Solutions for a Refrigerator Leaking Water From the Rear

Causes

• A refrigerant overcharge, a problem in the appliance’s cooling system, can lead to a leak from behind the refrigerator. A leak in the drip pan or a leak from the water supply line to the ice maker or the water dispenser can also be at fault. In some cases, the leaked water starts out under the refrigerator. Depending on how level the floor in your kitchen is, it can then flow out behind the appliance rather than staying hidden underneath.

Refrigerant Overcharge

• Your refrigerator uses a refrigerant such as Freon as part of its cooling system. If it has too little refrigerant, it runs continuously while trying to maintain a constant cool temperature. If too much refrigerant is in the system, the system is said to be overcharged. Refrigerant overcharge can lead to the refrigerant line frosting over or the compressor sweating at the suction line. The moisture builds up until it runs down to pool behind the refrigerator. This lead to water damage and damage the compressor. Contact a professional appliance repairperson to remove the excess refrigerant from the system and solve the problem.

Drip Pan Solution

• The drip pan usually rests underneath your refrigerator, right behind the grill at the bottom front of your refrigerator. To confirm that the issue is the pan, pull the grating off the bottom front of your fridge, reach in and pull out the drip pan. If you can’t see an obvious hole or crack, fill the pan with water from the sink. If water seeps through, then the drip pan needs to be replaced. You can buy a new one at an appliance repair and supply store. If you can’t locate a drip pan underneath your refrigerator, consult your owner’s manual. Some newer models have drip pans fastened in place by screws or heavy tape. You could need to lift the refrigerator high enough to remove screws. In that case, contact a professional to do the removal. If there simply isn’t a pan beneath your fridge, then you need to purchase one.

Water Supply Line Solution

• The water supply line for your refrigerator could be made of copper, stainless steel or plastic. Copper tubing can be damaged by something as simple as pulling the refrigerator out from behind the wall. Don’t try to repair broken tubing; instead, replace it with either stainless steel or plastic tubing, available at appliance repair stores. Turn off the water supply to your home before beginning the replacement process.