A refrigerator leaking water is a very common problem for homeowners, and it can happen with any major brand — Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE and others. Sometimes the leak is small and shows only a few drops near the front of the fridge. In other cases, you may see water under the refrigerator, inside drawers, or dripping from the back panel.
A leaking fridge usually means there is a drainage problem or moisture control failure inside the refrigerator system. The good news: in most cases, this issue can be solved without replacing the fridge.
Most Common Reasons Your Refrigerator Leaks Water
1. Blocked Defrost Drain Line
This is the number 1 most common cause.
When the defrost drain gets clogged with debris, ice, food particles or dust — water cannot travel to the drain pan. Instead, it starts leaking inside the fridge or onto the floor.
2. Frozen Drain Tube
When humidity is high or the fridge door stays open too long, the drain line freezes. The next defrost cycle melts frost and water has nowhere to go — it leaks.
3. Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan
All refrigerators have a drain pan underneath. If it cracks, becomes damaged or overfills, you will see leaking water.
4. Damaged Door Gaskets
If the door seal is worn out or loose, warm air enters the refrigerator, creating excess condensation. This creates constant water inside and eventually leaks.
5. Water Filter Connection Issues
This is especially common in Samsung & LG models.
A loose or poorly installed refrigerator water filter connection can leak inside the fridge and drip down.
6. Ice Maker Leaks
Ice maker water lines can develop small cracks or leaks. If you see water near the back of the fridge — the ice maker line may be the cause.
Where You Might See the Water
Depending on the exact reason — leaks can appear in different areas:
- Under vegetable drawers
- Inside freezer bottom
- Under refrigerator front kickplate
- Back of fridge near wall
- Under machine on the floor
- Inside bottom refrigerator compartment
Brand-Specific Tendencies
Samsung Refrigerators
Often leak because of frozen defrost drain tubes & moisture problems in French Door models.
LG Refrigerators
Common leak cause: clogged drain + water filter housing issues.
Whirlpool Refrigerators
Often leak from drain pan + rear drain line blockage.
GE Refrigerators
Frequently leak from door gaskets not sealing properly + blocked internal drain.
How to Prevent Refrigerator Water Leaks
- Keep doors closed tightly and avoid long open time
- Clean drain tube every few months
- Replace water filter on time
- Make sure fridge is level (very important!)
- Check door seals regularly
- Avoid overloading bottom drawers and top shelves
When It’s Time to Call a Professional Technician
If you already cleaned the drain, checked the filter, and the leak continues — this means the problem is inside the unit and requires internal diagnostic.
Professional service is needed if:
- water leak happens every day
- water is inside the freezer compartment
- ice maker line is leaking
- water is under the fridge and spreading
- you suspect internal damage or mold growth
Trying to take apart panels without experience may damage wiring, insulation foam or sealed cooling lines — which makes repair much more expensive later.
Professional Refrigerator Repair Service in NYC
Onefservice provides refrigerator repair for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE and all other major brands.
We diagnose leaks, replace damaged water lines, clean drain systems, repair ice makers and restore normal cooling.
Service areas: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island
If your refrigerator is leaking water — schedule repair before the leak damages your floors or cabinets.
