If you find your GE refrigerator leaking water, do not panic. This article will show you how to fix the leak and the possible causes.
Table of Contents
GE Refrigerator Leaking Water on the Floor – Solutions
Below are some DIY methods that will help you fix your GE refrigerator that is leaking water::
1. Unclog or Thaw the Defrost Drain
To unclog or thaw the defrost drain, flush it with hot water. This works best when there is ice over and in the drain.
However, in some cases, the obstruction may not be immediately evident. This is when there is dirt or debris in it.
In such cases, use a thin stiff pipe to push down the obstruction before flushing the drain with hot water. Afterwards, wipe the drain, and replace the covering panel if there is any.
Additionally, if the defrost drain is frozen and has debris, you must allow it to thaw before trying to clear any obstruction.
Then, after unclogging it, observe the refrigerator for 24 hours to see if the leaking continues. Also, hearing the water flow down into the drain pan is an indication that the defrost drain is unclogged.
Ensuring the defrost drain is not frozen or clogged is one way to keep your refrigerator from leaking water on the floor.
This is because a frozen or clogged defrost drain causes an overflow. Then, the excess water will drip from the unit. Furthermore, it is best to unclog the defrost drain every six months or yearly.
Depending on the model of your refrigerator, you can find the defrost drain either at the walls, bottom, or back of the refrigerator.
2. Attach the Water Filter Properly
Uninstall and reinstall the water filter properly to the filter housing. During the installation, ensure you keep turning it clockwise until it locks in.
If the water filter is not properly fitted to its housing, it may cause leaks.
Bear in mind that there are different types of water filters and they are located in different parts of a GE refrigerator. The location of the water filter, as a result, depends on the model of the refrigerator.
See below the different types of water filter and their location:
i. Grille Water Filter
The grille water filter is slender and is installed at the bottom of the refrigerator. There is usually a knob covering it to complement the grille. Some of them have a push-button for ejection while others are turned anticlockwise for ejection.
ii. Slide-Out Water Filter
The slide-out water filter is installed on the front of the refrigerating compartment. Just like the grille water filter, you can either push an ejection button or turn anticlockwise to remove it.
iii. Drop Down Water Filter
This water filter is usually housed in a different compartment inside the refrigerating section, making it more hidden than others. So, you are required to drop down the housing compartment to access the water filter.
Alternatively, you can check your user manual to see the location of your refrigerator’s water filter.
3. Replace Broken Water Filter Housing/Cartridge
Follow these steps to replace a broken water filter housing:
Step One
Shut off the water inlet valve.
Step Two
Use a nut driver to unscrew the rear panel.
Step Three
Use a tappet wrench to detach one end of the water hose from the refrigerator. Then, do the same thing for the other end connected to the inlet valve.
Step Four
Unscrew the waterline cover and push it to the left to remove.
Step Five
Unscrew the filter cartridge from the top and gently pull it out.
Step Six
Follow these steps in reverse order to reinstall the new water filter housing.
Here is why you should change a damaged water filter housing:
A crack on the water filter head or worn-out seals causes leaks from the filter into the refrigerator.
It is important to know the job of the filter housing; as the name implies, it houses the water filter. So, you will find it once you locate the filter. To make it easier, check your user manual to see the exact location.
4. Change Damaged Water Inlet Valve
To access the inlet valve, pull the appliance away from the wall and remove the rear panel at the bottom. The valve will be on the right or left-hand side of the refrigerator.
Turn the water supply off, and remove the water supply hose from the valve. Next, unscrew the mounting bracket attaching the valve to the refrigerator, unplug the wire harnesses, and disconnect the water lines.
To install a new water inlet valve, cut off a few inches from the ends of the water lines. That is if they are weak or torn. Then, reattach them to the new valve, reconnect the wire harnesses, and mount the valve back.
Next, remove the cap on the inlet port and reattach the water supply hose. Check for any leaks, and replace the rear panel.
Changing the water inlet valve once it is cracked or when the fitting becomes weak may prevent leaks.
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This video will demonstrate how to change a water inlet valve…
5. Change Cracked Water Tank Assembly
To change a leaky water tank assembly, pull the appliance away from the wall. Empty it of all contents and shelves.
