When an owner starts seeing puddles not only after rain outside but in the kitchen under the refrigerator that is an obvious sign of a breakdown. What causes the breakdown and how to fix it? Check your water supply lines. If your fridge is level and your drain is unobstructed but you’re still seeing a daily puddle, the problem might lie with your water supply line. (Other signs that point to a problematic water line: Wonky ice production and slow water flow on command at the fridge door.) Here, too, you’ll need to unplug the fridge to inspect further, so prepare by setting your perishables somewhere safe for the time being.
Pull it out from the wall, and eyeball the plastic hose that runs from your ice maker and water filter down the back of the appliance. If you see water dripping or collecting along the exterior of the hose, you’ve got a leak. The choice is yours: You can call in a repair technician or, if you’re confident in your ability to complete the task at hand, order a new hose and swap it in yourself. The latter involves turning off the shutoff valve to the water supply, which you’ll find either underneath the sink closest to the fridge or in your basement, and replacing the hose following your manufacturer’s instructions. Just be sure to tighten the connections on both ends when you’re through to avoid another instance of your refrigerator leaking water. Don’t forget to convey a diagnostic every six months.