By Refitec Kenya | Appliance Repair Experts
What’s Causing Water Under Your Fridge?
If you’ve found a puddle under your fridge, here are the most common causes at a glance:
- Clogged defrost drain – The #1 cause. Ice or debris blocks the drain and water overflows onto the floor.
- Leaking or cracked drain pan – The pan that collects condensation may be cracked or misaligned.
- Faulty water supply line – If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, a loose or cracked water line could be leaking.
- Blocked or frozen water filter – A damaged filter connection can drip water continuously.
- Door gasket failure – Worn door seals let warm air in, causing excess condensation that drips to the floor.
- Refrigerator not level – A tilted fridge causes the defrost water to drain incorrectly.
Don’t Ignore It — Here’s Why
A small puddle under your fridge might seem like a minor annoyance, but leaving it unaddressed can lead to water damage to your flooring, mold and mildew growth beneath the appliance, electrical hazards if water reaches internal components, and costly repairs down the line. The good news? Most causes are simple to diagnose and fix, either yourself or with a quick call to the Refitec Kenya repair team.
Detailed Guide: Causes and Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain
This is the most common reason for water pooling under a refrigerator. Modern fridges go through automatic defrost cycles that melt frost buildup inside the freezer. That meltwater is supposed to flow through a small drain hole at the back of the freezer compartment, travel down a drain tube, and collect in the drain pan beneath the fridge — where it evaporates. When this drain becomes clogged with food debris or ice, the water has nowhere to go and overflows onto your floor.
How to fix it:
Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet before doing anything.
Step 2: Empty your freezer and remove any shelves or drawers to access the back wall of the freezer compartment.
Step 3: Look for a small hole or slot at the bottom of the back wall — this is the defrost drain.
Step 4: If you see ice blocking the drain, pour a small amount of warm (not boiling) water directly into the drain hole to melt the blockage.
Step 5: Use a long, flexible brush, a pipe cleaner, or a turkey baster filled with warm water to push out any food debris clogging the drain tube.
Step 6: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of warm water and flush this solution down the drain to clean and deodorize it.
Step 7: Reassemble the freezer, plug the fridge back in, and monitor it for 24 hours to confirm the leak has stopped.
If the drain refreezes repeatedly, there may be a fault with your defrost heater or thermostat, which will require a professional technician from Refitec Kenya to diagnose and replace.
2. Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan
Underneath every refrigerator sits a drain pan (also called a drip tray). This pan collects the water that drains from the defrost cycle and allows it to evaporate naturally using heat from the compressor. If this pan develops a crack, gets dislodged, or is overwhelmed with excess water, it will leak onto your floor.
How to fix it:
Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator.
Step 2: Carefully pull the fridge away from the wall to access the back or bottom.
Step 3: Locate the drain pan — it typically slides out from the front or back near the bottom of the appliance.
Step 4: Remove the pan carefully (it may contain water) and inspect it for cracks, chips, or warping.
Step 5: If cracked, replace it with a compatible drain pan. You can contact Refitec Kenya with your fridge model number to source the correct replacement part.
Step 6: If the pan is intact but overflowing, this suggests another underlying problem (such as a clogged defrost drain) is causing excessive water output — refer to Fix #1 above.
Step 7: Clean the pan thoroughly with warm soapy water before reinstalling it.
Step 8: Reposition the pan correctly, push the fridge back, and restore power.
3. Leaking Water Supply Line
If your refrigerator has a built-in ice maker or water dispenser, it is connected to your home’s water supply via a small plastic or copper supply line. Over time, this line can loosen at the connection point, crack due to age, or get kinked from the fridge being pushed too close to the wall. Any of these issues will cause a slow or steady drip of water behind or beneath the appliance.
How to fix it:
Step 1: Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it.
Step 2: Locate the water supply line — it connects to the back of the fridge, usually near the bottom.
Step 3: Turn off the water supply valve (typically found behind the fridge or under the kitchen sink).
Step 4: Inspect the entire length of the line for visible cracks, kinks, or loose fittings.
Step 5: If the connection is simply loose, tighten the fitting carefully by hand or with a wrench (do not overtighten).
Step 6: If the line is cracked or split, it must be replaced entirely. Bring the model details to Refitec Kenya and we can help source and install the correct supply line.
Step 7: Turn the water supply back on slowly and check for leaks before pushing the fridge back into position.
