Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

Water showing up inside or underneath a refrigerator is unsettling, but it almost always traces back to one of a handful of specific parts rather than the refrigerator failing outright.

A clogged or frozen defrost drain. As the refrigerator defrosts automatically, melted frost is supposed to drain away through a small tube. When that tube clogs or freezes, the water backs up and drips inside the unit instead.

A damaged or disconnected water line. If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, a cracked or loose connection on that line is a common source of leaks, usually showing up underneath or behind the unit.

A worn door seal. When the gasket around the door doesn't seal tightly, humid air gets in and condenses, which can look like a leak even though no water line is actually failing.

An overflowing drip pan. The pan underneath the refrigerator collects condensation and normally evaporates it over time — but a cracked pan or one that's not sitting level can overflow.

Because the defrost drain and water line are both somewhat hidden inside the refrigerator's structure, a technician can usually pinpoint the exact source faster than ongoing at-home guessing.