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Why Your Refrigerator Is Leaking Water on the Floor

A puddle spreading out from under the fridge nearly always comes down to a clogged defrost drain or a water line that's come loose. Here's how to trace it to the source.

By Renee Castellano3 min read read

Written by Sawyer Kincaid, Lead Technician — True Fix Houston. Factory-trained, EPA-certified, 6 years servicing Greater Houston.

Finding water pooling under the refrigerator is alarming, but the list of likely causes is short and most are simple to check.

Clogged Defrost Drain

Bits of food debris freeze inside the defrost drain, so the melt water backs up, overflows the drip pan, and runs out onto the floor.

Fix: Flush the drain opening at the back of the freezer floor with warm water until it runs freely again.

Cracked or Loose Water Line

The thin plastic line feeding the ice maker can crack with age or simply work loose at a fitting.

Fix: Trace the line behind the refrigerator and tighten or replace whichever connection is leaking.

Overflowing Drip Pan

On a humid day, a drip pan that's cracked — or simply already full — can spill over onto the floor.

Fix: Slide out the lower grille, pull the pan, and check it over for cracks.

Not sure what's wrong? Book online — every visit includes a free diagnosis.

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