What usually causes it
- Clogged defrost drain. Defrost water runs from the evaporator through a drain tube to a pan under the unit. When the drain freezes or clogs with debris, water backs up and drips into the freezer or under the crisper drawers.
- Cracked or misplaced drain pan. The pan under the fridge holds defrost water until it evaporates. A cracked pan, or one knocked out of place during a move, lets that water reach the floor.
- Water supply line. The plastic or braided line behind the unit can crack, kink or loosen at the compression fitting, especially after the fridge is pulled out and pushed back.
- Water filter and housing. A filter that is not seated fully, a cracked filter head, or an off-brand filter that does not seal can drip inside the fresh-food section.
- Water inlet valve. The valve at the back bottom of the unit can crack or seep at its fittings.
- Door gaskets. A torn or flattened gasket lets warm, humid air in. The extra moisture turns into frost and then into water when the unit defrosts.
Refrigerator leaking water
Water under the fridge usually comes from a clogged defrost drain, a cracked drain pan, or a loose water line to the ice maker or dispenser.
Check first: Check whether the water is clear and cold (supply line) or appears after defrost cycles (drain). Shut off the supply valve if the line is dripping.
Refrigerator door not sealing
A torn or flattened gasket, a sagging hinge, or a fridge that is not level lets humid Houston air in, which leads to sweating, frost and long run times.
Check first: Close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily at several spots, the seal is not doing its job.
Safe checks you can do
- Check whether the water is cold and clear and appears all the time (supply side) or shows up after defrost cycles, often with a little debris (drain side).
- Pull the unit out carefully and feel along the supply line and the valve fittings with a dry paper towel.
- Remove and reseat the water filter, checking that it locks into place.
- Look for ice built up at the bottom of the freezer back panel, a sign of a frozen drain.
- Close the door on a dollar bill at several points. If it slides out easily, the gasket is not sealing.
- If a supply line is dripping, shut the valve that feeds it, usually under the sink or behind the unit.
Parts that fail most often
- Plastic supply lines become brittle with age and crack at the fittings.
- Defrost drains clog more often on units in humid kitchens and garages.
- Gaskets on the most-used door (usually the fresh-food door) wear out first.
How your home affects it
In older homes
Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Check that the refrigerator has its own outlet and a few inches of space behind it for the coil to breathe.
In new construction
Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. Kinked water lines behind the fridge and units pushed too tight against the wall are common finds.
In apartments and condos
In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. Refrigerators in tight alcoves run hotter and longer; clearance matters.
In garages
Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Check the model plate for its rated temperature range; many refrigerators are not built for a hot Houston garage.
During storm season
Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. After an outage, keep the doors shut and use a thermometer to decide about food. If the unit does not cool within a few hours of power returning, call us.
When to call for repair
- Water keeps coming back after you dry the area, or it is near an outlet or under flooring.
- Ice is building up inside the freezer floor or behind the back panel.
- The supply line or valve is cracked.
Never puncture refrigerant lines or chip ice off the coil with a knife. Keep a thermometer in the fresh-food section; food safety follows the thermometer, not how cold the shelf feels.
Need help? We do refrigerator repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.
Common questions
What usually causes this?
The most common causes are clogged defrost drain, cracked or misplaced drain pan, water supply line, water filter and housing, water inlet valve and door gaskets.
Is it safe to keep using the refrigerator?
Never puncture refrigerant lines or chip ice off the coil with a knife. Keep a thermometer in the fresh-food section; food safety follows the thermometer, not how cold the shelf feels.
When should I call for refrigerator repair?
Water keeps coming back after you dry the area, or it is near an outlet or under flooring. Ice is building up inside the freezer floor or behind the back panel. The supply line or valve is cracked.
Do you repair this in my area?
We repair refrigerators in homes across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.