There are a lot of reasons your Panasonic refrigerator is leaking. Luckily, these problems are easy to rectify, sometimes without the help of a repair technician. This article will discuss these problems and their solutions so you can fix your leaking Panasonic refrigerator.
Table of Contents
Panasonic Refrigerator Leaking – What to Check
Below we will discuss the potential parts that when faulty can cause your Panasonic refrigerator to leak.
1. Defrost Drain
The defrost drain carries the water produced during the defrost process to the drain pan. Sometimes, the drain can get clogged with ice or food particles. When this happens, water will overflow the drain and spill out of the refrigerator.
You may choose to defrost the refrigerator to thaw the drain if ice is the cause of the clog. Or you may simply unclog the drain by using a turkey baster to flush hot water and baking soda down the drain. You can also insert a straight thick wire inside the defrost drain hole to push out the clog.
Regardless of the method you choose to apply, just make sure the drain is clean enough and totally free of clog. You will know the drain is free if you pour water down the drain and you hear it dripping into the drain pan.
2. Drain Pan
The water that is produced during the defrosting process accumulates in the drain pan. However, this pan can get cracked or overflow and cause water to puddle outside the refrigerator.
If the pan is overflowing, take it out and empty it. However, the drain pan is not meant to overflow because the compressor is supposed to blow warm air over the pan and evaporate the water. So the pan overflowing may be an indication of a more serious issue in which case, a repair technician should be consulted.
If the pan is not overflowing then inspect it for cracks. If any crack is found in the pan, then the pan should be replaced.
Also, the pan may have not been installed properly, especially if you recently had it removed for maintenance. In which case, simply take out the drain pan and reinstall it properly.
3. Water Line
The water supply lines may have any of the following issues and cause the refrigerator to leak:
i. Loose Connections
The water lines may not be properly fitted to valves. Inspect all the valves and make sure the lines are properly secured to them.
ii. Air in the Water Line
During a water filter change, air can get stuck in the water line. When this happens, there will be a pressure build-up in the lines that will cause the water to overflow.
To rectify this, the air in the water line has to be released. Luckily, this can be done in the following easy steps:
i. Put a bowl under the dispenser.
ii. Flush the air out of the line by pressing the dispenser trigger for about 5 seconds.
iii. Do this until you have dispensed about 3 gallons of water. The air should be flushed out at this point.
Finally, ensure you do this procedure after every filter change to prevent the reoccurrence of this problem.
iii. Water Line has a Tear or is Bent
If the other solutions do not solve the issue then the water line may have a tear or is bent. If the line is bent, straighten it and see if that resolves the problem.
The water line should be replaced if a crack or tear is found in it. To do this, simply disconnect the line from each end and put another in its place.
4. Water Filter
The water filter may be the cause of the leak if the filter head is damaged. The seal of the filter head may also be missing or torn. In this case, the water filter should be replaced.
If you recently replaced the water filter, then chances are it was not properly installed hence the leak. To rectify this, simply take out the filter and reinstall it properly. You may check your user’s manual for how to properly install the water filter.
Also ensure that you replace your water filter after every 6 months. Because using it for longer can cause the filter to get clogged and spring a leak. Finally, ensure you buy the exact fit for your refrigerator’s model when shopping for water filters.
5. Water Filter Housing
If the water filter checks out, then the water filter housing may be the cause of the leak. Inspect the filter housing for cracks.
If a crack is found in the filter housing, then it should be replaced to stop the leak.
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How to Replace the Water Filter Housing of Panasonic Refrigerator
Do the following to replace your Panasonic refrigerator water filter housing:
Step 1: For safety, unplug the refrigerator and turn off the water supply.
Step 2: Remove the water filter from the filter housing.
Step 3: Unthread the screw holding the water filter housing in place. Pull the housing forward to release the locking tab.
Step 4: Adjust the refrigerator from the wall to give you access to the back of the appliance.
Step 5: Next, unthread the screws holding the back access panel in place and then take off the panel.
Step 6: Remove the water lines from the valve using an open-end wrench.
Step 7: Go back to the front of the appliance and gently pull out the filter housing. Remove the water line from the old housing and attach it to the new filter housing.
Step 8: Install the new filter housing and recouple the refrigerator by doing the steps in reverse order.
6. Door Gasket
If the water is leaking from the door then the door gasket is most possibly the problem. The door gasket may be worn out, cracked, or simply dirty.
When this is the case, the gasket will be unable to seal properly and will allow warm air into the refrigerator. The warm air can then leak down the refrigerator’s door.
The door gasket has to be replaced to solve this problem.
How to Replace Panasonic Refrigerator Door Gasket
Follow the steps below to replace the door gasket of your Panasonic refrigerator:
Step one: Unplug the refrigerator.
Step two: Open the refrigerator door. Pry off the top corner of the door gasket with a putty knife or a flat-head screwdriver.
Step three: Gently pry off the door gasket from the track by grabbing and pulling off the already removed top corner.
Step four: Place the new gasket on the track, ensure the gasket is compatible with your refrigerator.
Step five: Work your way around the track and clip the gasket firmly to the track. Double-check to ensure there are no bumps around the gasket.
7. Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve takes water from the water supply and supplies water throughout the refrigerator. The water inlet valve may be unable to shut off properly if the water pressure is low. To troubleshoot this, shut off the water supply and disconnect the water line from the valve.
Hold the water line over a bucket and switch the water supply back on. If the water flow is strong then you do not have a problem with the water pressure. However, if the water flow is weak, then the water line may be the cause of the problem. In this case, replace the water line to see if it fixes the problem.
The water inlet valve may become defective and remain stuck open and result in water dripping out of the refrigerator. The valve should be replaced if it is defective. For this, we recommend that you call a repair technician.
However, if you have ample technical knowledge, you may attempt to carry out the repair.
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to replace your Panasonic refrigerator water inlet valve
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