shut off the water supply to the refrigerator if water is coming from the back. The valve is usually under the kitchen sink or behind the unit.
- Remove and reseat the water filter, or install a new one.
- Check the supply line behind the refrigerator for cracks — especially plastic lines, which become brittle.
- Clear the drain. On many models you can find the drain hole at the back of the freezer floor or under the fresh-food crispers and flush it with warm water.
What a refrigerator technician checks
- Where the water appears and when (after defrost, after the ice maker fills, constantly)
- Defrost drain path, drain heater or drain strap, and the drain pan
- Water inlet valve for seepage when closed
- Supply line, filter head and internal water lines
- Ice maker fill cup alignment and fill volume
- Door gaskets and condensation sources
Frequently asked questions
Why does my refrigerator leak water inside?
Frost melts off the evaporator during every defrost cycle and runs down a drain to a pan under the refrigerator. If food debris or ice clogs that drain, the water backs up and spills into the cabinet.
Is a leaking refrigerator dangerous?
The water itself is not dangerous to the refrigerator, but it can damage floors and cabinets and create a slip hazard. A leak near electrical components should be checked promptly.
