If an LG refrigerator is overflowing, there are a few parts to check and fix. In this article, we explain why this happens and how to fix it.
Table of Contents
Where Is the Drain Pan on an LG Refrigerator?
The drain pan on an LG refrigerator is at the bottom back of the unit, near the compressor. That is the default position for drain pans in most refrigerators because water from the refrigerator needs to flow easily to the pan with the help of gravity.
LG Refrigerator Drain Pan Overflowing – How to Fix
The following are possible fixes to an LG refrigerator drain pan that is overflowing:
1. Fix the Gasket
Check the refrigerator door gasket for wear and tear. If you find it does not seal tightly anymore – you can use the dollar bill trick to determine this – replace it as quickly as possible.
Dirt can also keep the gasket from sealing. If there are spills or crumbs that have adhered to the gasket, clean them off with warm water and mild soap. Do this gently so you don’t damage the gasket but firmly enough to remove the stains.
Moisture-laden air enters freely into the refrigerator if the gasket is leaky. And the moisture forms condensates inside the unit that freezes and melts.
The process is pretty rapid and the defrost system cannot keep up with it. So you find the drain pan overflowing with water because of the heavy frosting.
2. Check the Ice Dispenser
Take a look at the flap that covers the ice chute in the dispenser if your LG refrigerator dispenses ice cubes through one of its doors. If it does not rest flush to the chute housing, it will let in warm air.
Move it and check to see if there are ice fragments keeping it from closing fully. Clean and remove any such fragment and pour some warm water into and around the chute to clear it completely.
Afterward, ensure the flap rests fully against the housing so it does not let in warm air. Otherwise, frost will build up constantly, melt, and drip into the pan, causing it to overflow.
3. Keep from Frequent Door Opening
Opening the door too often has the same effect on the refrigerator as having a leaky door gasket. Therefore, keep from always opening and shutting the door.
It helps to decide what you need from the refrigerator before opening it at all – make a list if it helps. This way, you make fewer trips to the refrigerator and keep it from accumulating heavy frost.
In the same vein, placing hot food inside the refrigerator builds frost. Allow food to cool properly before storing it in the refrigerator. The same applies to water-rich foods.
The drain pan should not overflow because the condenser fan causes the water to evaporate as soon as the defrost cycle is complete. So if there is an overflow, there is a problem that needs to be solved quickly.
Note: When the ambient humidity is high, the refrigerator tends to form frost easily. Too much frost causes the drain pan to overflow. Lower the set temperature to keep the internal temperature colder.
Check out these other articles…
LG Refrigerator Making a Noise [Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Is Not Cold Enough [How to Fix]
LG Refrigerator after Power Outage [Issues & Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Condensation [Problems & Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Heating Problems [Solutions]
How to Empty LG Refrigerator Drain Pan – Quick Guide
To empty the drain pan on an LG refrigerator, take the following steps:
Step 1
Find the drain pan. Usually, it is at the bottom back of the refrigerator, close to the compressor and condenser fan. But you can check the user guide to determine the exact position of the pan. If you need to remove an access panel before you reach it, have a screwdriver handy.
Step 2
You may have to move the refrigerator in order to reach the pan comfortably. Therefore, disconnect the water supply, unplug the unit, and move it.
Step 3
Pull the pan out and empty it of its contents. Be careful not to spill its contents; it helps to keep a small cleaning bucket close by.
However, if the drain pan appears to be stuck, it may be the type that cannot be taken out. In such a case, there are usually heating coils located on top of the pan. So you will have to find a way to empty the pan while it is under the unit.
Step 4
Clean the drain pan with a mixture of water and bleach. You can opt for white vinegar in the place of bleach. Bleach may be too strong and may alter the pan’s color if it is not white.
Allow the pan to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing it with some soap. Make sure to remove stains and mold if there is any growth in it.
Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean running water and allow it to dry completely. Then, replace it under the refrigerator.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Overflows with Water – What to Do
If the ice maker in an LG refrigerator overflows with water, check the following:
1. Water Inlet Valve
Ensure the pressure of water that goes to the ice maker is enough. Otherwise, the inlet valve may not open or close properly, which may lead to an overflow.
If the pressure is enough, then the valve is possibly faulty. The solenoid may no longer be responding even when it receives power. Replace the valve if the ice maker keeps overflowing even with sufficient water pressure.
Note: The water pressure must be up to 20psi before the water inlet valve can properly function. A clogged water filter, in-house water filtration system, and the main water source can affect the water pressure.
2. Ice Maker
The ice maker may be defective, causing the ice mold to fill and overflow. However, it may be difficult to find individual replacement parts for the ice maker even if you are able to determine what is faulty. The best fix is to replace the entire assembly.
LG Refrigerator Overflowing – Solved
Check the following if your LG refrigerator is overflowing:
- Defrost drain at the back of the interior part of the freezer compartment
- Water reservoir – consult your user manual for the exact location
- Drain pan – usually under the refrigerator, close to the compressor and condenser fan
- Water supply line – at the back of the refrigerator
Check out this article for details on how to troubleshoot and fix each component.
In addition to the above, a damaged or improperly installed water filter can cause the refrigerator to overflow with water. Therefore, it is important to inspect the filter along with the other components.
Recap
An LG refrigerator overflowing with water will make your kitchen messy. Plus, it can cause the refrigerator to develop other faults if it persists. It is important to find a lasting solution to the problem.
However, if fixing it proves too difficult for you, contact LG Support to report the issue and request service. As an alternative, use the chatbox to your right to chat with any of our technicians for assistance.
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