Seeing a puddle of water under your fridge can be alarming. It's not just messy—it can lead to floor damage, mold growth, and costly repairs if ignored. Homeowners across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Apex face this issue more often than you might think. While the cause might seem minor, leaking water is often a warning sign that something isn’t working the way it should.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of refrigerator leaks, explain what you can check on your own, and show you how Swift Appliance Repair can help resolve the issue quickly and professionally.
Most refrigerators go through automatic defrost cycles. When this happens, melted water is supposed to drain out through a small hole in the back of the fridge. If this drain gets blocked by food debris or ice, water starts to back up and can leak onto the floor. This is one of the most common causes of leaks we see during service visits in the Raleigh area.
If your fridge has a built-in water dispenser or ice maker, it’s connected to your home’s water supply. A loose connection, worn-out tubing, or small crack in the water line can cause constant leaking—even if the fridge still seems to be working fine.
At the bottom of your refrigerator is a small drain pan that collects condensation and water from defrost cycles. If this pan is cracked or out of alignment, it may overflow and cause water to pool underneath.
Ice makers are convenient—but they’re also a common source of leaks. Issues like a clogged fill tube, jammed ice cubes, or a faulty inlet valve can lead to water escaping into the freezer or fridge compartment.
When airflow inside the fridge is restricted—by overpacked shelves or blocked vents—humidity builds up and condenses on surfaces. Eventually, this excess water seeps out as a leak.
A loose or damaged gasket, misaligned door, or food blocking the seal can let in warm air. This causes condensation inside the fridge, which drips down and appears as a leak.
Look around the drawers and bottom of the fridge. If you see puddles, your defrost drain could be clogged and backing up internally.
Pull the fridge away from the wall and check the water supply line. Look for drips, cracks, or loose fittings that may leak intermittently or constantly.
With the unit unplugged, look under the fridge for the drain pan. If it’s cracked or overflowing, that’s likely your leak source.
Look for moisture or frost around the ice maker. If your filter was recently changed, make sure it’s properly installed and not leaking at the housing.
Damp, foggy interior walls are a red flag. This typically means warm air is getting in through a compromised door seal.
Is the leak at the front, back, or inside? Its location can help a technician quickly trace the root cause.
Even if you find the source, actual repairs may require tools, parts, or experience. That’s when it’s time to call Swift Appliance Repair.
We serve Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and nearby areas with fast, professional service—often the same day you call.
Our experts have over 10 years of hands-on experience and are certified to work on all major fridge brands and leak types.
Our trucks are fully stocked with diagnostic tools and replacement parts. Most repairs are completed during the first visit.
We offer transparent pricing and honest advice before we begin. No upsells, just reliable solutions.
We stand behind our work with a service warranty. Our repairs are built for performance—not just temporary relief.
Clearing the drain every few months prevents blockages that lead to internal pooling and floor leaks.
Allow air to circulate inside the fridge. Poor airflow creates condensation that can leak under drawers or out the door.
Wipe the gaskets monthly and check for cracks. A damaged seal leads to warm air entry and water accumulation.
Old or misaligned filters can cause leaks. Replace them every 6 months and ensure proper installation.
Keep the front slightly higher than the back to ensure proper water drainage.
Our yearly checkups catch small problems before they cause damage—and extend the life of your refrigerator.
Misaligned water filter caused a leak. Technician reinstalled it correctly and verified the connection with a pressure test.
Clogged defrost drain was cleaned and flushed. Problem resolved in under an hour.
Cracked plastic water line replaced with a more durable braided steel one. No more leaks—and no floor damage.
Slow valve leak discovered. Repaired and customer referred to drywall contractor for moisture repair.
Frozen fill tube fixed and repositioned. Ice maker tested and returned to normal use.
Pinched water line during kitchen remodel was replaced and fridge re-leveled.
High humidity and poor ventilation resolved by cleaning coils and adding insulation to water line.
Don’t ignore the signs of a leaking refrigerator. Small drips lead to big repairs if left untreated. Whether it’s a water line, clogged drain, or faulty seal, Swift Appliance Repair has the tools, experience, and local knowledge to fix it right—the first time.
Serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and surrounding areas, we offer fast, honest, and professional repairs backed by a service guarantee. Let us help you protect your kitchen, your home, and your peace of mind.
Whether your fridge is leaking from the bottom, back, or inside—we’ve seen it before, and we know how to fix it. Call Swift Appliance Repair today for reliable, local service you can trust.