What Would Be Leaking From a Freezer?

Defrost Cycle

Sounds such as leaking water inside the freezer may be evident, but in reality what is being heard is the freezer’s defrost cycle. The defrosted ice inside the freezer runs into a drain and flows down a hose in the back of the freezer to the base, where it empties into a drain pan. If water is seen flowing down the back of the freezer, check the drain line to see if it is damaged or loosely connected to the freezer.

If the freezer has an ice maker, the water supply line that connects to the ice maker may be the source of the leak. The water line dispenses water into the ice maker on demand, meaning the water line is full at any given moment. If the water line, its compression nut that threads onto the ice maker or the metal ferrule or nipple that attaches to the ice maker breaks or corrodes, the water can leak into the general freezer compartment.

The freezer’s temperature may not be turned down far enough, allowing condensation to form inside the freezer without the water freezing. Turning down the temperature until frost forms on the contents can test whether the temperature is a factor in the leaking. It may take the freezer some time to achieve the new temperature, so be patient. Also, the temperature may need to be readjusted if ice forms over the contents and makes it hard to remove anything.

Because the leaking water may be from the water supply hose or from the drain hose the freezer uses during the defrost cycle, the compression nut on the end of the hose may need adjusting with an adjustable wrench. Over tightening the compression nut can damage the nut or the part it connects to, so stop once resistance from the nut is felt. If the hose is damaged, purchase a replacement from the manufacturer or a supply store. If the problem is water leaking from the bottom of the freezer, remove the back panel to access the drain pan. If there is a drain hole in the pan, insert a flexible tube and blow through it to clear out any clogs inside the hole. Test for the presence of clogs by running water down the tube you inserted into the drain opening.