In this article, we will discuss the various reasons your Sub-Zero refrigerator is leaking and how to solve them. We will also discuss water leaking from specific parts of the refrigerator like the dispenser and ice maker. At the end of this article, you will be armed with enough knowledge to fix your leaking refrigerator.
Table of Contents
Sub-Zero Refrigerator Leaking – Why and Solutions
The following are the most common reasons Sub-Zero refrigerators leak water and how to fix them:
1. The Drain Pan is Cracked or Overflowing
The drain is located underneath the refrigerator. It has the role of collecting the melted water produced during defrosting. If your refrigerator is leaking underneath, then this should be your first stop.
Check the pan and see if it is overflowing. If it is, take it out and empty the pan.
However, the drain pan overflowing is an abnormality. This is because the fans are meant to blow warm air over the pan and evaporate the water in it. Therefore, the pan overflowing may be a sign of a more serious problem. We advise you to consult a service technician in this case.
If the pan is not overflowing then inspect it for cracks. If any crack is found, the pan should be replaced because it cannot be repaired.
You may also check to see if the pan is properly installed as if it is not, water may spill out of it.
This drain pan is suitable for the Sub-Zero model number 7015230
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2. Condensate Line is Clogged
The condensate line which is also known as the defrost drain transfers melted water from defrosting to the drain pan. This line can get clogged with food particles or ice which will result in water overflowing the line and spilling out.
If ice is the cause of the clog, use a hairdryer set at the lowest degree and heat the line. Or you may simply defrost the refrigerator, read this article for how to.
You can also unclog the drain by doing the following:
i. Locate the defrost drain hole inside the refrigerator. Clean the drain hole with a piece of wet cloth.
ii. Next, put a straight thick wire, like a straighten cloth hanger inside the hole and push out the clog.
iii. Make a mixture of hot water and baking soda. And use a turkey baster to flush the mixture down the drain until you hear water running into the drain pan.
3. Leaking Water Tank Assembly
The next stop is the water tank assembly; inspect it for tears and cracks. The water tank assembly cannot be repaired so if a crack is found, replace it.
This video will show you how to replace your refrigerator’s water tank assembly
4. Water Filter is Damaged
If the leak is inside the refrigerator, then you need to check the water filter. The filter head may be damaged or the seal is torn or missing.
Remove the water filter and inspect the head. If the seal is missing or torn, the filter should be replaced.
The filter may also leak if it was not properly installed. So consult your user manual for how to install the water filter.
Also, ensure you replace your water filter every 6 months. This is because the filter gets clogged with time and 6 months is the recommended length to use the filter. Ensure you buy a filter compatible with your refrigerator model whenever you shop for filters.
This original Sub-zero water filter is compatible with Designer series and Sub-Zero Classic series models
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5. Cracked Water Filter Housing
If the water filter checks out then the water filter housing may be the problem. Inspect the filter housing for cracks, and replace it if any crack is found.
How to Replace the Water Filter Housing of a Sub-Zero Refrigerator
Replace the water filter housing of your Sub-Zero refrigerator by doing the following steps:
Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator to ensure safety. Also, turn off the water supply.
Step 2: Remove the water filter from the housing. Unthread the screws holding the water filter housing in place.
Step 3: Remove the filter housing by gently pulling it out to release the locking tabs.
Step 4: Adjust the refrigerator so that the back panel is easily accessible. Next, unthread the screws holding the back access panel in place.
Step 5: Use an open-end wrench to disconnect the water line from the valve.
Step 6: Go to the front of the refrigerator and pull out the water filter housing completely. Remove the water line from the filter so it is completely free.
Step 7: Attach the water line to the new filter housing. Place the new filter in place and lock it in.
Step 8: Pull out the water line from the back of the refrigerator and reconnect it to the valve. Put the back panel back on and adjust the refrigerator to its initial position.
6. Defective Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve can become defective and stay stuck open. When this happens, you may begin to notice water under your refrigerator. To rectify this, the inlet valve has to be replaced.
How to Replace Sub-Zero Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve
The following steps will guide you to replace the water inlet valve of your Sub-Zero refrigerator
Step 1: For safety, disconnect the refrigerator from the power source. Then shut off the water supply.
Step 2: Adjust the refrigerator to a position that gives you easy access to the refrigerator’s back.
Step 3: Remove the locking tabs holding the water line to the back of the refrigerator. Next, unthread the screws holding the back access panel in place.
Step 4: Locate the inlet valve and then remove the mounting bracket holding it in place. Now, disconnect the water lines connected to the valve. At this point, the valve should be completely free.
Step 5: Connect the water lines to the inlet valve. And then mount the valve and hold it in place with the bracket.
Step 6: Switch on the refrigerator and water supply. And confirm if the valve is functioning properly.
Step 7: Finally, put the back access panel in its place and adjust the refrigerator back to its position.
This water inlet valve is compatible with Sub-Zero model number 4201450
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Sub-Zero Refrigerator Leaking Water from Door – Solution
The door gasket is often the reason a Sub-Zero refrigerator is leaking from the door. The gasket may either be dirty or worn-out and so it cannot seal off properly. The solution to this will be to clean or replace the door gasket.
How to Replace the Door Gasket of a Sub-Zero Refrigerator
Do the following steps to replace the door gasket of your Sub-Zero refrigerator:
Step one: Disconnect the refrigerator from the power source.
