QUESTION: Freezer is leaking water on the floor. The leak is dripping from the bottom. The freezer is in the garage and the floor is soaking wet. The food in my freezer is still frozen. I hear noise coming from the freezer which could be the fan motor or compressor. It seems the freezer is working. What is the most likely issue that causes the freezer to leak water?
ANSWER: A clogged or frozen drain hole or drain tube may be the cause of the water leak. Clear the drain hole and drain tube to allow water to exit the freezer when in defrost mode. The drain pan can also be the cause of the leak. The drain pan can become full of water and leak due to overflow.
CAUTION: Remove power to the appliance before troubleshooting a water leak issue!
FREEZER LEAKING WATER DURING DEFROST CYCLE?
When a refrigerator/freezer goes into the defrost cycle, water drips into the drain hole, flows into the drain tube, and into the drain pan where the water should evaporate. Water will leak out from the bottom of the freezer if any of these components are clogged or frozen.
FREEZER LEAKS WATER – WHAT TO CHECK FIRST?
First, locate the drain pan. The drain pan is located at the bottom of the freezer. Once identified, check if the drain pan is full of water and therefore causing the leak. Empty the drain pan if overflowing and causing the water leak.
Water overflows and causes leak
FROZEN OR CLOGGED DRAIN HOLE?
Locate the drain hole. The drain hole is usually located at the back wall of the freezer on the panel. On some refrigerator/freezers a plastic panel covers the drain hole. Remove the screw(s) and the panel to access the drain hole. Once the drain hole is located, inspect the drain hole to see if there is any type of clog or if the tube is frozen and full of ice. If you find the drain to be clogged or frozen, use the turkey baster method, see the information below.
Freezer drain clogs or freezes & causes leak
HOW TO CLEAR FREEZER DEFROST DRAIN TUBE?
To stop the freezer from leaking, you will need to get the drain tube cleared of ice or debris. There may be ice in the tube or it may be clogged with debris. Use a turkey baster filled with hot water and force the water into the drain hole. Repeat this multiple times to clear out the DRAIN TUBE.
May be clogged or frozen and causing leak
TURKEY BASTER DRAIN HOLE CLEARING METHOD
The turkey baster method will clear either a clogged drain line or a frozen drain line. Use the turkey baster and force hot water into the drain hole to clear any blockage or ice. If the drain line is completely frozen, cautiously use a hair dryer to thaw the drain line. If the problem persists, you can choose to install a DRAIN TUBE HEATER to melt the ice.
MORE FREEZER/FRIDGE INFO:
Refrigerator Has Water Under Drawers – What Is Causing This – How To Fix?
CLEAR FREEZER DRAIN PIPE METHODS
You may need to remove the refrigerator/freezer back panel to access the drain tube components. If the turkey baster method did not clear the debris or ice buildup, remove the back panel and locate the drain tube. You may need to remove the drain tube to fully remove any debris. Be sure the drain tube, drain hole, and all components downstream are clean and not blocked.How to Unclog a Refrigerator/Freezer Drain Tube
FREEZER DEFROST DRAIN IS CLOGGED
During operation, the freezer goes into the defrost cycle. While in defrost, the freezer will let drip water into the defrost drain. If the defrost drain hole or drain tube is clogged with debris, the water has nowhere to go and will overflow. When the water has nowhere to go, it will leak out at the bottom of the freezer.
MORE FREEZER/FRIDGE INFO:
How To Repair A Freezer Dripping Water Into Refrigerator – Frozen Drain Tube
FREEZER DEFROST DRAIN IS FROZEN
Your freezer goes into the defrost cycle during normal operation. When defrosting, the freezer will drip water into the drain hole. If frozen with ice, the water will overflow as a sheet of ice may be present under the drawer. This will cause a leak and the water will drip from underneath the freezer.
This “refrigerator frozen water line tool” can help you with frozen drain tubes and frozen water line issues. This tool is a must have if you have frequent issues with your fridge/freezer.