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.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR REFRIGERATOR PROBLEM
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators
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