Have a Leaking Refrigerator? Here's What I Did:

A refrigerator leaking water is certainly dramatic-looking and possibly even scary (as in, “I’m afraid for the wellbeing of my wallet if I have to shell out big bucks for a repair”). On the other hand, this type of leak does not tend to have a noticeable effect on the functioning of your fridge or freezer – besides making refrigerated food soggy -- so you may be tempted to hide your head in the sand and ignore the problem. Not such a good idea, as the leak will not go away by itself. However, it is actually quite an easy DIY fix. I’ve done this particular fridge repair myself, and lived to tell the tale.

Dampness to Full-Fledged Leaking Refrigerator

My refrigerator is a fairly new frost-free, freezer-on-top model. I’d been noticing dampness on the bottom shelf for a few weeks, but didn’t take action until it had turned into a full-fledged leak. This happened to coincide with a particularly busy season for the repair service covered by my warranty. When I phoned them, they said it would be over a week before a serviceperson could come and repair my fridge leak. So I took a look at everyone’s favorite DIY fix-it manual – the Internet – to see whether I could clear up my leaky refrigerator all by myself.

Problem: Blockage of Defrost Drain

My research was reassuring. Apparently leaking inside the fridge is usually less serious than deposits of water onto the kitchen floor. It seemed that the cause was a clogged defrost drain. In freezer-on-top refrigerators, blockage of this drain hole due to ice or food debris is a simple and fairly common problem. Water that cannot escape through the defrost drain as it normally would ends up spilling out instead – hence the leak.

Inspecting the Defrost Drain

The purpose of the defrost drain is to move condensation out of your fridge and into the drain pan. However, over time, the ice and debris can clog the drain tube which can result in backups and having a wet kitchen floor. The location of the defrost drain is going to vary based on the make and model of the refrigerator. Look over the user manual to locate the drain.

Fixing the Problem

The solution is equally simple (at least in theory): unblock the drain. Well and good. The initial step of the instructions was doable. I removed the food from my freezer compartment and stored it in an ice chest. (If you are trying this in very hot weather, you could insulate the chest with blankets to keep in the cold air.) I also took the food out of the fridge to make cleanup simpler.

Step 1: Removing the Drain Cover

The next step was also easy. I disconnected my refrigerator from the power outlet to allow the liquid in the drain hole to thaw. I’d read that pouring hot water into the drain would speed up the process. However, first I had to remove the drain cover, which was also frozen solid. After several hours, I was able to wiggle it slightly, but it sure wasn’t going anywhere. Afraid to damage it by using brute force, I waited some more. Still no luck.

Step 2: Hot Compresses

Finally, I decided to apply a little TLC, in the form of a hot compress placed over the drain. I had to replace the compress several times as it cooled, but within approximately an hour the drain cover was removable.

Step 3: Flushing the Drain

From there it was a simple matter of flushing the drain with hot water. Some people use a turkey baster for this but since the last time I roasted a whole turkey was … um … never, I don’t own this particular piece of kitchen equipment. Instead I used a funnel to pour a thin stream of warm water into the drain. After a short while the liquid ran freely, unhampered by any blockage. Problem solved!

Success

Now, my successful adventure in the word of fridge repair complete, all that remained was for me to mop up the mess. Not the pleasantest task, but my warm glow of accomplishment made it so much easier to face.

When Should I call a Professional?

Listed above is a simple DIY refrigerator leak fix and adjustment that can be done safely on your own. However, if you tried this method and you continue to see water puddle near or under your fridge, there might be something else causing the leaky fridge. It might be time to consult for a professional contractor. Moisture leaks can shorten the life of a refrigerator because it interferes with the fan operation and can cause rusting. Refrain from letting the problem go on too long or you'll end up having to replace the fridge entirely. 
Be sure your fridge is leaking water rather than coolant. If your fridge is leaking coolant then you'll want to consult a professional immediately. Coolant is toxic and has to be disposed of properly. 

EDIT "Where is the Drain?"

In reply to questions from readers about the drain (AKA "refrigerator drainage outlet") location, it's a small circular opening on the floor of the freezer, usually way at the back. Fridges vary, so check your user's manual -- either the paper copy or online -- for details. Thanks for reading!

For home repairs that you don't want to handle yourself, call a professional handyman.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

Updated December 30, 2020.