LG Refrigerator: Leaking Water
Quick answer: Water on the floor or pooling inside the refrigerator almost always comes from a blocked defrost drain, a cracked or overflowing drain pan, a leaking water inlet valve or supply line, or a loose water filter housing.
- Unplug the refrigerator before working near the drain pan, compressor, or valve; water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
- Turn off the household water supply before removing any water line.
- Wipe up water promptly; a wet floor near the refrigerator is a slip hazard and can damage flooring.
Why is my refrigerator leaking water?
Water on the floor or pooling inside the refrigerator almost always comes from a blocked defrost drain, a cracked or overflowing drain pan, a leaking water inlet valve or supply line, or a loose water filter housing. Water inside under the crisper drawers points to the defrost drain; water at the back or under the unit points to the supply line, the valve, or the pan.
Our fitment data covers 1,515 LG refrigerator models and 3,032 LG refrigerator parts, so the part links below are filtered to this brand; always confirm your model number before ordering.
Most Likely Causes, in Order
1. Defrost drain
Defrost water is supposed to run down a drain to the pan; when the drain is clogged with ice or debris, water overflows into the fresh-food section and out the door.
How to check: Remove the crisper drawers and look for water or ice on the floor of the refrigerator. Find the drain opening at the back under the evaporator cover and try flushing it with warm water using a turkey baster. If water does not run through, it is blocked.
Fix: Thaw and flush the drain; on models with a drain heater or check valve, clean or replace it. (Difficulty: Easy)
No LG part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
2. Drain pan
A cracked or misaligned drain pan lets defrost water drip onto the floor instead of evaporating.
How to check: Pull the refrigerator out and slide out the pan from the bottom back. Inspect it for cracks and check that the drain tube actually ends over the pan.
Fix: Replace the drain pan or reposition the drain tube. (Difficulty: Easy)
No LG part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
3. Water inlet valve
A cracked valve body or a loose compression fitting at the valve drips water down the back of the unit.
How to check: Pull the refrigerator out, remove the rear access cover, and watch the valve and fittings while the ice maker fills. Feel for moisture at the fittings and the valve body.
Fix: Tighten the fitting or replace the water inlet valve. (Difficulty: Moderate)
Matching LG parts:
- LG Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve 5221JB2010G — $175.44 – $201.43 · 361 models
- Water Inlet Valve Assembly AJU74532703 — $111.18 – $138.55 · 354 models
- LG Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve AJU72992601 — $94.06 – $138.56 · 342 models
4. Water supply line
Plastic supply lines crack with age, and fittings loosen when the refrigerator is moved.
How to check: Follow the supply line from the wall to the refrigerator, looking for drips, cracks, or damp spots. Check the connection behind the unit and at the wall valve.
Fix: Replace the supply line with a braided stainless line and new fittings. (Difficulty: Easy)
No LG part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
5. Water filter housing
A cracked filter head or a filter that is not seated fully leaks water into the fresh-food section.
How to check: Remove and reinstall the filter, making sure it locks. Dry the area and watch for new drips after running the dispenser. Cracks in the housing may be visible.
Fix: Reseat the filter or replace the filter housing. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No LG part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
6. Door gasket
A poor seal lets humid air in, which condenses and drips or forms frost that later melts.
How to check: Look for moisture along the door edge and close a sheet of paper in the door; it should resist being pulled out along the whole gasket.
Fix: Clean and reshape the gasket, or replace it if torn or hardened. (Difficulty: Easy)
Matching LG parts:
- Ice Bank Door Gasket ADX72909701 — $87.45 · 264 models
- LG Refrigerator Door Gasket, Right ADX72930461 — $83.17 – $107.37 · 249 models
- Refrigerator Freezer Door Gasket MDS38201424 — $71.06 – $85.17 · 219 models
Other LG parts the catalog tags for this symptom
- Refrigerator Water Tube Fitting 4932JA3014A — $28.36 – $41.18 (clogged; cracked; leaking)
- Refrigerator Defrost Heater 5300JK1005K — $81.41 – $121.92 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
- Refrigerator Heater Sheath 5300JB1092D — $101.04 – $189.60 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
- HEATER,SHEATH MEE62105217 — $95.46 – $121.92 (frost in freezer; ice buildup; not defrosting)
Popular LG refrigerator models
Confirm the model number on the rating plate before ordering. Each model page lists every compatible part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there water under the crisper drawers?
The defrost drain is clogged or frozen, so meltwater from the evaporator has nowhere to go and collects on the floor of the refrigerator.
My refrigerator has no water line but still leaks. Why?
Every frost-free refrigerator produces defrost water. Check the drain and the drain pan; a full or cracked pan is the usual cause.
Is a small puddle at the front once a day normal?
No. A working unit evaporates its defrost water from the pan. Any puddle means the drain, the pan, or the supply has a problem.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if the leak comes from inside the door of a dispenser model, if the drain pan sits under the compressor and requires moving the compressor to reach, or if you find oil rather than water, which signals a refrigerant leak.