Woke up to a puddle under your fridge? Annoying, yes, but you’re not alone. A leaking fridge is one of the most common issues we see in Vancouver homes, and whether you’ve got a Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, or LG fridge, leaks can pop up for a bunch of reasons. Some are harmless and DIY-fixable. Others? Not so much.
At Express Appliance Repair Vancouver, we’ve seen (and fixed) them all. So let’s break it down – why it’s happening, what you can do and when to call in a pro.
Common Causes of Fridge Leaks (and What to Do About Them)
1. Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain
Your fridge goes through automatic defrost cycles. The water from that melt flows through a drain, unless it’s clogged with food bits or frozen solid. Then, water pools and ends up on your floor.
How to fix it: Use hot water (a turkey baster works wonders) to flush the drain. If it’s iced over, unplug the fridge and let it thaw for a few hours.
2. Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan
Under your fridge is a little pan that collects excess water. If it’s cracked or full because of bad airflow, you’ll see leakage.
DIY check: Pull your fridge forward, look underneath and inspect the pan. Replace if it’s damaged.
3. Leaky or Improperly Installed Water Filter
Water filters that aren’t fitted correctly or are the wrong brand can cause leaks every time the water system cycles.
Fix it: Double-check the filter size and type. Always go with the manufacturer-recommended filter, especially for Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool models.
4. Loose or Leaking Water Supply Line
Fridges with ice makers or water dispensers have a water line feeding them. If this line is cracked, loose, or leaking at the wall connection, it’s going to make a mess.
Fix it: Tighten the connections. If the line’s brittle, replace it (tip: copper lines last longer than plastic ones).
5. Ice Maker Malfunction
Ice makers are handy until they flood. Clogged fill tubes, cracked trays, or broken inlet valves are common culprits.
Signs to watch for:
- Water puddling under freezer drawer
- Ice stuck in tray or water collecting in the bin
- Clicking or humming sounds without ice production
Fix it: Clean the fill tube. If parts are broken, you’ll likely need a replacement.
6. Worn Door Seals (Gaskets)
If warm air gets into the fridge due to worn or torn seals, condensation builds up and drips down.
Quick test: Close a dollar bill in the door and see if it slides out easily. If it does, your gasket is toast.
DIY vs. Call-a-Pro: What You Can and Can’t Fix
| Problem | You Can Probably Fix It | Call Us Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty or frozen drain line | ✅ | |
| Loose water line connection | ✅ | |
| Leaking filter install | ✅ | |
| Cracked drain pan | ✅ | |
| Faulty water inlet valve | ✅ | |
| Broken ice maker | ✅ | |
| Electrical or sensor issues | ✅ |
If you’ve tried flushing the drain or replacing the filter and your fridge still leaks, that’s your cue to call in a licensed technician. We’ve got years of experience and carry parts for LG, GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and more.
Brands We Fix Most Often in Vancouver
- Samsung: Known for leaky ice makers or filter housing cracks
- LG: Filter leaks, defrost issues in newer models
- Whirlpool: Drain pan and defrost drain issues
- GE: Strong units but older models tend to develop water line issues
- Frigidaire: Prone to frozen defrost lines in colder climates
How to Prevent Fridge Leaks Going Forward
- Clean the defrost drain every 6–12 months
- Don’t overload your freezer (airflow matters)
- Replace your water filter every 6 months (or sooner if needed)
- Inspect your water line during spring cleaning
- Keep door seals clean and replace when cracked
- Book a pro inspection every couple of years if your fridge is over 7 years old
Need Help in Vancouver? Call the Experts.
At Express Appliance Repair Vancouver, we know fridge leaks are more than a nuisance – they can cause hidden floor damage, mold, and spoiled food. That’s why we offer:
- Same-day service, 7 days a week
- Licensed, insured technicians
- Transparent pricing and real warranties
- Repairs for all fridge brands and models
No stress. No soggy floors. Just quick, professional help.
Call (778) 819-0387 or book your repair online today.
FAQs by Customers
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What is the most common reason a fridge leaks?
A clogged or frozen defrost drain is usually the #1 cause.
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Can I use my fridge if it’s leaking?
You can, but we don’t recommend it. Continued leaks can damage floors, cause mold, or ruin food.
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Is it expensive to fix a leaking fridge?
Not always. Many leaks are cheap to fix (filter issues, drain clogs). But ice maker or valve problems may cost more.
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Can you fix my leaking Samsung/LG/GE fridge in Vancouver?
Yes – we fix all major brands and keep most parts in stock for same-day repairs.
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Do you offer warranty and service guarantees?
Absolutely. All repairs include a service warranty on both parts and labor.