Reasons why the refrigerator may leak from the bottom and what to do about it

If suspicious stains start to appear in the kitchen, the last thing they think about is the refrigeration unit. The most popular options are leaks in the washing machine, dishwasher, accidentally spilled water. To determine why liquid is leaking from the bottom of the refrigerator, you need to look at the symptoms of the problem. And only then take measures and actions depending on the severity of the situation.

First steps

Before you start doing anything, you need to find out what the source of the unpleasant phenomenon is.

The following options are suggested:

1. The refrigerator leaks but works.
2. The unit has failed, stopped working normally.

Let's start with the second, as the most difficult.It will not be possible to solve it yourself, because, most likely, one of the main units of the refrigerator (compressor, evaporator, relay) has failed. Repairs must be carried out in a specialized workshop.

The first option is not so deplorable: if cold is generated in the room, it means that the refrigerator remains operational. It remains to locate the source of the "leak" and eliminate it. To do this, perform a visual inspection of the bottom, the adjacent space. It turns out that the refrigerator itself is not "to blame" for anything, and water accumulates under it from a burst heating pipe, accidentally spilled dishes on the floor and a leaky garden hose.

If the initial diagnostics were carried out, it turned out that the reason is in the refrigeration unit, we proceed to the next stage.

The main causes and methods of their elimination

Thus, a puddle formed under the refrigerator. It would be naive to believe that it will disappear as suddenly as it appeared.

You'll have to go all out, but limit the range of troubleshooting first:

• evaporator failure;
• drainage is leaking;
• the sealing of the condensate collection tray is broken.

Each refrigerator problem requires a specific solution. In addition, all of them will be systematically worked out with an indication of the methods of eliminating the consequences.

Disconnected drainage tube

When the refrigerator is inspected inside and out, but no trace of liquid is found, the drain tube may well be the cause of the leak. If he jumped from the nozzle of the condensate drain pan, the incoming moisture flows freely to the floor, where it accumulates in the form of small aesthetic puddles.

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Fluid reservoir broken (or badly cracked)

The next "culprit" is the refrigerator tray, in which the condensate should be collected.It is made of plastic and for a number of reasons it may very well crack, become unusable. And here nothing can be done - a replacement is needed.

Broken evaporator heater

Modern units have a special function that prevents freezing (Know Frost). Therefore, they do not need to be periodically defrosted, cleaning the freezer from ice accumulated on the walls. But, if the evaporator heater fails, the refrigerator instantly loses its "magical" properties, the liquid flows through the drainage system into the melt water collection tank, which has a small volume. As a result, the tray fills up and moisture accumulates under the bottom. Verdict: the device must be replaced.

Clogged freezer compartment drain

Finding themselves in the kitchen, the owners discover to their amazement that the refrigerator is leaking. But this nuisance is not a reason for despair: perhaps a hole in the freezer is clogged, through which condensate is drained into the unit. The diameter there is small, so the line often suffers from debris entering it.

The drain hole in the refrigerator compartment is clogged

A clogged condensate outlet in the main chamber of the unit is another likely cause of wet activity. After cleaning the hole, the refrigerator begins to work without interruption. And there will be no more puddles on the ground.

The appliance door does not fit snugly against the body

A door under pressure that has been open for a long time, especially if it does not fit the contour well, is a common problem, as a result of which the refrigerator will begin to "weep".The explanation is simple: the temperature difference inside and outside leads to condensation of cold air, the appearance of leaks. And already the very incorrect closing of the door can occur due to the destruction of the sealing gum, improper installation of the legs of the refrigerator.

The refrigerator is not installed correctly

Initially incorrect or after rearrangement, the position of the refrigerator will inevitably lead to malfunctions. It's a door that closes badly, a condensate drain pan askew.

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Adjusting the feet on the bottom is not in vain: it must be done so that the door closes under its own weight. But at the same time, it is also not recommended to overfill the unit unnecessarily.

The seal is damaged

There are no eternal things, therefore, if there is a problem called the "poorly closed door" of the refrigerator, its root should be sought in the destruction of the rubber band laid along the contour. The replacement is carried out by a guest master at home.

freon leak

In "older" units, operating for a long time, over time there is a leak of the refrigerant - freon. It will not be possible to cope with it on your own - you need to call a service specialist. In addition to replenishing the gas supply, he will check the tightness of the line, the evaporation circuit and, if necessary, eliminate the burst.

Oil leak

The compressor fails rarely, but “properly”. In addition to a malfunction, one of the signs of a problem with the device is the presence of brown spots under the refrigerator. Self-healing is not recommended, as there is a high probability of failure to perform it effectively.

In addition to the natural causes of leaks (the tightness of the case is broken), there may be others that the householder, due to low qualifications, lack of knowledge, will simply miss.

Thermostat damage

Almost immediately after the failure of the temperature control unit, a breakdown of the compressor ensues, which cannot withstand operation in forced modes. The first signs: puddles of water inside the refrigerator, no indication on the display, or the light does not come on.

Condensation causes

Water droplets on the inner surface, on the walls of the refrigerator do not seem dangerous, but they also have a reason. Over time, small droplets will accumulate in puddles, accumulate under the boxes and on shelves and will interfere with the use of the appliance as intended.

Storage of liquid products without cover

Experts suggest: If water appears in the refrigerator, the cause should be found inside. Either in the unit itself, or in the products stored in it. In the refrigeration chamber, according to the technology, a stable temperature is maintained at the level of plus 5 degrees, therefore warmer (and even hot) objects entering it lead to the formation of condensation. This is especially true for liquid products stored without a lid in jars, pans.

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Storing foods that are too hot

The interior wall of the refrigerator reacts immediately to hot food placed in the compartment. Try an experiment: place a cup of hot water in the refrigerator. After a few minutes, the container cools down, while the shelf and the walls sweat intensely, condensing the moisture.

Thus, "saving" time on cooling cooked food before putting it in the refrigerator, zealous housewives harm the expensive unit and reduce its resource.

Excessively low temperature in the compartment

Incorrectly selected cooling modes, setting forced parameters lead to excessive energy consumption, the release of "excess" cold in the form of moisture, condensation, drops. Some of them are collected in a special tank, but the bulk accumulates on the walls. It is usually enough to wipe the walls, shelves with a dry cloth, and also adjust the cooling.

Refrigerator door stays open for a long time or is not closed tightly

Careless handling of the refrigeration unit, slamming of the door, incomplete closing are the key to future problems. When the refrigerator turns on too often, "sweat", liquid constantly accumulates in the condensation tray, the reason may be as follows:

1. The owners forget to close the refrigerator.
2. There is a problem with the magnet pulling the door (elastic).

Many manufacturers, having studied the symptoms of malfunctions, have equipped their devices with a special timer that activates the "Door open" sound signal. And if the integrity of the seal is violated, its immediate replacement is required.

Depressurization

Cracks, damage to the sealing gum located along the contour of the door will inevitably lead to the contact of the colder atmosphere inside the cabinet with the warm air in the kitchen. It is necessary to immediately install a new gasket so as not to "heat" the refrigerator and not "freeze" the part.

General tips for use

A refrigerator is a complex household appliance.Its performance and resources depend on careful handling and meeting unit maintenance requirements.

The refrigeration unit is periodically inspected inside and out, if necessary, the drainage systems are cleaned. After purchase, permutations necessarily adjust the height of the legs so that the refrigeration unit does not wobble, remains level, and the door opens easily.

When suspicious leaks, noises, breakdowns appear, an inspection is immediately carried out, identifying the source. If it is impossible to solve the problem yourself, invite the service technician. Delaying repairs will inevitably lead to higher costs.