Refrigerators are one of the most necessary inventions found in our home today. However, it could also be the source of your problems. Issues like a broken or cracked gasket or a more complicated mechanical issue can lead to small leaks. If these small leaks continue to progress without being noticed right away, they can lead to refrigerator water damage.

 Main Causes of Refrigerator Water Damage

 You might be unpleasantly surprised to see a puddle of water in front of your fridge. But you might be more frustrated to see water damage because of refrigerator leaks.  Here are the most common causes of a leaking fridge: 

1.) Split/Cracked Drain Pan

You can see the drain pan at the bottom of the fridge. It’s normal for the liquid to accumulate into the defrost pan and evaporate. However, if the drain pan is split or cracked, leaks will occur and create a significant amount of pooling. This could cause a safety hazard, so call a water restoration company as soon as possible.

2.) Water Filter Leaks

If the model of your fridge doesn’t match the water filter, it could cause leaks. This is because of a broken connection between the filter and your fridge. Moreover, if a wrong-sized filter was installed or the filter has been overused, leaks could occur and replacement is necessary. They aren’t major issues but fixing them right away can prevent puddles, waste of water, and prevent water damage.

3.) Obstructed Defrost Drain

One of the common causes of refrigerator leaks is a blocked defrost drain. This happens when the defrost drain line clogs with debris or food particles. During the defrost cycle, the water accumulates but doesn’t drain into the pan. As a result, water will eventually build up and will start to flow right onto your floor.

 4.) Defective Ice Maker

Most refrigerators nowadays have a built-in ice maker and can also cause your fridge to leak. Since ice makers are connected to water lines, the connectors may crack, break, or wear with age.

5.) Condensation leaks

Condensation usually forms inside the refrigerator compartment and should drip through a drain tube into the drip pan below the unit. Leakage may occur for the following reasons:

a.) the drain hole is clogged or obstructed by some debris

b.) the refrigerator is not level or not properly balanced so collecting condensation does not flow into the drain hole. You will see small amounts of water leaking out the front of the refrigerator.

Prevent Water Damage From Refrigerator Leaks

Water leaks from a refrigerator can cause water damage and if it isn’t restored within 48 hours, molds will grow. Reduce the risk of water damage to ensure proper operation of your refrigerator: 

• Make sure to shut off the water supply by locating the water shut-off valve. Inspect the valve every six months and replace it if necessary.
• For a blocked defrost drain, flush the drain with warm water or use a pipe cleaner to clear the log.
• Check the water supply line for kinks and cracks because they’re made from thin, plastic tubing which is easy to break.
• To prevent the hose from crimping, leave three to four inches of space between the wall and the back of the refrigerator.
• Check the seal on the doors to make sure they’re in good condition to prevent warm air from entering.
• If the refrigerator isn’t at the proper level, place the front of the fridge 1/4 inch lower than the back. Hence, the coolant can flow easily and freely. Moreover, this is to prevent the fridge from working hard and prevent condensation to create on the coils.
• Examine the water line to the ice maker as well as the connectors that they’re in good condition. Furthermore, install the ice maker supply line hose properly to avoid water damage.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

Refrigerator leaks are usually small but these small leaks can create puddles of water and seep into your wall and floor. And before anyone’s aware of it, water damage has already spread. So what to do about refrigerator water damage? Superior Restoration will be at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please contact our local office today, Water Damage Ontario.