Whirlpool refrigerator leaking water

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool refrigerator leaking water issue

How is the leaking water problem fixed?

Correcting most leaking water problems usually involves replacing the defrost drain, dispenser water tubing or evaporator. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that is leaking water

When the refrigerator is leaking water it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator leaking water diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Whirlpool Side-by-Side Freezer Leaking Water

When your Whirlpool side-by-side freezer starts leaking water, identifying the root cause quickly is essential to prevent potential damage to your kitchen floor and the unit itself. Below are some common reasons and solutions for this issue.

Clogged Defrost Drain

A clogged defrost drain is a frequent culprit behind water leaks in your Whirlpool side-by-side freezer. Ice and frost melting from the evaporator coils should drain away through the defrost drain. However, when this drain is blocked, the water overflows, causing leaks. Clean the defrost drain using warm water to remove any blockages. If the issue persists, consult a professional technician to inspect and fix the problem.

Faulty Water Filter

A damaged or improperly installed water filter can lead to water leaks. The water filter is crucial in ensuring clean water flow to the ice maker and dispenser. Any fault in this component can cause leakage. Check the water filter for any visible damage or misalignment. Replace it if necessary, ensuring it is correctly installed. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the water filter can prevent such issues.

Damaged Door Seals

Worn-out or damaged door seals can cause water leakage due to improper sealing of the freezer compartment. This leads to frost buildup, which eventually melts and leaks out of the freezer. Inspect the door seals for any cracks or wear. Replace the seals if they are damaged to ensure a proper seal and prevent further leakage.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Water Leaks

Regular maintenance is key to preventing water leaks. Regularly clean and inspect the defrost drain, water filter, and door seals to ensure they are in good condition. Scheduling periodic maintenance checks with professional technicians can help identify and rectify potential issues before they lead to leaks. Proper installation of components like water filters is crucial to prevent leaks. Ensuring they are correctly installed and in good condition can save you from potential water leakage problems.

If you notice persistent leaks, it’s crucial to seek professional help. A qualified technician can accurately diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring your Whirlpool side-by-side freezer operates efficiently and without leaks.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator leaking water from the bottom?

Here are the most common causes of a Whirlpool refrigerator leaking from the bottom:

Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain

The defrost drain removes water created during the automatic defrost cycle.

Water drips down into the defrost drain tray under the evaporator and then the defrost drain tube carries the water down to the defrost drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator in the machine compartment. In between automatic defrost cycles, the water in the defrost drain pan evaporates away.

If the defrost drain tube gets clogged or frozen, water overflows the evaporator defrost drain tray and drips inside the fridge or the freezer compartment.

In a top-freezer refrigerator, the leaking water typically winds up at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment under the crisper drawers.

Follow this procedure to clear a clogged or frozen defrost drain:

• Unplug the refrigerator and remove the evaporator cover panel in the freezer to access the evaporator defrost drain tray. In some top-freezer refrigerators, you’ll need to remove the ice maker before removing the evaporator cover.
• Melt ice in the evaporator defrost drain tray under the evaporator using warm water and a small funnel or turkey baster. Water may seep from under the refrigerator if water drains down and overflows the drain pan at the bottom of the fridge.
• If the water doesn’t drain through the defrost drain tube after melting the ice in the defrost drain tray under the evaporator, use a pipe cleaner or straw to unclog the top of the drain tube. Check to see if the drain is clear by pouring some warm water down the tube by again using a small funnel or turkey baster.
• After clearing the defrost drain, reinstall the evaporator cover panel and plug in the refrigerator power cord to restore electrical power.

If the evaporator drain tray and defrost drain tube keeps freezing up and overflowing, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a technician diagnose and repair the problem. The tech may need to install a defrost drain tube heater to prevent water from freezing in that area.

Overflowing or Leaking Defrost Drain Pan

The drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator in the machine compartment collects water from the evaporator drain pan under evaporator. The defrost drain tube carries the water from the evaporator defrost drain pan to the defrost drain pan.

In between defrost cycles, water in the defrost drain pan should evaporate according to refrigerator design.

If the drain pan cracks, it will leak water onto the floor that will seep out under the refrigerator.

Excessive frost caused by air leaking into the fridge through a bad door seal or other reasons can cause the defrost drain pan to overflow.

Unplug the refrigerator and remove the machine compartment cover. Examine the defrost drain pan and replace it if it’s cracked or damaged.

If the defrost drain pan is full and overflowing, empty the water out of the pan. Replace the refrigerator door seals or fix the cause of warm, moist air leaking into the refrigerator and causing excessive frost.

Here’s a DIY video that shows how to replace the refrigerator door seal on a common type of fridge:

Have a service technician replace the door seal or address the leaking problem if you’re unable to address the issue on your own.

High humidity or frequent door openings can also cause excessive frost leading to an overflowing defrost drain pan. Minimize refrigerator door openings and consider moving the refrigerator indoors if you’re using in a garage or a space that isn’t climate-controlled.

If these expert tips don’t help you resolve a problem with your Whirlpool refrigerator leaking water, schedule repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the fridge.