Quick answer
Water under a refrigerator usually comes from a frozen or clogged defrost drain, a loose or cracked water line to the ice maker or dispenser, a clogged water filter housing, or a full drain pan. Find out where the water appears first. Appliance Repair Philly repairs refrigerators across Philadelphia, and the diagnostic is $60 flat, credited toward the repair.
Stop the water first
- Put towels down and wipe up the floor. Water under a fridge can swell wood floors and seep into the subfloor.
- If the leak is steady, close the water supply valve to the fridge, usually behind or under it.
- Move food from a warm fridge to coolers if the unit has stopped cooling. See refrigerator not cooling.
- Do not run an extension cord through water. Unplug the fridge only if it is safe to reach the plug.
Where the water appears
| Where | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Puddle inside, at the bottom of the fresh food section | Frozen or clogged defrost drain | Thaw and clear the drain, replace the drain tube |
| Ice or water inside the freezer floor | Defrost heater or drain failure | Replace the heater, thermostat or drain |
| Puddle on the floor in front, only with a water dispenser | Water line, fill tube or filter housing | Replace the line, valve, filter or housing |
| Water under the fridge, drips from the back | Inlet valve, loose line, overflowing drain pan | Tighten or replace the valve or line, clean the pan |
| Water on the door or gasket | Door not sealing, warm air condensation | Replace or adjust the gasket |
| Slow trickle after a new filter | Filter not seated, wrong filter | Reseat or replace the filter |
Quick checks
- Clean the defrost drain. On many models the drain hole is at the back wall of the fresh food section. A pin of ice or food debris blocks it. Warm water from a turkey baster can clear a light clog.
- Check the drain pan under the fridge. A cracked pan or one that is full overflows. Pans are often removable.
- Check the water filter. Remove it, run water with the housing empty, and replace it if the leak stops.
- Look at the line. A water line crushed when the fridge was pushed back is a common cause.
- Check the door seal. Close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the gasket is weak.
- Check the level. The fridge should tilt very slightly back so the door closes by itself.
Why a frozen drain happens
Every few hours a refrigerator melts frost off the coils with a defrost heater. The meltwater runs down a drain to a pan under the unit where it evaporates. If the heater or the thermostat fails, frost builds up and blocks the drain. When the ice finally melts, the water goes where it should not.
What the technician does
The technician finds the leak source, tests the defrost heater, thermostat and inlet valve, checks the water line and the filter housing, and clears and tests the drain. Many repairs are done in one visit.
What it costs
| Fault | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Clear the defrost drain | $100 to $200 |
| Water inlet valve or water line | $150 to $280 |
| Defrost heater, thermostat or timer | $200 to $380 |
| Door gasket | $130 to $260 |
| Water filter housing | $140 to $250 |
Repair or replace
Most leaks are cheap to fix. Refrigerators last about 13 to 17 years. A leak plus a failing compressor in an old unit is the case to compare with a new one. See the cost guide.
How it works
- Call or send the brand, model and where the water appears.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule. Tell us if it is an active leak.
- Diagnosis and a clear price. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
More on the whole appliance: refrigerator repair. Related: ice maker repair. We come to Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
FAQ
Why is my refrigerator leaking water on the floor?
Most often a frozen defrost drain, a loose water line, or a clogged filter housing.
Why is there water inside the bottom of my fridge?
The defrost drain is blocked, so meltwater collects in the fresh food section.
Is a leaking refrigerator dangerous?
Water on the floor can cause slips and damage floors. Keep cords out of the water and stop the leak quickly.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking refrigerator?
Most repairs are $100 to $380. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Can I keep using a fridge that leaks?
Usually yes for a short time if it still cools, but fix the leak soon to protect the floor.