This article discusses solutions that will fix your RCA refrigerator leaking water. These solutions are often so easy that you may not need the help of a service technician. However, if the repair gets too complex at any point then call a professional, to avoid damaging your unit.
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RCA Refrigerator Leaking – What to Do
The following are the things you can do to stop your RCA refrigerator from leaking
1. Check the Water Filter
Is your RCA refrigerator water filter located inside the refrigerator? Then the water filter may be the reason your RCA refrigerator is leaking water inside.
To ascertain this, take out the filter and inspect it. Does the seal look broken, torn, or missing? If yes, then the filter should be replaced to resolve the problem.
If the filter is not damaged but you have been using it for a while also replace it. This is because the filter may be too old and has gotten clogged. Always endeavor to replace the water filter as often as recommended.
Another reason the water filter is leaking is if the filter was installed wrongly. In this case, simply uninstalling and reinstalling the filter will rectify the problem. You may as well check your user’s manual for how to properly install your RCA refrigerator water filter.
2. Unclog the Defrost Tube
The defrost tube is responsible for taking the water produced during the defrost cycle to the drain pan. The defrost tube can get clogged with ice, food particles, or other debris.
In which case, the tube has to be unclogged to resolve the problem. Fortunately, more often than not, you can do this yourself.
How to Unclog RCA Refrigerator Defrost Tube
These easy-to-follow steps will guide you to unclog the defrost tube of your RCA refrigerator in minutes:
Step 1: Locate the defrost tube hole inside the refrigerator. The location of the hole is based on your model so you may consult your user’s manual for its location. If you cannot find the tube hole, then we recommend that you call a service technician.
Step 2: Put a plumber snake into the hole and pull out the clog. If the clog is caused by ice then locate the defrost tube at the back of the refrigerator. Set a hair dryer to a low degree and heat the tube to thaw it. Or you may simply defrost the refrigerator.
Step 3: Now the clog is out of the way, use a turkey blaster to flush warm water down the tube. This is to ensure that the tube is completely free of debris.
3. Check the Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve supplies water to the refrigerator by opening and closing. The valve can stay stuck open if it is defective or if the water pressure is below 20 psi.
Therefore, the first thing to do if the valve is leaking water is to test the water pressure. You may use a water pressure regulator to do this.
Alternatively, in the absence of a water pressure regulator, you may do the following:
i. Turn off the water supply and then remove the water line from the valve.
ii. Next, hold the line over a bucket and then switch the water supply back on.
iii. Observe the water flow from the line. If it is strong, the water pressure is okay. And a weak water flow means a low water pressure.
Replace the water line if the water flow is low. If that doesn’t resolve the issue then try changing the water source.
If neither of these fixes the problem then the inlet valve is most likely damaged and should be replaced.
How to Replace RCA Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve
To replace an RCA refrigerator water inlet valve, do the following:
Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator from the power source to ensure safety. Switch off the water supply to the refrigerator as well.
Step 2: Adjust the refrigerator to a position that makes the back compartment accessible. Then disconnect the water supply line from the inlet valve.
Step 3: Unthread the screws holding the back panel in place and then take it out.
Step 4: Locate the inlet valve and remove the screws holding the mounting bracket in place. Disconnect the wire harness from the inlet valve; also disconnect the remaining water supply line connected to the valve. The inlet valve should be completely free at this point.
Step 5: Install the new inlet valve by first reconnecting the water supply line you took out last when removing the old inlet valve. Then, reconnect the wire harness on the new valve. Finally, put the inlet valve in place and secure it by tightening the mounting bracket screws.
Step 6: Replace the back panel and tighten the screws to hold it in place. Reconnect the last wire harness in place.
Step 7: Turn the refrigerator and the water supply back on and then access your work. Ensure everything is functioning properly before you return the refrigerator to its position.
This video is a visual representation of how to replace your refrigerator’s water inlet valve
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4. Replace the Water Filter Housing
The water filter housing may have a crack that is making water drip from the water filter area. The water filter should be removed and the water filter housing inspected for cracks.
To resolve the problem if any crack is found, the housing has to be replaced.
How to Replace RCA Refrigerator Water Filter Housing
To replace the water filter housing of your RCA refrigerator, do the following
Step 1: For safety, unplug the refrigerator and turn off the water supply. Next, take out the water filter.
Step 2: Shift the refrigerator from the wall so you will have access to the back of the appliance.
Step 3: Remove the water line from the back of the refrigerator. Next, unthread the screws holding the back access panel in place and then take off the panel.
Step 4: Remove the water lines from the valve using an open-end wrench.
Step 5: Go back to the front of the appliance and unthread the screw holding the water filter housing in place. Then gently pull out the filter housing. Disconnect the water line from the old housing and attach it to the new filter housing.
Step 6: Install the new filter housing and reassemble the refrigerator by doing the steps in reverse order.
5. Drain Pan
The drain pan may be the cause of the leak if the pan is cracked. Or the refrigerator is not leveled. When the refrigerator is not leveled, it may rock back and forth and cause water to spill out of the drain pan.
Use a level to check the refrigerator, if it is not leveled, do the following:
Step 1: Remove the screw holding the kick plate at the bottom of the refrigerator and take it out. If your model does not have a kick plate, skip this step.
Step 2: The leveling legs will be visible with the kick plate removed. Turn the leveling legs clockwise to raise them and counterclockwise to lower them.
Step 3: If reaching the legs is hard, then you may ask someone to help tilt the refrigerator a bit backward. And then adjust the legs to level the refrigerator.
Step 4: Finally, use the level to confirm that the refrigerator is properly leveled. And then put the kick plate back on.
Finally, if all of these do not stop your RCA refrigerator from leaking water, then it may be time to call a professional.
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