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What Causes a Fridge to Leak Water?
What Causes a Fridge to Leak Water?
4.8 RATING

What Causes a Fridge to Leak Water?

Running into a puddle of water around your refrigerator is never a pleasant experience, especially if the source is unknown. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we…

October 12, 2026
What Causes a Fridge to Leak Water?

Running into a puddle of water around your refrigerator is never a pleasant experience, especially if the source is unknown. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we have a lot of experience with leaking refrigerators and we are here to tell you that you should not stress. The cause of the clog is not always easy to find, but there are the usual suspects. These are some of the most common causes of a leaking fridge and how to fix them. If you would like the assistance of a local plumber, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing anytime. We are ready to help.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Blocked Defrost Drain

The defrost drain carries water produced during a defrost cycle to a pan at the bottom of the refrigerator where it evaporates. A blockage in the drain hose will cause melted condensation to leak on the floor. The tube itself might be located in a variety of places, so check your owner’s manual to find yours. 
Use a hair dryer on the low setting to melt any ice, then insert a screwdriver into the drain tube to clear out any remaining blockage. Fill a turkey baster with hot water and bleach, then flush the drain hole with the mixture. Finally, use a drain snake or pipe cleaner to clear out the blockage.

Cracked Drain Pan

The defrost drain mentioned earlier carries water to a pan at the bottom of the refrigerator. Normally, this water evaporates and there is never a reason to empty or clean it out. If the pan is cracked or damaged, however, then you are inevitably going to have water leak onto your floors.
The fix is simple. Pull out the drain pan and replace it if it is cracked or damaged. Your local hardware store should have some. Be sure to bring the old one so you pick the right replacement.

Water Line Leak

Who doesn’t like to get a cold glass of water from their refrigerator on demand? These refrigerators offer water because they are connected to a water line and it is that water line that might be the culprit. A loose or damaged water line can cause leaking in the rear of the fridge.
Try tightening the water line’s connection point. If the hose is pinched or leaking, then head out to find a replacement for the hose.

Open Fridge Door

Leaving your fridge door open will have the refrigerator working overtime to cool. The result will be a puddle of condensation around the fridge. Be sure to double check that the fridge door is shut. Clean the rubber seals with soap and water if it is not shutting like it should.

Fallen Ice

This one might sound silly, but it is valid. Many times, kids – and even adults – kick ice under the fridge rather than pick up. Once the ice melts, you have a wet floor. Fortunately, all you have to do in this case is clean up the mess and put up a sign telling everyone not to kick ice under the fridge! Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing now to schedule an experienced plumber in your area for any type of leak detection and repair services.
 

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