A leak is worth taking seriously because the water you see is rarely where the fault is, and left alone it can reach cabinetry and flooring. The trick is tracing the water back to its actual source instead of just mopping it up. The likely cause depends on whether it is a refrigerator or a dishwasher, and where the water appears.
The Most Common Causes
- Clogged defrost drain (refrigerator): the drain that carries defrost water away freezes or clogs, so water backs up and overflows inside or underneath.
- Cracked drain pan or line: a brittle pan or a loose water-line fitting drips beneath the unit.
- Door gasket (dishwasher): a hardened or displaced seal lets water escape at the door during a cycle.
- Sump or pump seal (dishwasher): a failing seal weeps water under the tub.
- Overfill or float fault: a stuck float or inlet valve lets a dishwasher take on too much water.
Notes by Brand
Sub-Zero: interior leaks and puddles under the unit are very often a defrost drain that has iced over. Models with dispensers can also leak at a water-line fitting.
Cove and Miele: dishwasher door leaks usually trace to the gasket or a door slightly out of alignment, while under-tub water points to the sump seal.
Bosch and Thermador: dishwasher leaks here often involve the door seal or an overfill from a stuck float, both straightforward to correct.
Viking and Liebherr: refrigeration leaks are commonly a blocked defrost drain or a cracked drain pan.
Symptom-To-Cause Reference
| Where the Water Appears | Likely Cause | Our Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the fridge floor | Clogged defrost drain | Clear and heat-check the drain |
| Under the refrigerator | Cracked drain pan or water line | Replace pan, reseal line |
| At the dishwasher door | Worn or displaced gasket | Replace gasket, align door |
| Under the dishwasher | Sump or pump seal | Replace seal, test cycle |
| Overflow during cycle | Stuck float or inlet valve | Free float, replace valve |
Water Where It Should Not Be?
Book a diagnosis and we will trace and stop the leak. Diagnostic and travel fees, if applicable, are confirmed before the appointment and before repair approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is the Water Under My Refrigerator Coming From?
My Dishwasher Leaks at the Door, Is That Serious?
Can a Leak Damage My Floors?
Related
Dishwasher Repair
Door, sump, and pump leaks.
Refrigerator Repair
Defrost drain and water-line faults.
Frost Buildup
When ice blocks the defrost drain.