It is not a common sight to see water under a GE refrigerator. But if you do, it means something is wrong. Read this article to learn how to troubleshoot, find and fix the problem.
Table of Contents
Water Leak Under GE Refrigerator – Quick Fix
The following are possible causes of a water leak under a GE refrigerator and how to fix them:
1. Obstructed Defrost Drain
The drain will be found either at the rear wall of the freezer compartment, just at the bottom, or behind a panel with a screw holding it in place. The location depends on the model.
Take a look at it to see if it has ice covering it. If it does, you will have to pour hot water over it or rub a warm cloth repeatedly on it. Doing this will melt the ice.
It is also possible that dirt is clogging the hole, as well as ice. In this case, use a stiff wire to push the dirt down and out of the hole. Then, pour a small spoon of baking soda down the drain. Flush it using 1 or 2 cups of hot water to properly clean it.
Afterwards, empty the drain pan of its content. Make sure you dry it completely. Otherwise, the moisture may freeze and cause water to flow up the drain and clog it by freezing.
Before doing all of this, remember to disconnect the refrigerator from power.
A clogged or frozen drain leaves no room for water from the defrost cycle to drain. As a result, the water will overflow the bottom of the freezer or refrigerator and drip onto the floor under the unit.
2. Damaged Water Inlet Valve
Check the connection and fitting of the inlet valve to the water source and to the refrigerator. If it is not properly or tightly fitted, tighten it yourself or have someone do it for you.
After this, check the flow of water to be sure it flows well and that there is no leak from the valve. If the fitting or connection is loose, there will be a leak. The water from the leak will eventually flow under the refrigerator. The same is true if the valve is cracked.
This video shows you how to replace the valve in a GE refrigerator…
3. Faulty Water Filter
Remove the water filter and reinstall it. Wait to see if a leak springs up again. It is possible you did not properly install it, causing water to drip to the bottom of the unit and onto the floor.
At the same time, check to see if there is any damage to the head of the filter. Additionally, check the seal. It may be missing or torn. If any of these apply, replace the filter.
Water will continually drip from a water filter with a cracked head or missing seal. The same may apply if you don’t install it properly.
Make sure you buy the right water filter for your refrigerator model. This is because there are different filters for different refrigerator models.
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4. Cracked Drain Pan
Locate the drain pan at the rear bottom of the refrigerator if your unit is the self-defrosting type. Pull it out, empty it if there is anything in it and check for cracks. If the pan is cracked, replace it.
It is highly unlikely that the drain pan in such refrigerator models will overflow with water. This is because, in self-defrosting units, the condenser is responsible for pulling warm air through the condenser coils and blowing it over the pan.
As a result of this, the water in the pan usually evaporates. So, there is no need to manually empty it or worry about freezing. That is unless the fan or coils don’t work.
However, it is possible for the pan to crack. And if this happens, the water from the defrost cycle will leak out before evaporation takes place. Therefore, it is possible that the water you see under the refrigerator is from a cracked drain pan.
5. Damaged Water Filter Housing
Take a look at the housing for the water filter. It could have some damage, resulting in water dripping from the filter into the refrigerator.
If there is any damage, it would be obvious so you don’t have to look far. Replace the housing.
6. Cracked Water Tank
Check the water tank, usually in the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator. It might be leaking through tiny cracks.
The cracks may not be readily visible to your eye but you will see water dripping from the tank. Replacing the tank is the best fix here. Repairing it is not possible because no adhesive will stick to the plastic material of the tank.
7. Loose Fill Tube
Inspect the fill tube that goes to the ice machine from the water inlet valve. It may have come loose or be split.
Tighten it if it is just loose. However, if it is split, you can cut a half-inch off the end with the split and fix the tube back.
Remember to shut off the water before performing these tasks so there is no spillage of water.
Check out these other articles…
GE Refrigerator Making Ice – Issues [Solved]
Water Not Coming Out of GE Refrigerator [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Overflow [How to Fix]
GE Ice Maker Does Not Fill with Water [How to Fix]
Water in Bottom of GE Refrigerator [Quick Fix]
GE Refrigerator and Freezer Not Getting Cold [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Water Tastes Like Plastic [Solution]
Water Under Crisper Drawer in GE Refrigerator – Solution
If you find water pooling under the crisper drawer in your GE refrigerator, or even under the deli drawer, check the defrost drain.
Something is obstructing it, making it impossible for water from the defrost cycle to pass through. Consequently, the water pools under the drawers and has to be cleaned manually.
Therefore, remove the drawers and shelves to have free access to the drain. You may choose to use hot water or a steamer to melt any ice over it. But whichever you choose, remember the plastic parts of the refrigerator.
When all the ice over the drain melts, check the drain to see if there is any debris in it. If there is, remove it with a stiff wire. Then, pour a cup or two of hot water down the drain to flush it completely.
However, you will have to find out why the drain froze in the first place. Is the temperature in the refrigerator too low? Is the drain pan frozen? Or is it just debris obstructing the free drainage of water? Fis the origin when you find it.
Another Fix…
Check the water tank in the refrigerator. You will have to remove the inside back panel to access it. It could have a leak. It could also be that the tube that connects the tank to the water dispenser is leaking.
The fix is to replace either the tank, the tube or both if they are leaking at the same time. They cannot be repaired.
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Recap
Having water under your GE refrigerator is a cause for concern. However, some refrigerator users see it as normal. It is not.
Find out why there is water there and fix it as soon as possible. Thankfully, this article will guide you in troubleshooting and fixing the problem.
In the event of not being able to fix the problem, or even find the cause, contact GE and report the issue. Ask them for a service technician to properly service the refrigerator.
You also have the option of going independent. Chat with any of our appliance technicians using the chatbox to your right. You don’t have to wait or make an appointment. Best of all, there is no need for an expensive in-house call.