Refrigerator troubleshooting
Refrigerator Leaking Water? Common Causes & Fixes
Most fridge leaks come from one of three places: a clogged defrost drain, the water supply line, or a worn door seal. Here's how to tell which.
Common causes
Clogged defrost drain
You can checkA frozen or food-clogged drain forces defrost water to overflow inside and pool at the bottom — the #1 cause.
Cracked or loose water line
Pro repairThe line feeding the ice maker/dispenser can crack or loosen at a fitting, leaving water under the unit.
Worn door gasket
You can checkA bad seal lets warm, humid air in, which condenses and drips. You'll often see excess frost too.
Overflowing drain pan
Pro repairA cracked or misaligned drain pan underneath can let normal condensation escape onto the floor.
What you can check yourself
- Check whether the water is inside (under drawers) or on the floor — that narrows it to drain vs. supply line.
- Inspect the door gasket for gaps or tears and clean it; replace if cracked.
- Flush the defrost drain with warm water if you can reach it.
- Make sure the fridge is level and tilted slightly back so doors seal.
When to call a pro
If the leak is from the water line, a cracked drain pan, or you can't clear the defrost drain, a tech can pinpoint and fix it fast before it damages your floor.
Most refrigerator repairs run $130–$600 — see our repair cost guide.
Other refrigerator problems
FAQ
Refrigerator leaking water — questions
Most fridge leaks come from one of three places: a clogged defrost drain, the water supply line, or a worn door seal. Here's how to tell which. The most common causes are clogged defrost drain, cracked or loose water line, worn door gasket.
You can safely check a few things first: Check whether the water is inside (under drawers) or on the floor — that narrows it to drain vs. supply line. Inspect the door gasket for gaps or tears and clean it; replace if cracked. Flush the defrost drain with warm water if you can reach it. If the leak is from the water line, a cracked drain pan, or you can't clear the defrost drain, a tech can pinpoint and fix it fast before it damages your floor.
Most refrigerator repairs run $130–$600 in the San Francisco Bay Area, parts and labor — you get a flat-rate quote before any work begins. See our repair cost guide for details.
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