Why is my whirlpool refrigerator leaking water from the bottom

You rely on your refrigerator more than almost any other appliance. If your refrigerator is leaking water, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A leaking refrigerator has several potential causes. Some are easy to fix on your own, while others may require professional refrigerator repair. Here’s what could be causing your Whirlpool refrigerator to leak.   

Water Filter

Water may leak if your refrigerator’s water filter is not fitted correctly. Remove the water filter and reinstall it, making sure it’s properly fitted on the filter housing.

Door Gaskets

The refrigerator’s door gaskets are located along the outside of the doors. When you close the refrigerator door, the door gaskets adhere to the cabinet and form an airtight seal. If the door gasket has an air leak, it will create moisture inside the refrigerator and may lead to a water leak.

How to Inspect Your Refrigerator’s Door Gaskets

Here’s how to determine if your door gasket has an air leak.

  • Unplug your fridge, then open the refrigerator and freezer doors.
  • Check the door gaskets for damage, discoloration, mold, or signs of wear.
  • If the damage is found, the door gaskets will need to be replaced.

Water Inlet Valve

If you have a water dispenser or an ice maker, the water inlet valve connects your refrigerator to your home’s water supply line. When active, it directs water from the water supply line to your ice maker. If your refrigerator is leaking, the water inlet valve may be the cause.

How to Examine Your Water Inlet Valve

Follow these steps to inspect your water inlet valve.

  • Unplug your refrigerator and disconnect the fridge from the water supply.
  • The water inlet valve is found on the rear of the refrigerator, located near the bottom. Remove the refrigerator’s rear panel to access it.
  • Make sure the valve does not have any cracks or loose fittings. If the water inlet valve is not secured tightly, water will leak. Replace the valve if any cracks are found.
  • If none of the above are causing the leak, remove the water inlet valve and check it with a multimeter. Set your multimeter to the Rx1 setting and place the probes on the water inlet valve’s terminals. You should see a reading of 200 to 500 ohms. Otherwise, you will need to replace the water inlet valve.    

Drain Pan

A self-defrosting refrigerator includes a drain pan. When water melts from the fridge’s evaporator coils, it’s collected in the drain pan. The refrigerator’s condenser fan blows warm air across the drain pan to evaporate the water. A cracked drain pan will leak water as the defrost cycle runs. Examine your drain pan, and replace it if you find any cracks.

Ice Maker Assembly

The leak may be coming from your ice maker. If this is the case, you will probably notice issues with your ice cubes. You may not be getting any ice, or the cubes may be too small. You may have a problem with the water fill system if your ice cubes are very small, or if no ice is produced.  

How to Inspect the Ice Maker Assembly

Follow these steps to check your ice maker.

  • Disconnect your refrigerator from both the water source and the power.
  • Make sure the fill tube and the fill cup area are not frozen.
  • Examine the outlet tubing and ensure it’s not blocked.

If the above checks reveal any problems, you’ll need to replace the ice maker assembly.

Ocean Appliance Service provides refrigerator repair throughout Miami Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you need help with your refrigerator, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

If your refrigerator is leaking water all the time or making a noise, you may wonder if it's time to replace it. Or if the ice maker isn't working or it's building up frost, you may think it's time to call a repairman. Regardless of your particular issue, don't freak out yet. Sometimes a good, thorough cleaning or temperature setting will do the trick. 

We'll share the reasons behind some of the most common fridge problems and how to fix them -- even if you don't know how a refrigerator works. These simple solutions can save you a lot of money.  And no need to buy a bunch of new tools, most of these solutions don't require any at all. Here's what you need to try solving the problems yourself. This article is updated periodically.

Read more: LG's killer fridge feature: Clear ice for cocktails

It's always running

An efficient refrigerator shouldn't run all the time. A fridge that does is not only noisy, it can also take a big bite out of your wallet. Refrigerators are already one of the most power-intensive home appliances. Allowing your fridge to run nonstop can send your energy bill through the roof.

Cause 1: One of the most common causes of a refrigerator running too often (or worse, constantly) is a buildup of debris and dust around the condenser coils. It's especially common if you live in a dusty environment or have several pets.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator from AC power. For most refrigerators, the condenser coils are located on the very bottom and they're typically accessed in the front or back. (Some newer models, however, have internal coils.) To access the coils, look for the grille and remove it by popping out the snaps that hold it in place, or unscrewing it if it's screwed in. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the majority of the buildup. If there's a lot of leftover debris, use a brush or a wipe cloth to gently remove the remaining debris. Replace the grille and restore power to the refrigerator.

Cause 2: Setting the refrigerator temperature too low will cause your refrigerator to work overtime, and can also freeze and spoil some of your foods.

Fix: You typically want your refrigerator set to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 and 4.4 degrees Celsius). Place a thermometer inside a glass of water, place the glass on the middle shelf of the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 8 hours. Periodically adjust the temperature setting on your refrigerator to slowly bring it to the desired temperature. If this doesn't solve the issue, consult with a professional, as you may have a defective part, such as a condenser, thermostat sensor or fan motor.

It's leaking water

Water puddling up under your refrigerator is never a good sign, but it is also a fairly common occurrence and can usually be resolved relatively easily. Water leakage typically comes from one of two problems.

Cause 1: A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes. This happens when food particles or other debris clog up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that's clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.

Pull your refrigerator out from the wall and locate the defrost drain hose in the bottom back service panel. This hose should have a rubber check valve, which helps regulate humidity and is known for catching debris and clogging. Clean the valve out with hot water and soap, and reinstall the valve.

