Fridge Leaking Water and Cooling Slowly? Here’s How to Fix It Yourself Quickly Without Calling a Technician

Many households often face issues like water leakage and slow cooling in their refrigerators.
A refrigerator is an essential appliance in every home, helping to preserve food for days or even weeks. However, since it runs continuously, problems like leaking water and inefficient cooling can frequently occur.

Before calling a technician, it’s a good idea to diagnose the issue yourself. If it’s one of the common problems listed below, you might be able to fix it quickly and easily.

Leaking Water from the Fridge Compartment

Many people buy large quantities of groceries to last them a week, causing the fridge compartment to work harder to store and cool these items. Overloading the compartment can block air vents, leading to slow cooling.

Additionally, if you wash your produce thoroughly but don’t let it dry completely before storing it, the excess water can leak out. This not only creates a mess inside the fridge but can also affect other stored items.

Solution:

Ensure food items are dry before placing them in the fridge. Use a paper towel to pat them dry if needed.
For added caution, use plastic wrap or store items in zip-lock bags.
Organize the items neatly and avoid overloading the fridge. Only store items that need refrigeration and keep the rest outside.

Leaking Water in the Freezer Compartment

If you notice water dripping from the freezer, it could be due to overloading, which may block the air vents just like in the fridge compartment.

Another common cause could be the freezer door not closing properly. This might happen if the rubber door gasket has worn out or lost its adhesive grip, allowing cold air to escape and causing ice inside to melt.

Solution:

Inspect the door gasket and replace it if it no longer seals tightly.
Avoid overloading the freezer and organize items neatly to allow proper airflow.

Water Leaking onto the Floor from the Drip Tray

Sometimes, water leaking onto the floor is caused by a cracked drip tray behind the refrigerator or a loose or damaged water supply line.

Solution:

First, unplug the fridge to ensure safety.
Check the drip tray for any cracks or damage. Replace it if needed.
Inspect the water supply line for leaks or loose connections and repair or replace as necessary.

If these steps don’t solve the problem, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

Maintaining a Well-Functioning Fridge

Once your fridge is back in good working order, it’s essential to develop good maintenance habits:

Regularly inspect the fridge for spoiled or expired food and discard them promptly.
Clean both the interior and exterior of the fridge with a clean cloth to prevent dirt and residue buildup.
Keep the fridge organized and avoid overloading to ensure optimal performance.

Following these tips will not only ensure your food stays fresh and safe to eat but also help your fridge operate efficiently, saving energy in the long run.