Why Is My Fridge Leaking Water? Common Reasons

Noticed a puddle under your fridge? Don’t panic—you’re not alone. As a local appliance repair in Toronto, we have seen this issue many times. The good news is, it’s

often fixable. Here are some potential causes and what you can do about them.

First, locate where the water is coming from.

Leaks can happen inside the fridge or freezer, and water may drip from the door. If the leak is coming from the back or underneath—and you have a water supply line connected—shut off the water immediately.

💡 In Toronto homes, the shutoff valve is often found under the kitchen sink or in the basement, especially in detached houses or older builds.

Shutting the water off will stop leaks from the inlet valve or water line, giving you time to assess the situation safely.

⚠️ Safety Tip: Always unplug the fridge or switch off the breaker before doing any work on it.

Common Causes of Fridge Leaks

1. Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain

Most modern fridges have an automatic defrost system that melts frost buildup a few times a day. The melted water drains into a pan near the compressor and evaporates from the heat.

If the drain gets clogged with debris or ice, water can’t flow properly and may leak from the freezer or fridge door.

Fix:

You’ll need to remove the back panel (inside the freezer), find the drain hole, and flush it with hot water or steam to clear the blockage. This can be a bit involved, so if you're not handy, it's best to call a professional.

2. Cracked or Damaged Drain Pan

The pan beneath your fridge can crack if the fridge is moved carelessly or during filter changes. It’s rare, but it happens.

Fix:

If it’s a small crack, seal it with waterproof tape, glue, or sealant. Bigger damage would require replacing the pan.

3. Faulty Water Inlet Valve

If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, it has a water inlet valve. This component can fail and cause leaks—sometimes just a slow drip, other times a steady flow.

Fix:

The valve (usually located at the back) is not repairable and needs replacement. You’ll need to pull out the fridge and remove the rear panel to access the part.

4. Damaged Water Line

The supply line to your fridge may be plastic or copper. Either type can crack, causing anything from a small drip to a full-on flood.

Fix:

Shut off the water and replace the line. If it’s copper and welded, you might need a plumber. If it’s plastic tubing, and you’re handy, this could be a DIY job—just be sure to get the right size and material.

5. Worn-Out Door Gaskets

Cracked, bent, or stiff door seals let warm air into the fridge, causing condensation and puddles near the door.

Fix:

Inspect the gaskets and do the dollar-bill test: close the door on a dollar bill. If it pulls out easily or falls out, your seal isn’t tight and may need replacing.

6. Overpacked Fridge Blocking Airflow

Yes, Toronto grocery trips can be big, but when the fridge is packed to the brim, the airflow can get blocked. This can cause frost buildup, which eventually melts and leaks.

Fix:

Reorganize the fridge to leave space around vents for proper airflow.

🚨 Still Dripping? We Can Help!

Tried all of the above but still dealing with leaks? Don’t stress—we’ve got your back.

Call Get It Complete! for fast, reliable appliance repair in Toronto and the GTA.

We’ll diagnose and fix your appliance problem quickly, safely, and at a fair price.

📞 Reach out today and let’s get your fridge back in shape!

Contact us