Cause 2: From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks or clogs in the plastic supply line.

If there's a break or tear in the line, replace the water supply line. Typically this line is a nylon tube with threaded compression fittings at both ends. You can find DIY water line kits for sale at your local hardware store ($10). They're easy to hook up, though you might need to have a wrench on hand. You shouldn't overtighten their fittings, so you won't need that much strength. 

If the water line is intact, but you see a translucent blockage, then ice is the culprit. Simply leave the refrigerator unplugged for approximately 2 hours to remove the clog. If the clog is anything but clear, consult with a professional before trying to remove it. Once the line has defrosted, plug the refrigerator back in and push it back to the wall.

Why is my whirlpool refrigerator leaking water from the bottom

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Lots of freezer ice buildup

If the inside of your freezer looks like the arctic tundra, something is seriously wrong. There are a few possible causes of frost growth inside your freezer, and some quick fixes.

Cause 1: Leaving the freezer door open too long can raise the humidity level inside the freezer, resulting in frost and ice buildup.

Fix: Obviously, try not to leave the freezer door open longer than necessary. Try opening the freezer or fridge door and see if it closes on its own; if not, this could be the cause of the frost. To resolve this, pull the refrigerator out from the wall and have someone lean the refrigerator back far enough for you to reach the two front pedestal feet. (Don't try this alone!)

Screw both feet out a few turns. This will ensure that the doors close on their own and that water is properly draining from the freezer and refrigerator. If this doesn't solve the issue, you may have a malfunctioning defrost timer, for which you'll want a professional. But first, check for the following two other things.

Cause 2: A faulty seal can also result in unwanted frost.

Fix: First, try cleaning the seal around the inside of the freezer door using warm water, soap and a washcloth. Use a towel to dry the seal and the surrounding areas, and close the freezer. If this doesn't work, try installing a new gasket. Major appliance makers, like GE and Whirlpool, for example, sell replacement parts directly, including fridge gaskets. Just remember to have your model number handy. That'll help you track down the specific gasket for your particular refrigerator. 

To swap in a new gasket, begin by unplugging the refrigerator. Then remove all frozen perishables, and place them in a cooler. Lift the edge of the old gasket and use a screwdriver to remove all the screws. With the old gasket removed, align the new gasket and screw it into place. Return all food to the freezer and plug the fridge back in.

Cause 3: Too many items resting against the rear freezer wall can block airflow, resulting in frost buildup.

Fix: Clear away food packages that are too close to the rear freezer wall or are blocking any freezer vents.

Refrigerator ice makers are useful but can experience problems.

Colin West McDonald/CNET

The ice maker isn't working

So you've been waiting and waiting, but your refrigerator's ice maker isn't delivering the goods. It could be that you're not seeing any ice cubes at all, or the ice is too small or maybe it's even hollow. No matter the scenario, here are a few solutions to try. 

Cause 1: A clog in the water line is restricting water flow. A blockage is likely caused by ice in the water connection. A kinked water line can also cause the same problem.

Fix: For a frozen water line rather than a kink in the line, first turn off the water supply with the shut-off valve. It's usually located behind the fridge or under the kitchen sink. One way to remove the blockage is by thawing out the water line manually. Do that by unplugging the fridge's power supply. After a few hours the ice causing the clog should melt away. A faster method is to use heat from a blow-dryer, or squirt it with a turkey baster filled with hot water.

Cause 2: A shut-off arm is in the wrong position. Many fridge ice makers have a shut-off arm that's designed to stop ice production when the storage bin is full, and sometimes they get stuck in the off position. 

Fix: Make sure the shut-off arm isn't engaged. If the arm is frozen in place, first remove the ice storage bin. Next melt any ice buildup with a little hot water. Quickly wipe away excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.

Cause 3: Some fridges also have sensors that detect the presence of the ice bin. Over time, ice buildup between the bin and the freezer wall can push the bin out of alignment, tripping this sensor. When that happens, the fridge thinks you've removed the bucket and will stop making ice.

Fix: Remove the storage bin, and let it defrost for a few hours. In the meantime, melt away any ice around the bin sensor with a small amount of hot water. Use a clean towel to remove any remaining water. Return the bin to its place and you should be good to go.

Why is my whirlpool refrigerator leaking water from the bottom

Don't cart your fridge away just yet. You might be able to get it to run right again.

Chris Monroe/CNET

Cool down, your fridge might be OK

Hopefully, these simple steps will have remedied your refrigerator woes and you've solved your appliance problems without fancy tools or much hassle. You also didn't have to shell out big bucks for a brand-new icebox -- score! But if you're still experiencing hiccups, it could be time to call in the repair pros. Ultimately, you might even consider buying a new fridge.

Where is the defrost drain on my Whirlpool refrigerator?

Inside your refrigerator and freezer compartments, typically near the back wall, is a small indentation. This is the defrost drain, which takes water and ice that accumulates on the walls of the refrigerator and freezer and drains it down to the drain pan on the bottom of the unit.

How do you stop water from leaking at the bottom of a fridge?

When that drain gets blocked, the coils start working harder and that can lead to condensation building up. That condensation will fall to the floor and form a puddle. To remedy it, rearrange your freezer so the drain is no longer blocked. Then flush warm water through the drain to clear any clogs.

What causes a refrigerator to leak underneath?

Inspect your defrost drain for a blockage. Cue the condensation collecting on the coils and, soon, water dripping onto the floor just like in the scenario of an improperly leveled fridge. Unclogging the drain then should eliminate the leak.