What Causes a Refrigerator to Leak?
If you regularly kick ice under the fridge, then you can expect puddles under the refrigerator. But if you don’t have that bad habit and your refrigerator sits on a pool of water, then you might be rightly concerned about a leak. In this article brought to you by Sunshine Plumbers, we will review some possible causes as well as some solutions. If you prefer to leave this work to qualified plumbers, then call Sunshine Plumbers today. Our leak detection services can get to the root of the problem and make things right. A friendly representative is on standby to take your call today.
It Might Just Be Condensation
What happens when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface? Condensation. This is a natural process, and the refrigerator manufacturers are well aware of it. That is why refrigerators come with a drain pan under the unit. This pan is meant to hold water until the water evaporates. If the drain pan is cracked or damaged, however, the collected water will likely leak onto the floor. The drain pan can also overflow if humidity levels are unusually high.
Let’s check to see if the drain pan is the issue. Pull out the pan from beneath your refrigerator and inspect it. If the pan is overflowing, then empty it into a sink. If the drain pan is cracked or damaged, then you will have to replace it. Make sure to bring the old pan with you so you purchase the right size!
The Defrost Drain Could Be Clogged
We mentioned the drain pan and how it holds water, but condensation is not the only source of water that goes into the drain pan. During the refrigerator’s defrost cycle, all of the resulting water will travel through the defrost drain and into the drain pan under the refrigerator. If the defrost drain is clogged, however, then that water will likely end up on the floor.
Fortunately, unclogging the defrost drain is not complicated. Check your owner’s manual to find where the defrost drain is located. Generally, the defrost drain is under the freezer compartment or in the back of the freezer.
First, bring out your hair dryer and bring it to the low heat setting. You will aim the hair dryer at the tube to melt away any ice. Next, insert a screwdriver or pipe cleaner into the tub to push out any debris or blockage. Finally, use a funnel or even a turkey baster to send a mixture of bleach and hot water into the tube. This should flush the defrost drain. Follow this up with a rinse.
Maybe It’s a Leaking Water Line
If your refrigerator makes ice or produces ice cold water on demand, then your appliance is connected to the water line. Though these are convenient, they introduce the risk of water leaks. Turn off the water supply and inspect the water line for loose connections and a damaged hose. Tighten any loose connections and replace the hose if it is cracked or damaged.
A Plumber Can Help
Are you still having problems? If you would like to have a qualified plumber get to the bottom of it, then call Sunshine Plumbers today. Our friendly representatives are on standby to take your call and arrange an urgent dispatch.
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