Refrigerator - Water on Floor

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

We understand the frustration of seeing a puddle of water on the floor in front of your Refrigerator. Should you find water on the floor in front of your Refrigerator, you can check the following things in an attempt to remedy this concern without the need of a repair.

Diagnosing Water on the Floor In Front of a Refrigerator

• If ice has accumulated on the floor of the Freezer or under the Fresh Food vegetable pans, this could indicate a clogged drain tube. On most models, this would require a service call.

• • On Side-by-Side models, you may be able to clean the defrost drain tube yourself. See our Side-by-Side Refrigerator - Water on Floor, Repairing a Clogged Defrost Drain article for details. Also, check the Owner's Manual for the specific model you own for instructions on clearing the defrost drain tube.

  • For Bottom Freezer models, see our Bottom Freezer Refrigerator - Clogged Drain Tube, Ice on Freezer Floor article.

  • For Top Freezer models, see our Top Freezer Refrigerator - Water on Floor, Repairing a Clogged Defrost Drain article.

• Check the water valve on the Refrigerator to see if it is leaking or flooding. It may be stuck in the on position. If this appears to be the case, please schedule a service appointment.

• Some leaks could be plumbing issues. Check the copper water line connected to the water valve on the fridge. It may be loose or split. Please contact your local plumber if your leak appears to be coming from the copper line itself.

• Check the plastic fill-line going from the water valve to the icemaker. It may be loose or split. If this appears to be the case, shut the water off and tighten the water valve.

• • View a short video about checking the water line from the front:

     
    Video - Troubleshoot Refrigerator Water Leaks
     
     
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  • To shut the water off, carefully pull the Refrigerator out from the wall and locate the water connection on the back of the Refrigerator. It is usually on the right as you look at the back. Follow the copper water line to where it connects to your house water supply. In most homes it is located under the kitchen sink. There is a small shut-off valve at the connection; turn the valve clockwise to shut the water off.

  • Before you shut the water off, turn the icemaker off. The way you turn off the icemaker depends upon the type of icemaker and controls on your Refrigerator. Please check the Owner's Manual for model specific directions on turning off the icemaker on your model.

Repair Service Needed

For service, please schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.