Have you noticed a curious puddle of water forming on your kitchen floor, suspiciously near your refrigerator? A leaky GE refrigerator can be a messy and confusing problem. Thankfully, refrigerator water dripping is a fairly common issue. We have compiled five causes of a leaking refrigerator and the simple DIY tips to fix the leak.
Have a Leaky GE Refrigerator? Try These Tips.
If you find a leak coming from your refrigerator, don’t panic. While some issues will require professional repair, many water leaks can be fixed with a DIY simple repair or adjustment. Follow these tips to determine the cause of your leaky GE refrigerator.
1. Leaking from Refrigerator Water Line
If your GE refrigerator is leaking water, it could be due to a small, thin tube called the water line. The water line connects your refrigerator to your home’s water supply for ice production and water dispensing. If this tube becomes damaged or loose, water can easily escape, causing a leak to form on the floor beneath or surrounding the refrigerator.
To get a closer look at the water line, remove the kick plate located at the bottom of your refrigerator. Inspect the tube for any damages, cracks, or leaks. Double-check that the water line is tightly connected to the water inlet valve. If the connection is loose, tighten it to secure and stop a possible water leak. If your water line is damaged or is leaking water, it will need to be professionally replaced.
2. Water Filter Housing Is Leaking
It is also possible that your GE refrigerator leaks water from an issue arising from its water filter. A GE refrigerator leaking water from water dispenser is a tell-tale sign of a water filter problem.
Common causes of a GE water filter leak include:
- Incorrect filter installation: If the water filter is not correctly installed, you may find yourself with a leaky GE refrigerator. Make sure to always refer to your owner’s manual for instructions for proper water filter installation.
- Wrong brand of water filter: A wrong or generic brand of water filter can result in a poor fit within the water filter housing, causing a water leak. When replacing your refrigerator water filter, always make sure to purchase an OEM (Original Equiment Manufacturer) filter that matches the model and brand of your refrigerator. This information can also be found in your owner’s manual
- Clogged or damaged filter: Like other appliance filters, refrigerator water filters can become clogged or damaged, leading to a leaky GE refrigerator. Make sure to change out the water filter according to the guidelines in your owner’s manual. If you suspect your water filter is clogged or damaged, it will need replacement.
3. Damaged Water Inlet Valve
A damaged water inlet valve can lead to a leaky GE refrigerator. The water inlet valve connects to the refrigerator water line, controlling the flow of water from your home supply. If this valve becomes loose or damaged, water can easily leak out. To check the water inlet valve, always make sure to unplug your refrigerator first. Then, carefully move the refrigerator away from the wall to access its rear panel. During this inspection, make sure to look for small cracks, holes, or moisture seeping from the valve. If a leaky GE refrigerator is caused by a damaged water inlet valve, it will need to be professionally replaced.
4. Refrigerator Defrost Drain Is Clogged
Another key component of a refrigerator is its defrost drain. Condensation is a common result of the normal operation of a refrigerator. The refrigerator defrost drain moves accumulated water and moisture from condensation to the drain pan underneath the unit. Occasionally, a GE refrigerator leaking inside can be due to a clog in the defrost drain.
How to unclog a refrigerator defrost drain:
- Empty the freezer. Locate the drain on the rear wall of the freezer. If you have trouble finding or accessing this drain, consult your owner’s manual.
- Mix 2 cups hot water with 1 tablespoon baking soda.
- Using a turkey baster, slowly fill the drain with the warm baking soda water.
- The warm solution should gradually remove the clog. Don’t be alarmed by the sound of water dripping into the drain pan under the unit. This sound indicates the clog has been successfully cleared.
5. Leak Coming from Drain Pan
The defrost drain moves condensation and moisture to the drain pan beneath the refrigerator. Under normal operation, the water will evaporate without any issues. Unfortunately, the drain pan can develop cracks or holes over time, leading to a leaky GE refrigerator. To check the drain pan, simply remove it from beneath the refrigerator. Check for cracks, small holes, or rusted-out areas. If you find the water leak is coming from the drain pan, it will need to be replaced.
Regularly checking and following refrigerator maintenance tips can help avoid a leaky refrigerator, as well.
If your GE refrigerator leak isn’t resolved by following the above tips, it may be time for a professional refrigerator technician to take a look and diagnose the issue. For refrigerator repair service, call our expert refrigerator technicians at Moore Appliance Service today!