The water tank assembly is deeply installed in the lower rear wall of the fresh food compartment. So, unscrew the mounting brackets and screws. Then, remove the foam covering on top of the water tank.
Now, unscrew the lower front grille from the sides and remove it. Then, pull out the dispenser water line and carefully press on the locking tabs to disconnect the tubing from it.
Proceed to the back of the refrigerator and remove the rear panel. Unscrew the water valve from the refrigerator and carefully detach the white tube on the right-hand side.
Pull the tube out through the back to make it easier to remove the water tank. Then, pull out the water tank from inside.
To install the new water tank, repeat these steps in reverse order.
Bear in mind that this repair is time-consuming and requires careful attention. So, consider employing the services of an appliance technician.
Nevertheless, if you still wish to repair it yourself, here is a video guide to help you…
While trying to change the water tank assembly, check to ensure the drain pan is not leaking as well. It could contribute to leaks from your refrigerator.
6. Replace Leaky Drain Pan
To change a leaky drain pan, unscrew the lower front grille from the sides. Then, use both hands to slowly pull the pan out. It is that simple.
However, keep in mind that you cannot remove the drain pan in some refrigerators. This is particularly true for newer models of GE refrigerators. Their drain pans are almost inaccessible. So, in this case, we doubt the drain pan is the problem.
Additionally, if your refrigerator is not self-defrosting, a leaky drain pan is less likely the problem.
This is because drain pans are only available in refrigerators that are self-defrosting to collect melted water from evaporator coils.
Note: Ensure you unplug your refrigerator from the wall socket anytime you want to work on it.
GE Refrigerator Leaking Water Inside – How to Fix
Here is how to fix your refrigerator that is leaking water inside:
1. Thaw and Unclog The Defrost Drain
Pour a gallon or two of hot water into the defrost drain to clear off any obstruction. But if it is frozen, use a hand-dryer to melt it, or allow it to thaw for some hours by unplugging the refrigerator.
Sometimes, you may be required to use a pipe cleaner to push down non-visible obstructions. In this case, you must also flush the drain with hot water afterwards. Additionally, try to unclog the defrost drain at least once or twice yearly to avoid this problem.
Check your user manual for the exact location of the defrost drain on your refrigerator.
2. Ensure The Ice Maker Is Not Leaking
Examine the ice maker to be sure it is not leaking water. And ensure your refrigerator is leveled to keep its ice maker from leaking and dripping into the unit. Poor leveling is the most common cause of an ice maker leaking.
The obvious reasons for leaks inside the refrigerator are a frozen/clogged defrost drain, or leaks from the ice maker.
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GE Profile Water Cooler Leaking – Solutions
Below are possible solutions to the problem of your water cooler leaking:
1. Replace The Water Bottle
Once you notice your water cooler leaking, change the water bottle. This is the first thing you should do because the bottle is likely cracked or has a pinhole. A crack on the bottle releases pressure and drains out the water in it.
2. Empty The Catch Pan
Ensure you empty the catch pan before it overflows. This will always require your attention since there is no particular time frame for when the pan gets filled.
Moreover, water dripping down the catch pan may trick you into believing your dispenser is leaking. So, ensure this is not the case before you think of any other repair.
3. Change Leaky Vinyl Tube
This is a simple repair; just replace the old tube with a new one. Sometimes, the vinyl tube connecting the water supply and the dispenser may tear and cause leakage.
4. Replace Broken Water Valve
This repair requires the services of a professional technician. So, once you suspect this is the issue, employ a technician to fix it. A broken water valve could be the reason your water dispenser is leaking.
Note: The water valve allows water to flow into the machine for treatment. It is usually connected with a pipe directly to the water supply source. When the water valve wears out, it shuts off water inflow and forces the water out from the connecting pipe. Hence, the leak on the dispenser.
5. Flush Out Trapped Air
To get rid of air trapped in some internal components, continuously run the dispenser tap for about 5 minutes. This is enough time to flush out trapped air.
Keep in mind that when air is trapped within the dispenser, it increases pressure. As a result, it forces water out of any opening (spigot, filters, or water lines) in the dispenser.
6. Tighten Loose Fittings
Ensure the water valve and spigot are well fitted to their sockets. Occasionally, these components may become loose and need to be tightened. But tightening them from time to time keeps them well fitted.
