What to Do if Your Whirlpool Refrigerator is Leaking

You rely on your refrigerator more than almost any other appliance. If your refrigerator is leaking water, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A leaking refrigerator has several potential causes. Some are easy to fix on your own, while others may require professional refrigerator repair. Here’s what could be causing your Whirlpool refrigerator to leak.   

Water Filter

Water may leak if your refrigerator’s water filter is not fitted correctly. Remove the water filter and reinstall it, making sure it’s properly fitted on the filter housing.

Door Gaskets

The refrigerator’s door gaskets are located along the outside of the doors. When you close the refrigerator door, the door gaskets adhere to the cabinet and form an airtight seal. If the door gasket has an air leak, it will create moisture inside the refrigerator and may lead to a water leak.

How to Inspect Your Refrigerator’s Door Gaskets

Here’s how to determine if your door gasket has an air leak.

• Unplug your fridge, then open the refrigerator and freezer doors.
• Check the door gaskets for damage, discoloration, mold, or signs of wear.
• If the damage is found, the door gaskets will need to be replaced.

Water Inlet Valve

If you have a water dispenser or an ice maker, the water inlet valve connects your refrigerator to your home’s water supply line. When active, it directs water from the water supply line to your ice maker. If your refrigerator is leaking, the water inlet valve may be the cause.

How to Examine Your Water Inlet Valve

Follow these steps to inspect your water inlet valve.

• Unplug your refrigerator and disconnect the fridge from the water supply.
• The water inlet valve is found on the rear of the refrigerator, located near the bottom. Remove the refrigerator’s rear panel to access it.
• Make sure the valve does not have any cracks or loose fittings. If the water inlet valve is not secured tightly, water will leak. Replace the valve if any cracks are found.
• If none of the above are causing the leak, remove the water inlet valve and check it with a multimeter. Set your multimeter to the Rx1 setting and place the probes on the water inlet valve’s terminals. You should see a reading of 200 to 500 ohms. Otherwise, you will need to replace the water inlet valve.    

Drain Pan

A self-defrosting refrigerator includes a drain pan. When water melts from the fridge’s evaporator coils, it’s collected in the drain pan. The refrigerator’s condenser fan blows warm air across the drain pan to evaporate the water. A cracked drain pan will leak water as the defrost cycle runs. Examine your drain pan, and replace it if you find any cracks.

Ice Maker Assembly

The leak may be coming from your ice maker. If this is the case, you will probably notice issues with your ice cubes. You may not be getting any ice, or the cubes may be too small. You may have a problem with the water fill system if your ice cubes are very small, or if no ice is produced.  

How to Inspect the Ice Maker Assembly

Follow these steps to check your ice maker.

• Disconnect your refrigerator from both the water source and the power.
• Make sure the fill tube and the fill cup area are not frozen.
• Examine the outlet tubing and ensure it’s not blocked.

If the above checks reveal any problems, you’ll need to replace the ice maker assembly.

Ocean Appliance Service provides refrigerator repair throughout Miami Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you need help with your refrigerator, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.