The freezer drain may be blocked by ice, frost, or debris. When this happens, defrost water cannot drain properly and may overflow into the refrigerator compartment.
To resolve this, unplug your refrigerator and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours to allow the frost to melt completely.
Why is water dripping into the refrigerator compartment?
During operation, the refrigerator periodically melts frost that builds up and drains the water into the drain pan.
However, if the freezer drain is blocked by ice or debris, the defrost water cannot drain properly.
Instead, it may overflow and drip from the ceiling or pool on the floor of the refrigerator compartment.
At first, you may not notice any issues other than the leak. However, if left unresolved, ice may block the cold air vents and reduce the cooling performance of your refrigerator.
How to Troubleshoot Water Leaking from Your Refrigerator
Follow these steps to completely melt any ice or frost inside your refrigerator.
Step 1. Move your food
Move all food from your refrigerator to a spare refrigerator, cooler, or another safe, cool place.
Step 2. Place dry towels
Melted ice may leak onto the floor, so place dry towels around the base of your refrigerator.
Step 3. Unplug the refrigerator and open the doors
Unplug the power cord from the outlet, then fully open the refrigerator and freezer doors.
Step 4. Let the frost melt completely
Leave the doors open for at least 24 hours to let the ice or frost melt naturally.
(This may take about one day in the summer and up to three days in the winter.)
Step 5. Wipe away moisture and reconnect the power
Once all the frost has melted, use a dry towel to wipe away any remaining moisture inside. Then, plug the power cord back in.
(It may take 24 to 48 hours for your refrigerator to return to its normal temperature.)
Important
- Since your refrigerator will be unplugged for an extended period, move any perishable food to a spare refrigerator or cooler.
- As the ice melts, water may leak onto the floor. Place dry towels around the base of your refrigerator before starting.
- If you are concerned about storing your food safely or are not comfortable performing these steps yourself, contact LG Customer Support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. Can I use a hair dryer or hot water to melt the frost faster?
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A. We do not recommend this. Hot air from a hair dryer or boiling water may damage or deform the plastic parts inside your refrigerator.
Please let the frost melt naturally.
- Q. What should I do if water is still leaking after following these steps?
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A. The drain may still be blocked deep inside, or there may be an issue with another component.
If this happens, please contact LG Customer Support for assistance.
- Q. How can I prevent future water leaks?
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A. Store your freezer food in sealed containers to prevent debris from entering the drain.
If your refrigerator has been in the same location for a long time, clean any dust from the condenser area at the lower back of the refrigerator.
This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your product.