Step two: Open the refrigerator door. With a putty knife or a flat-head screwdriver pull off the top corner of the door seal.
Step three: Grab and pull off the already removed top corner of the seal to pry off the door seal from the track.
Step four: Place the new seal on the track, ensure the seal is compatible with your refrigerator.
Step five: Work your way around the track and clip the gasket firmly to the track. Double-check the seal to ensure there are no bumps around it.
Check out these other articles…
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Sub-Zero Wine Fridge Leaking Water –What to Check
The following parts are the most common reasons why your Sub-Zero wine fridge is leaking water:
1. Drain Pan
If your wine fridge has a self-defrosting function, then the drain pan should be checked first. The drain pan collects melted water from the evaporator coils and may be the cause of the leak if it is cracked or overflowing.
The drain pan overflowing is an indication of a more serious problem so have a repair technician take a look at your unit. You can also manually empty the pan to solve the leak.
On the other hand, the pan should be replaced you discover a crack on it.
2. Door Gasket
The door gasket keeps warm air out of the fridge and helps maintain the temperature of the fridge. When worn-out or broken, the gasket will fail at its job and moisture will build inside the fridge and then spew out of the wine fridge.
Replace the door gasket to solve this problem. A part of this article gives detailed instructions on how to replace the door gasket of a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The instructions also apply to your wine fridge door gasket.
3. Wine Fridge
Condensation can build up too much in the wine fridge. When this happens, the extra moisture will spill out from any outlet. So, check the body of the wine fridge for any puncture or damage. If any is found, have a repair technician take a look at it to see if any repairs can be made.
We however recommend that you consider replacing the unit as a crack or leak on the fridge may not be easily repaired.
Also, to prevent excess condensation in the fridge, you may keep a packet of silica to absorb excess moisture.
Sub-Zero Fridge Water Dispenser Leaking – How to Fix
Do the following fixes if your Sub-Zero refrigerator water dispenser is leaking water
1. Level the Refrigerator
Your refrigerator is supposed to be leveled so that the front part is slightly higher than the back part. This is done to maintain the proper flow of coolant and ensure proper running of the refrigerator. Hence, if not leveled properly, it may cause water to drip out of the dispenser.
To level the refrigerator, remove the kick plates and adjust the leveling legs. Turning them clockwise will raise the legs while turning them counterclockwise will lower them.
Once you are convinced the tilt is right, use a level to confirm it. And then finally put the kick plates back on.
2. Flush the Water System
When the refrigerator water filter is changed, air can enter and get trapped inside the water line. This will cause a pressure buildup that will then cause water to drip from the dispenser.
The water system has to be flushed to resolve this problem. To do this, place a bowl under the dispenser and flush about 3 gallons of water.
Ensure you flush the water system after every filter change to prevent this problem from happening again.
3. Check the Water Line
Inspect the water line connected to the dispenser, see if it is bent or has a leak or crack. If any of these is found, then the water line should be replaced.
Simply remove the line from the compressor fitting and the inlet valve and put another line in its place.
4. Check the Water Pressure
The water inlet valve requires about 20 psi to shut off properly. And so if the water pressure in your home is lower than this, the inlet valve won’t shut off as it should. Ultimately, this will result in the valve constantly dripping water.
To troubleshoot the water pressure, turn off the water supply and then remove the water line from the valve. Hold the line over a bucket and turn the water supply back on.
Observe the flow of water; if it is strong then you do not have a problem with the water pressure. A weak flow indicates a problem with the water supply or the water line. Call a repair technician to know the best course of action in this case.
Sub-Zero Refrigerator Ice Maker Leaking – What to Do
Do the following if your Sub-Zero refrigerator ice maker is leaking
1. Secure the Water Line Connections
The water line connected to the ice maker may be loosely connected hence the leak. So, check the line and secure it properly to the valve.
2. Unfreeze the Water Line
The line sending water to the ice maker can get frozen and then overflow with water. The solution to this is to thaw the ice in the line. Put a hairdryer in the lowest setting and heat the tube.
However, you may have to replace your water inlet valve if this keeps happening. This is because a defective valve is the major cause of this problem. A section of this article gives detailed instructions on how to do this replacement.
3. Replace the Ice Maker
A component of the ice maker may be faulty if the problem persists. In this case, the entire ice maker assembly has to be replaced as the ice maker is sold as an assembly.
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How to Replace the Ice Maker of a Sub-Zero Refrigerator
To replace the ice maker of your Sub-Zero refrigerator, do the following steps:
Step 1: For safety, unplug the refrigerator. Also, turn off the water supply.
Step 2: Open the refrigerator and take out the ice bin and cover for more workspace.
Step 3: Unthread the screws holding the ice maker in place. Next, take off the fill tube and then disconnect the harness connected to the ice maker and the refrigerator. The ice maker should be completely free at this point.
Step 4: Remove the shut-off arm and the wire harness. To remove the wire harness, press it in and depress the clip.
Step 5: Attach the wire harness and the shut-off arm to the new ice maker.
Step 6: Take the new ice maker to the refrigerator and reconnect the harness to the ice maker. Remount the ice maker and then screw it back on.
Step 7: Test run the ice maker to ensure it is working properly. Finally, put the ice bin and its cover back in place.
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