Water showing up under crispers or pooling in the back of the fresh food compartment can be more than just an annoying mess. It often points to underlying issues that need attention before they turn into costly repairs. At Fast Appliance Repair, we know how frustrating this can be, especially when your food starts getting soggy or spoiled. Let’s look at the reasons this happens, how to handle it, and when it’s time to take action with help from professionals offering appliance repair in Calgary.
Blocked Defrost Drain Causes Overflow
One of the most common causes of water pooling inside the fridge is a clogged defrost drain. Every time the fridge defrosts, water drips from the evaporator coil into a drain pan and flows down a tube to the bottom of the appliance. Over time, bits of food or debris can block that tube.
As a result, the water has nowhere to go. It backs up and starts leaking into the fridge’s fresh food area. We often find water collecting under the vegetable drawers or behind containers, creating hidden puddles.
To prevent this, gently clear the drain with a pipe cleaner or a short burst of warm water using a turkey baster. In some cases, the drain line may be frozen. In those situations, unplugging the fridge and letting it thaw for a few hours can help. However, if the blockage keeps returning, it’s time to consider professional fridge repair in Calgary for a full inspection and permanent fix.
Door Gasket Leaks Let Moisture Build
Another common source of internal leaks is worn or loose door seals. When the gasket around the fridge door no longer fits snugly, warm air slips inside every time the door closes. That warm air brings in moisture, and moisture inside a cold fridge quickly turns into condensation.
Eventually, water droplets start forming on shelves or under containers and begin pooling near the crisper bins. In some cases, it can even drip along the back wall. We’ve also seen situations where the gasket looks fine at a glance but has lost flexibility over time.
Check for cracks, gaps, or spots where the gasket doesn’t press firmly against the fridge frame. To test, close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal needs replacement. Keeping seals in good shape helps avoid leaks and also improves overall fridge efficiency, which makes appliance repair in Calgary more affordable in the long run.
Tilted Fridge Forces Water Forward
Fridges are designed to let defrost water flow toward the rear drain, but that only works if the unit is level. In fact, many models are meant to sit slightly tilted backward. This subtle angle helps gravity do its job, guiding any moisture toward the drain hole at the back of the compartment.
If the fridge leans forward, water collects near the front edge instead. We’ve seen puddles build near the door and under drawers, often giving the impression of a mysterious leak. This is especially common after moving the fridge or cleaning behind it.
To fix this, adjust the front legs of the fridge to raise it slightly. A bubble level can help confirm that the back is just a bit lower than the front. Once it’s angled correctly, moisture usually begins draining where it should, and the leaks stop. When this doesn’t resolve the issue, contact appliance repair experts to examine drainage and interior alignment.
Full or Misaligned Drain Pan Below the Unit
Water leaking inside the fridge isn’t always caused by interior problems. Sometimes the issue is down below. Every modern fridge includes a drain pan beneath the unit, where water from defrost cycles collects and evaporates over time.
However, if that pan gets bumped or knocked loose, it can shift out of place. When that happens, water can splash or spill back toward the inside. In rare cases, the pan may even crack. Most of the time, we notice this after someone moves the fridge or slides it across the floor without checking underneath.
You can access the drain pan from the front or rear, depending on the model. If it’s full of water, carefully empty it and check for cracks. If it’s bone dry or sitting crooked, make sure it’s correctly positioned. While this fix is simple, continued overflow may point to a bigger problem requiring help from local appliance repair services.
Crisper Drawer Vents Can Collect Drips
Inside many fridges, fresh food drawers have tiny air vents to keep airflow steady. These vents sometimes sit beneath the coldest part of the fridge interior, especially near the evaporator. If anything blocks airflow above them or they get overly cold, condensation starts building up right on those surfaces.
That moisture often drips directly into the crisper drawers. We’ve seen this happen more in tightly packed fridges, where containers block proper circulation. When air can’t move freely, cold spots get colder, and warm zones get wetter. The balance breaks down.
To reduce this, avoid overloading shelves and leave space around vents. Keep tall items away from the rear wall and don’t block fan pathways. If drawers stay wet even after adjusting the contents, it’s worth reaching out to a Calgary appliance repair company to inspect air circulation fans and defrost cycles.
Freezer Ice Melting into Fridge Area
Water leaking into the fresh food compartment sometimes has nothing to do with that section at all. In frost-free fridges, water from the freezer section flows down into the lower drain during defrost mode. If that process breaks down or the fan stops working, melting ice can spill into the fridge instead.
This often starts with a noise—like clicking, humming, or even silence from the freezer fan. Next, the fridge might feel warmer than usual, while the freezer grows layers of frost. Eventually, water finds its way to the fresh food zone and begins pooling under drawers.
Clearing ice buildup might offer temporary relief. Still, if fan motors stop working or the defrost heater fails, it leads to repeat issues. In that case, having experienced fridge technicians in Calgary assess the fan system or sensor settings makes more sense than chasing the leak over and over.
FAQs
Why is there water under my fridge drawers every morning?
Water often builds up overnight due to a blocked defrost drain or poor door seals. It pools under drawers because that’s the lowest point in the compartment.
Can a leaking fridge damage food?
Yes. Standing water creates warm, damp conditions that spoil produce faster and may lead to mold. It also affects packaging and lowers air circulation quality.
Is it safe to use a fridge that leaks inside?
Short term, yes. But over time, leaks promote bacteria and raise the risk of internal part damage. It’s better to fix the cause before things get worse.
How often should I clean the fridge drain?
Every six months is a good rule. Use warm water to flush the line or gently clean with a soft pipe cleaner to keep the path open.
What if water keeps coming back even after cleaning?
Persistent leaks may point to part failures or deeper blockages. Calling a local appliance repair technician ensures the problem is properly diagnosed and fixed.
Need a reliable fix for a leaky fridge? Get fast help from trusted professionals. Reach out to appliance repair experts in Calgary today and schedule service before that leak turns into a bigger problem.