April 20, 2023

Refrigerator: Why is water dripping from my refrigerator onto the floor?

It's not unusual for a refrigerator to drip a little water on the floor after you replace the water filter—air trapped in the water dispenser system can make the water dispenser drip enough to overflow the drip tray below the dispenser. You can fix it by streaming a gallon or two of water through the dispenser to eliminate the trapped air.

If water drips on the floor from the back of the refrigerator, a leaking water inlet valve or cracked water system tubing could be the cause. A clogged or cracked defrost drain tube could also cause the leak. Defrost condensate water collects in the drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator so a cracked or overflowing drain pan can also cause water to drip on the floor behind the refrigerator. Check the drain pan for cracks and clean out any foreign objects that may be inside the drain pan.

Excessive frost caused by a leaking door seal can also cause the defrost drain pan to overflow. If you see the refrigerator drain pan full of water and overflowing, check the door gaskets and replace them if damaged.

refrigerator

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR REFRIGERATOR PROBLEM

JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-water-inlet-valve

Replace the refrigerator water inlet valve

The water inlet valve assembly of the refrigerator controls water flow to the ice maker and the water dispenser. Replace the water inlet valve if it doesn't open or shut off the flow of water properly.

Refrigerator water inlet valve

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RG-REF-top-freezer-water-inlet-valve-intro
July 20, 2015

How to replace the water inlet valve in a top-freezer refrigerator

If your refrigerator ice maker isn't getting any water, or if water continuously flows into the ice maker, the problem could be the water inlet valve. This DIY repair guide and video show how to easily replace the water inlet valve in a top-mount refrigerator.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-REF-Clean-the-refrigerator-defrost-drain-tube

Clean the refrigerator defrost drain tube

As part of the refrigerator's defrost cycle, the defrost drain tube transfers condensate from the evaporator drip tray that's under the evaporator to the drain pan in the machine compartment next to the compressor, where the water evaporates. If the evaporator drip tray or top of the drain tube freezes, the condensate water can overflow into the freezer or the refrigerator compartment. This repair involves thawing that drain area so that the condensate properly flows through the defrost drain tube and into the drain pan next to the compressor.

Clean the refrigerator defrost drain tube

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JC-REF-Clean-the-refrigerator-drain-pan

Clean the refrigerator drain pan

As part of the refrigerator's defrost cycle, the fridge drain pan collects condensate water that melts from the evaporator fins, collects in the evaporator drip tray below the evaporator and then flows through the defrost drain tube to the drain pan in the machine compartment next to the compressor. The drain pan can sometimes form mildew or collect insects. This repair involves accessing and cleaning the drain pan.

Clean the refrigerator drain pan

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JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-water-system-tubing

Replace refrigerator water system tubing

Many refrigerators have an ice maker and/or water dispenser. The connecting water line between the water components inside the refrigerator can break, resulting in a water leak. This repair involves replacing of water lines inside the refrigerator.

Replace refrigerator water system tubing

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JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-defrost-drain-tube

Replace the refrigerator defrost drain tube

As part of the refrigerator's defrost cycle, the defrost drain tube transfers water from the evaporator drip tray that's below the evaporator to the drain pan in the machine compartment next to the compressor, where the water then evaporates. If the drain tube is clogged or damaged, the water can't drain from the evaporator drip tray and instead overflows into the freezer or refrigerator compartment. Replace the defrost drain tube if it's damaged or if you can't clear a clog from it.

Refrigerator defrost drain tube

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JC-REF-Replace-the-refrigerator-door-gasket

Replace the refrigerator door gasket

The door gasket attaches to the refrigerator or freezer door panel and prevents air from entering or escaping the cabinet when the door is shut. A damaged gasket lets warm, moist air into the refrigerator when the door is closed, causing excessive frost and cooling problems. Replace the door seal if it's damaged or torn.

Refrigerator door gasket

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RG-how-to-replace-a-top-freezer-refrigerator-door-gasket
December 08, 2020

How to replace a door gasket in a top-freezer refrigerator

A worn or damaged refrigerator door gasket lets warm air into the refrigerator, causing frost buildup and inefficient cooling. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a top-freezer door gasket in 4 easy steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators

Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.

Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…

Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…

Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…

Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…

Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…

Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…

Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…

Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…

Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems

How to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems

If your refrigerator's ice maker isn't producing as much ice as it should, or water is flowing poorly from the dispenser…