Ge refrigerator water collecting under crisper drawers

While refrigerator leaks can be a big mess, a straightforward fix often solves the problem. What can you do if your GE refrigerator leaks water? Check the water line to make sure it’s properly tightened and free of damage. Learn how to stop a leaky refrigerator with these troubleshooting tips.

Table of Contents Show

GE Refrigerator Leaks Water? Here’s How to Stop Leaks at the Source.
1 – Leaky Refrigerator Water Line
2 – Leaking Coming From Water Filter
3 – Water Inlet Valve is Leaking
4 – Clogged GE Refrigerator Defrost Drain
5 – Water Coming From Drain Pan
Why is there water under my vegetable drawer?
Where is the defrost drain on GE refrigerator?
What is the cause of water build up under the deli drawer of my Samsung refrigerator?

GE Refrigerator Leaks Water? Here’s How to Stop Leaks at the Source.

Though professional service is sometimes required, a DIY fix may solve the problem when your GE refrigerator leaks water. Here’s how to determine the source of refrigerator leaks and the right solution.

1 – Leaky Refrigerator Water Line

The refrigerator’s water line is a thin, flexible tube that connects to your home water supply, providing water for the refrigerator as needed. If your GE refrigerator is leaking water on the floor in front of the unit, the line may be loose or damaged.

To inspect the water line, remove the kick plate at the bottom of the refrigerator. Make sure the line fits securely inside the water inlet valve, tightening it if necessary. If the water line has holes or tears, the line must be professionally replaced to stop the leak.

2 – Leaking Coming From Water Filter

Water filter issues are some of the most common reasons a GE refrigerator leaks water. The filter screens out contaminants from your home water supply before it reaches the dispenser and/or ice maker. If you find your GE refrigerator leaking water from water dispenser or inside the filter housing, a filter issue could be responsible.

Image from Ryan Homes

The following filter problems can lead to refrigerator leaks:

Filter is clogged: Over time, the filter can become clogged with contaminants, resulting in leaks. Changing the filter every 6 months can prevent clogs. You may need to change it more often if ice cubes taste bad or dispensed water has a strange smell.
Incorrect installation: A filter that’s installed incorrectly can cause leaks inside the filter housing. Refer to your user manual for the right installation instructions for your model refrigerator.
Damaged filter: Inspect the filter for signs of damage, like cracks in the the filter head or missing O-rings. A damaged filter must be replaced.
Wrong filter installed: For proper fit and function, GE recommends using an OEM filter every time it’s replaced. Generic filters may not fit or work properly, resulting in leaks.

3 – Water Inlet Valve is Leaking

A refrigerator’s water inlet valve opens and closes, allowing water to flow through the water line from your home supply, as needed. Leaks can occur at the valve if a component is damaged or malfunctions, resulting in refrigerator water dripping on the floor behind the refrigerator.

To inspect the water inlet valve, turn off the refrigerator’s power and move it away from the wall. The valve can be accessed by removing the refrigerator’s rear panel. If the valve has cracks or holes or fails multimeter testing with a lack of continuity, it requires professional replacement.

4 – Clogged GE Refrigerator Defrost Drain

The defrost drain transports any residual water from the refrigerator’s defrost system to the drain pan under the refrigerator. It often runs behind the refrigerator’s rear interior wall and into the freezer. Given this location, lingering water droplets can freeze inside the drain and cause blockages resulting in leaks. If you notice your GE refrigerator leaking inside the freezer under the bottom basket, the defrost drain may be clogged.

Image from Healthline

Here’s how to unclog a GE refrigerator defrost drain:

Mix a solution of 2 cups hot tap water mixed with 1 Tbsp baking soda.
Empty the freezer and locate the drain on the center of the rear wall. On some models, you may need to unscrew a rear freezer panel to access the drain.
Use a turkey baster to flush the drain with the solution.
The sound of water running into the drain pan indicates that the clog is cleared.

5 – Water Coming From Drain Pan

If you still find that your GE refrigerator leaks water, it’s possible that the drain pan is the source. This pan collects residual water from the refrigerator’s defrost system, where it eventually evaporates. However, if the pan has a hole or is cracked, water may leak out the bottom of the refrigerator before it evaporates.

Most drain pans can be accessed by moving the refrigerator away from the wall and removing its rear panel. If the drain pan is damaged, it should be replaced. However, if the drain pan isn’t damaged and your refrigerator won’t cool properly, a defrost system failure can cause leaks and cooling issues. In this case, the refrigerator should be professionally assessed.

The team at Aviv Service Today can stop leaks to restore your fridge’s function. Schedule your expert refrigerator service today!

Why is there water under my vegetable drawer?

The most common reason for standing water in your refrigerator is because there is something wrong with the defrost drain tube. When the defrost runs, it melts excess frost off the evaporator so it doesn't build up.

Where is the defrost drain on GE refrigerator?

It is just up from where the floor slopes up to the back wall, in the center. In some models it is behind a plastic panel along the back wall and is held in place by a screw. You can remove the screw and panel and the drain hole will be visible.

What is the cause of water build up under the deli drawer of my Samsung refrigerator?

Many times when you see a pool of water (or one that froze into a sheet of ice), it can often be attributed to condensation or a spill you didn't notice. The most common place to see water is at the bottom of the compartment, such as below the vegetable or crisper drawers.