Find where the water comes from
| Location | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Under the crisper drawers, inside the fridge | Frozen or clogged defrost drain |
| Puddle at the front, under the doors | Defrost drain overflow or the ice compartment draining |
| Behind or under the back | Supply line, inlet valve, fill tube connection |
| Dripping from the dispenser | Filter, door water line, dispenser valve |
| Inside the freezer, sheet of ice on the floor | Defrost drain frozen |
Most likely causes
- Defrost drain. Melt water from each defrost cycle runs through a drain to a pan under the refrigerator, where it evaporates. If the drain freezes (often because the defrost system is not fully working) or clogs, water backs up into the fresh-food section and spills out.
- Water filter. A filter not turned fully into place, or a cracked filter head, drips into the filter housing and down the cabinet.
- Supply line / inlet valve. Plastic supply lines crack, compression fittings loosen when the refrigerator is moved, and inlet valves can leak at their fittings.
- Ice compartment melt. Frost in the door ice compartment melts and drips out the dispenser.
Safe checks
- Shut off the water supply valve to the refrigerator if water is spreading.
- Re-seat the water filter: remove it and turn it in firmly until it stops.
- Pull the refrigerator out (carefully, onto cardboard) and check the line and valve with the water on.
- Look under the crisper drawers for standing water or ice.
When to call
Repeated water under the crispers (drain or defrost problem), a leaking inlet valve, or water inside the ice compartment. See LG refrigerator repair.
LG refrigerator leaking questions
Why is there water under the crisper drawers in my LG refrigerator?
The defrost drain is frozen or blocked, so defrost melt water backs up into the fresh-food section. It often means the defrost system or drain heater also needs attention.
Can a water filter cause my LG refrigerator to leak?
Yes. A filter that is not fully seated or a cracked filter housing is a common cause of drips near the filter and down the inside of the cabinet.