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Why Is Water Leaking from My Refrigerator? Common Causes and Fast Fixes

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Water leaking from the refrigerator
calendarMay 31, 2025

Why Is Water Leaking from My Refrigerator?

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.

Common Reasons for Refrigerator Leaks

1. A Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain

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.

2. Disconnected or Damaged Water Line

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.

3. Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan

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.

4. Ice Maker Malfunctions

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.

5. Blocked Air Vents and Humidity Buildup

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.

6. Door Not Closing Properly

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.

How to Diagnose the Leak Yourself

1. Check for Water Inside the Fridge

Look around the drawers and bottom of the fridge. If you see puddles, your defrost drain could be clogged and backing up internally.

2. Inspect the Rear Water Line

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.

3. Examine the Drain Pan Underneath

With the unit unplugged, look under the fridge for the drain pan. If it’s cracked or overflowing, that’s likely your leak source.

4. Feel Around the Ice Maker and Water Filter

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.

5. Look for Condensation or Foggy Walls

Damp, foggy interior walls are a red flag. This typically means warm air is getting in through a compromised door seal.

6. Notice Where the Water Appears

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.

Why Choose Swift Appliance Repair

Same-Day Appointments, Local Service

We serve Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and nearby areas with fast, professional service—often the same day you call.

Certified Technicians With Years of Experience

Our experts have over 10 years of hands-on experience and are certified to work on all major fridge brands and leak types.

We Come Prepared

Our trucks are fully stocked with diagnostic tools and replacement parts. Most repairs are completed during the first visit.

No Hidden Fees, Just Clear Answers

We offer transparent pricing and honest advice before we begin. No upsells, just reliable solutions.

Repairs That Last

We stand behind our work with a service warranty. Our repairs are built for performance—not just temporary relief.

How to Prevent Future Refrigerator Leaks

1. Clean the Defrost Drain Regularly

Clearing the drain every few months prevents blockages that lead to internal pooling and floor leaks.

2. Don’t Overload Shelves or Block Vents

Allow air to circulate inside the fridge. Poor airflow creates condensation that can leak under drawers or out the door.

3. Keep Door Seals Clean and Intact

Wipe the gaskets monthly and check for cracks. A damaged seal leads to warm air entry and water accumulation.

4. Change Your Water Filter on Schedule

Old or misaligned filters can cause leaks. Replace them every 6 months and ensure proper installation.

5. Level Your Refrigerator Properly

Keep the front slightly higher than the back to ensure proper water drainage.

6. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Our yearly checkups catch small problems before they cause damage—and extend the life of your refrigerator.

Real-Life Repair Scenarios from Swift Appliance Repair

Case #1: Water After Filter Change (Cary)

Misaligned water filter caused a leak. Technician reinstalled it correctly and verified the connection with a pressure test.

Case #2: Moisture Under Drawers (Durham)

Clogged defrost drain was cleaned and flushed. Problem resolved in under an hour.

Case #3: Water on Hardwood Floors (Raleigh)

Cracked plastic water line replaced with a more durable braided steel one. No more leaks—and no floor damage.

Case #4: Hidden Leak Behind Fridge (Apex)

Slow valve leak discovered. Repaired and customer referred to drywall contractor for moisture repair.

Case #5: Internal Drips from Ice Maker (Durham)

Frozen fill tube fixed and repositioned. Ice maker tested and returned to normal use.

Case #6: Leaks After Fridge Move (Raleigh)

Pinched water line during kitchen remodel was replaced and fridge re-leveled.

Case #7: Overflowing Drain Pan in Summer (Cary)

High humidity and poor ventilation resolved by cleaning coils and adding insulation to water line.

Conclusion

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.

Brands We Service

  • Whirlpool
  • GE (General Electric)
  • Samsung
  • LG
  • Frigidaire
  • Maytag
  • KitchenAid
  • Bosch
  • Sub-Zero
  • Kenmore
  • Amana
  • Electrolux

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there water pooling under my refrigerator?
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Water under your refrigerator typically means there’s a drainage or supply issue. The most common causes include a clogged defrost drain, a cracked drain pan, or a damaged water line connected to your ice maker or water dispenser. These problems may develop gradually, often without affecting how the fridge cools—until you notice water on your floor.
Is it dangerous if my fridge is leaking water?
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Yes, even a small leak can create serious problems. Besides being a slipping hazard, standing water can damage floors, walls, and nearby cabinetry. Over time, it can also lead to mold growth, which poses health risks. In rare cases, water near electrical components can create safety hazards, making prompt inspection important.
Can a clogged defrost drain cause a water leak?
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Absolutely. Your fridge goes through defrost cycles that melt frost buildup. That water is supposed to drain through a small outlet. If it becomes clogged with food particles or freezes, the water has nowhere to go and instead pools inside or beneath the appliance. It’s one of the most common leak sources we see during service calls.
Why is water leaking from the bottom of my fridge but not the freezer?
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This often indicates that the leak is related to components in the refrigerator section—not the freezer. Likely causes include a clogged defrost drain, a misaligned water filter, or a damaged drain pan. If the ice maker is working normally and the freezer seems dry, the issue is probably isolated to the lower half of the appliance.
Should I unplug my fridge if it’s leaking water?
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Unplugging the fridge is a safe precaution if you notice active water leakage, especially near electrical outlets or wires. It also prevents further ice melt or malfunction if the issue is related to the defrost cycle. However, unplugging alone won’t fix the issue. It’s best to contact a technician to inspect and resolve the underlying problem.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking refrigerator?
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The repair cost depends on the cause. A simple drain cleaning may be inexpensive, while replacing a damaged valve or water line could be more involved. At Swift Appliance Repair, we provide upfront pricing based on a clear diagnosis—so you’ll never face unexpected charges.
Can a leaking refrigerator damage my flooring?
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Yes, repeated or unnoticed leaks can warp wood floors, stain tile grout, and lead to mold growth under vinyl or laminate. Even small amounts of water left over time can seep into subflooring. That’s why early detection and quick repair are critical to preventing expensive home damage.
Why does my refrigerator only leak occasionally?
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Intermittent leaks often happen during specific events—such as defrost cycles, filter usage, or high-humidity conditions. These leaks are hard to trace because they don’t occur constantly. But just because it stops temporarily doesn’t mean the issue is resolved. It’s smart to have it checked before it worsens.
My fridge is clean and level—why is it still leaking?
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Cleanliness and leveling help, but internal components may still fail. Cracks in water lines, faulty inlet valves, or hidden clogs can still cause leaks—even if everything looks fine outside. Professional diagnosis is often required to detect issues inside panels or underneath the appliance.
Who should I call to fix a leaking refrigerator in Raleigh or Cary?
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If you're in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, or Apex, Swift Appliance Repair is your go-to local service. Our certified technicians specialize in refrigerator repairs and can quickly find and fix the cause of water leaks. We offer same-day service, honest estimates, and repairs backed by warranty.
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