If you still have trouble pinpointing the cause of the leak, employ a repairman to fix it. Alternatively, chat with any of our technicians or book an appointment with GE.
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GE Monogram Wine Cooler Leaking Water – Quick Fix
These simple DIY methods can fix a leaking wine cooler:
1. Properly Shut the Door
Always ensure the door is properly shut to prevent excessive frost build-up. When the frost melts, it will cause leaks from the cooler.
2. Use Baking Soda or Silica
Place either a bowl of baking soda or a packet of silica in your wine cooler. They are good at absorbing excessive moisture.
Excessive moisture buildup is due to excess condensation and happens more in a humid environment.
3. Replace Worn-out Door Seal
If the door is not airtight, replace the seal immediately because it could be the reason for the leak.
A weak or torn door seal lets warm air into the wine cooler, and in turn, causes excessive moisture buildup. This will lead to leakage when the frost melts. So, do not hesitate to change a worn-out door seal.
4. Clean The Door Seal Regularly
Always keep the door seal clean. Do not allow dirt to accumulate in or around it. Otherwise, the dirt will prevent the seal from adhering to the wine cooler, hence, lead to excess moisture buildup. This will eventually cause leaks.
5. Unclog The Drain Pipe
Remove the drain pipe from the appliance and clean it with a pipe cleaner. Afterwards, pour a little baking soda into it and flush it out with 2 cups of hot water. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the dirt off.
However, a plumber may be the best option to unclog the drain pipe.
GE Ice Maker Leaking – What to Do
Do the following to fix your ice maker that is leaking:
- Ensure you tighten the drain cap securely to the base of the reservoir. This is particularly to prevent leaks from the reservoir.
- Ensure you align the standpipe and the drain tube properly. And avoid moving the appliance so much; it could make the standpipe or tube shift from their position.
- Make sure the ice maker is on a leveled platform. Contact the installer to ensure this is true, or confirm it from the installation instruction guide.
- Unclog the household drain if it is clogged. You may need to contact a plumber for this.
- Ensure there are no leaks on all connecting points. If there are, repair them.
Note: These repairs are for stand-alone ice makers, not the ones attached to a refrigerator. In addition, it is not abnormal for water to trickle from the ice cutter grid into the ice bin. However, this should only be in the course of the ice harvest cycle when the machine cuts ice slabs into cubes.
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Furthermore, there may be leaks around your ice maker when water pours quickly into the ice maker mold. This will cause water to splash over the anterior of the ice maker.
My GE Refrigerator Ice Maker Is Leaking Water – What to Do
If the ice maker on your GE refrigerator is leaking water, here is what to do:
- Ensure the refrigerator is on a leveled platform. You can check this with your user manual, or call the installer to confirm it.
- Ensure the defrost pan is not leaking. If it is, replace it.
- Ensure the fill tube extension is not leaking.
If the leak continues after the checks above, you may require extensive repairs. So do the following:
1. Determine Water Pressure
Ensure the water inlet valve gets the right amount of water pressure from the house water supply. The right water pressure is nothing less than 20 psi. So, if the pressure is lower than that, the valve might be stuck open. This will cause an overflow to the ice maker.
2. Change Defective Water Inlet Valve
To change a defective water inlet valve, pull the refrigerator out from the wall. Then, unscrew the rear access panel at the bottom. You will see the valve behind the panel.
Next, turn off the water supply and remove its hose from the water inlet valve. Unscrew the mounting bracket from the refrigerator, then remove the wire harnesses and the water pipes.
Now, follow these steps in reverse order to install a new one. But first, remove the covering on the new inlet port before reattaching the water supply hose.
Keep in mind that you may need to cut off a few inches from the ends of the water lines. That is if they are torn or weak.
If the leak still does not stop after now, check the ice maker assembly.
3. Change Ice Maker Assembly
Here is a video guide on how to change the ice maker assembly…
Note that it is difficult to get some individual components of the ice maker. So, you may have to replace the whole assembly even if only one component is defective.
Important Note
Make sure you unplug your refrigerator from the wall socket anytime you want to work on it. This is especially true if you are fixing a GE refrigerator leaking water.
Additionally, if you are not sure about fixing your GE refrigerator that is leaking water, contact GE Cares to request service.
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