4. Faulty or Improperly Installed Water Filter
Many modern refrigerators have an internal water filter. If this filter is not installed correctly, is past its service life, or has developed a crack in its housing, water can drip from the filter area into the fridge or down to the floor.
How to fix it:
Step 1: Locate your water filter — it is usually found inside the fridge (upper right corner or bottom grille area depending on the model).
Step 2: Remove the filter by twisting it counterclockwise or pressing the release button depending on the design.
Step 3: Inspect the filter head and housing for cracks or damage.
Step 4: Reinstall the filter by aligning it properly and twisting clockwise until it locks into place. Make sure it is firmly seated.
Step 5: If the filter is past its recommended replacement period (typically every 6 months), replace it with a compatible model.
Step 6: Run about two litres of water through the dispenser after installing a new filter to flush out air and carbon particles.
If you are unsure which filter your fridge uses, our team at Refitec Kenya can help you identify and source the right one.
5. Worn or Damaged Door Gaskets (Door Seals)
The rubber seals around your refrigerator and freezer doors are designed to create an airtight barrier. When these gaskets become worn, torn, or dirty, warm and humid air from your kitchen seeps into the fridge. This causes the interior to work harder and produce more condensation than the drain system can handle, ultimately resulting in excess water dripping to the floor. This is a particularly common issue in the warm and humid Kenyan climate.
How to fix it:
Step 1: Perform a simple test — close the fridge door on a piece of paper or a banknote. If you can pull it out easily without resistance, your seal is weak.
Step 2: Clean the gaskets thoroughly with warm soapy water. Sometimes dirt and food residue cause the seal to gap without the rubber itself being damaged.
Step 3: If the gasket is visibly torn, cracked, or deformed, it needs to be replaced. Measure or note your fridge’s make and model before ordering.
Step 4: To install a new gasket, gently pull the old one away from the door panel (it may be held in place by a retaining strip or simply pressed into a channel).
Step 5: Press the new gasket firmly into the groove around the entire door, ensuring there are no loose sections or gaps.
Step 6: Close the door and repeat the paper test to confirm the new seal is airtight.
Contact Refitec Kenya if you need help sourcing the correct gasket or would prefer a professional installation.
6. Refrigerator Is Not Level
This is often an overlooked but surprisingly common cause of water leaking from the front or sides of a fridge. If the appliance tilts slightly forward or to one side, condensation and defrost water that should flow toward the drain pan may instead travel in the wrong direction and drip onto the floor.
How to fix it:
Step 1: Use a spirit level (bubble level) placed on top of the refrigerator to check if it is sitting evenly.
Step 2: Most refrigerators have adjustable leveling legs at the front bottom corners. These can be turned clockwise to raise a corner and counterclockwise to lower it.
Step 3: Note that refrigerators should ideally tilt very slightly backward (about 1–2 degrees) so that the doors swing shut on their own and condensate flows toward the drain.
Step 4: Adjust the legs until the fridge is level from side to side and very slightly higher at the front than the back.
Step 5: Check the floor beneath the fridge as well — if your kitchen floor is uneven, you may need to place a thin, firm mat or shim under the leveling feet on one side.
When to Call Refitec Kenya
While many of the fixes above can be done as DIY repairs, there are times when professional help is the smarter and safer choice:
- The defrost drain freezes again within a few days of you clearing it (points to a faulty defrost heater or thermostat).
- Water is coming from inside the refrigerator walls or ceiling (possible sealed system issue).
- The compressor area is wet (possible refrigerant line fault — do not attempt to repair this yourself).
- You are not comfortable working with water lines or electrical components.
- The leak persists after trying all the fixes above.
Refitec Kenya offers professional refrigerator diagnosis and repair across Nairobi and surrounding areas. Our technicians are trained to service all major brands including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Ramtons, Von, and more.
Prevent Future Leaks — Quick Maintenance Tips
Inspect and clean the defrost drain every six months. Check your door seals every few months and clean them regularly. Replace your water filter on schedule (approximately every six months). Ensure your fridge remains properly leveled, especially after cleaning or moving it. Leave a few centimetres of clearance between the fridge and the wall for proper airflow.
Contact Refitec Kenya
Have a fridge leak that needs fixing? Our expert technicians are ready to help.
Refitec Kenya Appliance Repair Specialists — Nairobi, Kenya Call or WhatsApp: 0704843613
Same-day and next-day appointments available. Genuine spare parts. Workmanship guaranteed.
This article is intended for informational purposes. Always unplug your appliance before attempting any inspection or repair. If in doubt, contact a qualified technician.