If the fridge starts to drip under the shelves, especially in the most humid periods or during season changes, the question comes immediately: is it serious, normal, or is there something really wrong? A water leak in the refrigerator may seem trivial, but behind those drops under the shelves there is often a small overlooked detail, something we all do.
It is usually noticed by chance: a puddle that grows near the yogurt cups, the cheese container with a wet bottom or, worse, some packaging that seems soaked. On certain days it seems that the situation gets worse, perhaps with the first hot days or when the fridge gets too full after a lot of shopping. Many people ignore the problem for weeks, until it becomes difficult to even clean.
But where does all that water come from? And, above all, is there really a need to worry or is a quick solution enough? The main causes are actually few, often linked to daily actions: from the arrangement of food to small oversights in maintenance. A refrigerator dripping under the shelves rarely signals a serious fault, but it is better to act immediately to avoid worse problems and, if you think about it, also save a few euros on the bill.
Refrigerator leaking water: the main causes
That puddle under the vegetable drawer or between the shelves is almost never a coincidence. Often the cause is found in daily habits, rather than in a technical malfunction. For example, leaving the fridge open for too long during the hottest hours (this happens in summer, when you are looking for something cool) can increase internal condensation. Placing food while it is still hot or too close to the walls can also encourage the formation of drops.
Among the most common causes:
- Blockage of the drain hole: dust, crumbs or small food residues can clog the drain hole located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. This happens often, especially if you store fruit and vegetables without bags. It doesn’t take much to block it, and instead of draining away, the water stays there, accumulates and then drips under the shelves.
- Poor arrangement of food: if the shelves are too full, the cold air does not circulate well and more condensation forms. Placing containers close to internal walls can also make the problem worse.
- Damaged or dirty seals: A damaged gasket lets hot air in, making the engine work harder and increasing water buildup.
Then there are other less frequent causes, such as a poorly adjusted thermostat (perhaps lowered in winter, when the kitchen is already cool), or the presence of foods that release a lot of humidity. Every now and then, very little is enough, one evening when you leave the fridge open after having the ice cream.
How to solve it immediately: simple (and practical) solutions
Before thinking about an expensive repair or calling a technician, you can try a few simple steps. Empty the shelves, take a look at the drain hole, perhaps use a toothpick or pipe cleaner to remove residue. If the hole has been clogged for some time, it is best to unplug it and leave the fridge open for a few hours (better in the morning, to avoid the heat of the afternoon). A detail not to be overlooked: dry the compartment well before putting everything back, perhaps with absorbent paper.
Another trick concerns the arrangement of food: always leave some space between the shelves and never place the packages directly against the walls. It is also better to cover very moist foods (for example freshly washed vegetables) to prevent them from releasing too much water. Small precautions that, in the long run, make the difference. Finally, take a look at the seals: just pass a damp sponge over them every now and then, or check that there are no cuts or mold spots. If in doubt, a gasket can easily be found online or in parts stores (it doesn’t cost much and can be fitted in a few minutes, with a little patience).
When to call a technician (and when not) when the fridge is leaking water
If after cleaning the problem often returns, or you notice a truly abnormal amount of water (we’re talking more than half a glass a day), perhaps there is something more serious: a problem with the compressor, a broken pipe or the thermostat is out of order. In these cases it is better to stop, unplug and evaluate with an expert, even if only to avoid worse damage.
In new generation refrigerators there is sometimes also an alarm that signals the leak, or a small tray that collects the water. If this fills up too often, a technician’s check becomes almost inevitable.
In most cases, however, with regular cleaning and a little attention when arranging food, the problem resolves itself or almost on its own. All it takes is a glance every now and then, a little care after shopping or at the change of season. Ultimately, it’s often just a matter of daily habits and a sponge at hand.
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