If your refrigerator is leaking water onto the floor, start with the most likely causes so you can fix it without guessing. A clogged or frozen defrost drain is the top culprit; ice will back up into the drain trough and overflow, so thaw any ice and flush the defrost drain with hot water to clear debris. Next check the door gasket for tears, twists, or poor sealing—the warm, humid air that gets in can condense and run out the bottom. If the leak looks internal, inspect the water tank assembly for hairline cracks; do not try to glue a cracked tank, replace it. Also examine the water inlet valve for cracks or loose fittings and the water filter housing and filter head for cracked plastic or missing seals. Whether you call it a refrigerator leaking water, a fridge leaking water, or a refrigerator leaking water on the floor, these checks cover the usual suspects. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts and step-by-step guidance for your specific refrigerator.
01 - Clogged or Freezing Defrost Drain
If the defrost drain is frozen, the water will overflow the drain trough and drip down to the bottom of the compartment. This water can eventually leak onto the floor. Check the defrost drain to determine if it is clogged or frozen. If the defrost drain is frozen, thaw the ice. In addition, flush the drain with hot water to ensure that it is clear of debris.
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02 - Hardwick Refrigerator Door Gasket
If a refrigerator is leaking water outside the appliance, it's possible a door gasket is damaged. A door gasket that does not form a proper seal to the refrigerator frame will allow warm humid air to enter the refrigerator or freezer compartment. This can create condensation which can then leak out the gap between the gasket and frame onto the floor. You should inspect the door gasket for any tears or twists and replace the gasket if necessary.
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Inspect the water tank assembly for any leaks. Be aware that the leak may be very small and hard to find. If you discover a leak, replace the water tank. Do not attempt to repair the water tank—glue will not stick properly to the plastic of the tank.
The water inlet valve opens to supply water to the dispenser and icemaker. If the water inlet valve is cracked or has a loose fitting, water will leak from the valve. Inspect the water inlet valve for cracks, and make sure that it is tightly secured to the water supply line.
The water filter head might be cracked, or the seal may be torn or missing. Inspect the water filter housing for cracks. If you discover any cracks in the water filter housing, replace it.