Why Is My Fridge Freezer Leaking Water? 7 Causes & Quick Fixes

Help & Advice > Why Is My Fridge Freezer Leaking Water? 7 Causes & Quick Fixes

A leaking fridge freezer can lead to water damage, mold growth, or even appliance failure. Whether you’re dealing with water pooling underneath your fridge or a freezer leaking from the bottom, this guide explains the 7 most common causes – and how to fix them yourself or decide when to call a professional.

7 Reasons Your Fridge Freezer Is Leaking Water + How to Fix Them

Remember to always unplug the appliance first before diagnosing issues. Here are some possible reasons why a fridge freezer could be leaking.

1. Uneven Flooring or Improper Leveling

Take a good look at your fridge. Is it tilted forwards? If so, this could mean the seal is not closing as fully as it could and so the water is not draining back into the drain pipe. Adjust the fridge’s front legs to ensure your appliance is level and standing on even ground – see if this solves the problem.

Symptoms: Water collects at the front or bottom, door doesn’t seal properly.

Fix:

• Use a spirit level to check if the appliance tilts forward.
• Adjust the front legs (usually with a wrench) until the fridge is level.
• Test by closing a dollar bill in the door – if it slips out easily, re-level.

Pro Tip: Place anti-vibration pads under the feet to prevent future shifting.

2. Damaged or Dirty Door Seal (Gasket)

The fridge seal stops warm air from entering the cold fridge environment – so an accumulation of food or dirt on the seal, or simply a faulty seal, can hinder full closure of a freezer door. This triggers condensation which may then begin to leak. If this is the case, give the seal a clean or replace it.

Symptoms: Condensation inside the fridge, frost buildup, or warm air entering.

Fix:

• Clean: Wipe the seal with warm water + baking soda to remove mold/debris.
• Replace: If torn or cracked, buy a replacement gasket (model-specific).

3. Overloaded or Poorly Stored Food

If your fridge is storing many high-moisture items, this could be upping the moisture content of the fridge freezer interior. Likewise, if too many food items are resting against the rear wall of the fridge freezer, this can push water down into the salad drawer, which could then flow out of the front appliance door.

Symptoms: Water in salad drawers or dripping from shelves.

Fix:

• Avoid stacking food against the back wall (blocks airflow).
• Store liquids in sealed containers.
• Use moisture-absorbing boxes for veggies.

4. Cracked Drain Pan (Fridge Freezer Leaking from Bottom)

At the bottom of many fridge freezers is the drain pan. If this becomes cracked or damaged, it can cause water to trickle out the bottom of the appliance. A replacement drain pan should solve the issue.

Symptoms: Puddles under the fridge, even after leveling.

Fix:

• Remove the drain pan (check the user manual for location).
• Replace with a compatible pan.
• Warning: Avoid using cracked pans—they harbor bacteria.

5. Faulty Ice Maker or Water Line

A few things can go amiss with an ice maker. The water supply line could come loose, hoses could become cracked or kinked, or seals can be damaged. See our full article on how to diagnose and resolve any issues with an ice maker.

Symptoms: Leaks near the ice dispenser or freezer leaking from the bottom.

Quick Checks:

• Tighten the water supply line connection.
• Inspect hoses for cracks/kinks (replace if damaged).

6. Clogged Defrost Drain Hole

The drain hole, or defrost hole, at the back of a fridge freezer is the way that water drains from the appliance. If this is clogged with food or other particles, this could be the root of the problem. Washing it out with warm water or using a cotton bud or pipe cleaner to gently unclog it may help relieve issues. See our full article here about fridge drain hole troubleshooting.

Symptoms: Water leaks from the freezer compartment or inside the fridge.

Fix:

• Locate the drain hole (usually at the back of the fridge).
• Pour warm water mixed with vinegar to melt ice blockages.
• Use a pipe cleaner or turkey baster to clear debris.

Prevent: Clean monthly to avoid food particles clogging the drain.

7. Broken Temperature Control or Thermostat

Perhaps you’ve noticed the temperature in your fridge-freezer has been quite erratic? If this is coupled with leaking water, it may well mean the thermostat is faulty and needs repair or replacement. You should confirm this with a specialist who can diagnose the issue fully.

Symptoms: Erratic cooling, excessive frost, water leaking intermittently.

Action: Test the thermostat with a multimeter.

⚠️ Safety Note: Thermostat testing involves electrical components. If unsure, skip this step and contact a professional.

When to Call a Professional

While many leaks can be resolved with simple DIY fixes, some issues require expert attention to avoid worsening the problem or risking safety hazards. Contact Domex’s engineers if:

1. The leak continues after you’ve tried levelling the appliance, cleaning the drain hole, and inspecting door seals.
2. You suspect electrical faults, such as a malfunctioning compressor or damaged wiring, which can pose serious risks if handled improperly.
3. Repairs involve sealed components like refrigerant lines or internal plumbing, as tampering with these without training could void warranties or cause further damage.

Still scratching your head? Domex are award-winning kitchen appliance repair engineers, serving London, Epsom, Guildford and Brighton. All our technicians are fully trained to diagnose and repair all the latest fridge freezer models. Feel free to call us to discuss your problem with our experts – we’re always happy to help.