Water pooling under a fridge is frustrating and easy to ignore, until it damages your floor or signals a bigger issue. We’ve seen this happen in homes across Edmonton, and it’s usually a sign that something simple has gone wrong. However, ignoring it could lead to mold, food spoilage, or appliance failure. So let’s walk through the most common reasons this happens and what we can do about it.
Blocked Defrost Drain: The Silent Culprit
In most cases, a leaking fridge starts with a blocked defrost drain. Every modern fridge has a defrost system that melts frost from the evaporator coils. That water is supposed to travel through a small drain and into a pan beneath the appliance. However, even a bit of food, dirt, or ice can clog that path. As a result, the water backs up and drips out the front or bottom of the unit.
To clarify, the defrost drain is often located inside the freezer near the back wall. If you notice standing water or ice in that area, this is likely your issue. Unplug the fridge and gently flush the drain with warm water. In some cases, we use a soft pipe cleaner or squeeze bottle to remove stubborn clogs.
When we provide appliance repair services in Edmonton, this type of drain blockage is one of the first things we check. That is to say, it’s a routine fix that can prevent future headaches if caught early.
Water Filter Issues and Connection Leaks
Secondly, many people overlook the water filter and its housing. A loose connection, cracked filter, or improper installation can cause slow drips that eventually lead to puddles on the floor. Filters should be replaced every six months to avoid clogs or pressure issues. However, sometimes people install incompatible filters or forget to twist them until they click.
If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, check around the filter area and the tubing behind the unit. Tug gently on the line and look for moisture. Even if everything looks dry, keep in mind that slow leaks leave marks or mineral deposits over time.
We’ve found that older models with brittle plastic lines tend to develop tiny cracks, especially in colder temperatures. Therefore, it’s a good idea to inspect both the filter and the surrounding tubing regularly to avoid hidden leaks. If you’re unsure where to look, our fridge repair Edmonton specialists often address these filter-related issues quickly.
Broken or Overflowing Drain Pan
Another issue we often see is a cracked or misplaced drain pan. Beneath every refrigerator is a shallow pan meant to catch condensation and defrost water. In theory, that water should evaporate thanks to the warm air circulating around the compressor. However, if the pan is damaged, dirty, or positioned incorrectly, water can spill onto the floor.
Moreover, excessive humidity in your kitchen can cause that water to collect faster than it can evaporate. This is more common during Edmonton summers or if your home doesn’t have good ventilation. In that case, the pan may overflow even if there’s no crack at all.
To inspect it, pull your fridge away from the wall and shine a flashlight underneath. If you see mold, rust, or standing water, it’s time to clean or replace the pan. We always recommend unplugging the appliance before doing any work behind or beneath it. Most importantly, be careful not to damage the coils or back panel while inspecting.
Damaged Door Gasket or Poor Seals
A door that doesn’t seal properly allows warm air inside, which increases condensation. That excess moisture can build up around the vents, behind crisper drawers, or underneath the appliance. Over time, this turns into drips or puddles.
To clarify, the rubber door gasket should feel soft, not cracked or brittle. Close a dollar bill in the fridge door and try to pull it out. If there’s no resistance, the seal is weak and likely letting air in. We recommend cleaning the gasket with mild soap and warm water before assuming it needs replacement.
Additionally, if your fridge door was recently left open or overstuffed, that could temporarily affect the internal temperature and increase condensation. Check the back vents inside the fridge to ensure they’re not blocked. Better airflow helps maintain a steady temperature and prevents ice buildup.
We’ve seen many cases where adjusting how groceries are stacked or reducing crowding near air vents significantly reduced moisture. If the gasket does need replacing, we can always walk you through the process or handle it during a scheduled visit.
Uneven Fridge Placement and Leveling Problems
Sometimes the problem isn’t internal at all. If your fridge isn’t sitting level, water can pool in areas it’s not supposed to. Most models are designed with a slight backward tilt so that defrost water flows toward the drain. If the front is lower than the back, gravity sends water elsewhere—like onto your kitchen floor.
Use a bubble level to check the front and back corners. You can adjust the legs underneath using a wrench or simply twist them by hand. This is a small step, but it makes a big difference in how well the appliance handles condensation and drainage.
Likewise, uneven flooring or loose floorboards can shift the weight of the appliance, especially if it was moved recently. That’s why we always double-check the alignment during our routine maintenance calls. If in doubt, a quick leveling fix can save you from much bigger problems later.
Freezer Frost Buildup and Ice Blockage
A more advanced issue involves frost buildup inside the freezer. When air cannot circulate properly, the evaporator coils freeze up. As a result, excess ice melts unevenly during the defrost cycle and may drip out. In some fridges, this causes water to run down the rear wall and pool under drawers or bins.
This problem usually traces back to blocked air vents, a failed defrost timer, or a broken heater. If your freezer is packed with bags or boxes, it restricts airflow and accelerates frost formation. On the other hand, if the coils are constantly freezing over, it’s likely a hardware issue.
Try unplugging the fridge and letting it defrost fully. After that, turn it back on and listen for unusual fan sounds or temperature swings. If frost returns quickly, there’s an underlying fault. We often find these cases require professional tools to fully diagnose, so if you’re still seeing leaks after troubleshooting, it’s worth scheduling an expert.
If you’re dealing with ongoing water issues, you can always contact Edmonton Repair Appliances to book a proper inspection. We’ll assess everything from tubing to seals and recommend the best fix for your situation.
FAQs
Why does water collect under my fridge drawers?
This usually happens when the defrost drain is clogged. Melted ice from the coils has nowhere to go, so it pools under crisper drawers and slowly leaks out.
Is a leaking fridge dangerous?
In some cases, yes. Standing water can damage your floors, cause mold growth, or lead to electrical issues if it reaches wiring underneath.
How often should I check the fridge’s drain pan?
It’s a good idea to inspect it every few months, especially in high-humidity seasons. If your fridge is leaking and the pan is full or cracked, replace it right away.
Can I fix a leaking fridge myself?
Some causes like clogged drains or poor leveling are simple DIY fixes. However, anything involving internal components, filters, or wiring may require professional help.
Should I turn off my fridge if it’s leaking?
If the leak is severe or you suspect electrical risk, unplug it. Otherwise, it’s safe to keep running while you identify the cause, as long as the leak is minimal.