Whirlpool Refrigerator Leaking Water

Your hard-working refrigerator operates around the clock, keeping food fresh and cold. But even this kitchen workhorse can fall victim to leaks that threaten its function. What can you do when your Whirlpool refrigerator is leaking? Check the water lines for damage or loose connections that can drip water. Troubleshoot a leaky Whirlpool refrigerator with these time-saving tips.

Leaky Whirlpool Refrigerator? Here’s What To Do.

Refrigerator leaks don’t have to spell disaster and some can be resolved with a DIY repair. We’ll list the most common sources of a leaky Whirlpool refrigerator to help pinpoint the right solution.

Refrigerator Water Line Leak

If your Whirlpool refrigerator leaks water from behind, a loose or damaged water line may be the cause. This flexible plastic line connects the refrigerator to your home water supply, providing drinking water and/or ice. Often, Whirlpool refrigerator line leaking occurs at the fittings where the line joins your home supply. Also, the line itself can kink, creating cracks that leak water.

Move the refrigerator away from the wall and inspect the line, tightening any loose fittings that may be leaking. While a kinked water line can be gently straightened, if the kink caused a hole or crack, it must be replaced.

Leaky Whirlpool Water Filter

Water filters are often the cause of refrigerator leaks. If you find your Whirlpool refrigerator leaking water from water dispenser or the refrigerator not dispensing properly, the filter may be responsible.

These filter malfunctions can result in leaks:

• Filter is damaged: Inspect the filter for signs of damage, like a cracked filter head or missing o-ring. A damaged filter must be replaced.
• Incorrect installation: Check your Whirlpool user manual to make sure the filter was installed correctly, removing the filter and replacing it if necessary.
• Wrong filter installed: Replacing the original filter with a generic brand can result in an improper fit that causes leaks. Always use an OEM filter to ensure proper fit.

Clogged Defrost Drain

A Whirlpool refrigerator leaking from back behind the produce drawers may have a clogged defrost drain. This drain transports water from the defrost system to the drain pan beneath the refrigerator. Where is the defrost drain on a Whirlpool refrigerator? Most are behind a panel on the rear freezer wall. Given this location, sometimes residual water droplets inside the drain can freeze, creating a blockage that causes leaks. Fortunately, a clogged defrost drain can usually be resolved with a DIY fix.

Refer to your user manual to determine the exact location of the drain and how to remove the rear freezer panel. Once the drain is accessible, use a turkey baster to flush the drain with hot water and melt the blockage.

Refrigerator Drain Pan Leaks

A leaky Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan can result in leaks underneath the refrigerator to the floor below. The drain pan collects residual water from the refrigerator’s various systems until it evaporates with the aid of the condenser fan. If the pan isn’t level with the floor or suffers damage like cracks or warping, leaks can occur.

Some drain pans are easily accessible behind the refrigerator’s lower grille. After removing the grille, inspect the pan for damage and make sure it’s installed correctly. A damaged pan should be replaced.

Water Inlet Valve Failure

The water inlet valve opens and closes, providing the refrigerator with water from your home supply, as needed. It’s typically located behind a panel on the lower rear side of the fridge, where the water line connects to the refrigerator. If the valve cracks or a fitting becomes loose, it can also lead to leaking underneath the refrigerator.

Move the refrigerator away from the wall and turn off the water supply before removing the rear panel and inspecting the valve. While loose fittings can be tightened to stop the leak, a damaged valve should be replaced by a professional refrigerator repair service.