Common Reasons Your Fridge Is Leaking Water Inside and How to Fix It

Water pooling inside your fridge is not only messy, but it can also ruin food and create bad smells. The good news? Most interior leaks are caused by minor issues you can fix yourself. Let’s dig into the most common reasons for this frustrating problem.

Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain

The defrost drain is responsible for carrying away water from your fridge’s automatic defrost cycle. If it gets blocked or freezes over, that water has nowhere to go—and ends up inside your fridge.

What to Check:

  • Is there water pooling at the bottom of your fridge?
  • Does the drain at the back of the fridge look clogged with debris or ice?

Quick Fix:

  1. Unplug the fridge and remove any food near the drain.
  2. Use a turkey baster or small funnel to pour warm water into the drain to melt any ice.
  3. If the drain is clogged with debris, clear it using a thin brush or pipe cleaner.

Pro Tip: Flush the drain with a solution of warm water and vinegar to keep it clear.

Damaged or Misaligned Drain Pan

The drain pan at the base of your fridge collects water from the defrost cycle. If it’s cracked or not positioned correctly, you might see leaks inside.

What to Check:

  • Is the pan cracked or overflowing?
  • Is it sitting securely in its slot?

Quick Fix:

  1. Remove the pan and inspect it for cracks or damage.
  2. Clean it out and re-secure it in the correct position.
  3. If it’s damaged, replace it with a new one.

Blocked Air Vents Causing Condensation

Good airflow inside your fridge is key to preventing condensation. If you’ve overstuffed your fridge or blocked the vents, cold air can’t circulate properly—and that leads to water buildup.

What to Check:

  • Are the air vents at the back of your fridge blocked by food or containers?
  • Does the fridge feel overcrowded?

Quick Fix:

  1. Rearrange your fridge to ensure the vents are clear.
  2. Avoid overloading the fridge—air needs space to flow freely.

Door Seal Not Sealing Properly

If the door seal (gasket) is dirty or damaged, warm air can sneak into the fridge, creating condensation and water buildup.

What to Check:

  • Are there gaps or cracks in the seal?
  • Is there grime or food buildup around the edges of the seal?

Quick Fix:

  1. Clean the seal with warm, soapy water and a cloth.
  2. Replace the seal if it’s cracked or not sealing properly.

Fun Fact: Use the “paper test” to check your door seal. Close the door on a piece of paper and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, your seal isn’t tight enough.

Professional Fridge Repairs in Toronto

Need professional help?

If you’ve tried these fixes and your fridge is still leaking, it might be time to bring in the pros. At Appliance Repair Plus, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing all kinds of fridge issues- quickly and affordably. Call us today for durable fridge repairs around the GTA and let us help you keep your fridge in top shape.

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