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You open the fridge to grab a snack and suddenly step in a small puddle. Or maybe there’s a pool forming under the veggie drawers. Either way, a fridge leaking water inside is never a good sign. It’s messy, annoying, and if left too long, it can lead to bigger problems.
At Sydney Appliance Repairs, we deal with this one all the time. It’s one of those problems that starts small but can catch people off guard. The good news? It’s usually something we can fix pretty quickly. But first, let’s run through a few of the usual suspects.
Fridge leaking water inside? Here’s what could be going on
Start with the drain hole — it’s a classic
The most common reason for a fridge leaking water inside is a blocked or frozen defrost drain. This little drain is supposed to let water from the defrost cycle flow out and into a tray under the fridge, where it eventually evaporates. But if the drain gets clogged, water backs up and ends up where it shouldn’t.
If you’re comfortable doing a bit of gentle DIY, you can try clearing it yourself. Use a pipe cleaner, soft straw, or turkey baster with warm water to flush the drain. But be careful — don’t jab anything sharp in there. You don’t want to damage anything while trying to fix it.
Check the fridge’s tilt
Yep, how your fridge is sitting actually matters. Fridges need to be tilted ever so slightly backwards, so water flows to the drain properly. If yours is leaning too far forward, that could be why you’ve got a fridge leaking water inside.
Grab a level if you’ve got one, or just eyeball it. The front feet can usually be adjusted. This might not solve the whole problem, but it can definitely help.
Is it too humid in your house?
During those sticky Sydney summers, humidity can sneak into your fridge every time you open the door. This extra moisture can collect and start dripping down into puddles. If your fridge seals aren’t working well, the problem can get worse.
It might not sound like a big deal, but over time, all that extra water can lead to mould, smells, and more mess. So if your fridge is leaking water inside and the weather’s been muggy, it could be part of the reason.
Don’t forget the fridge door seals
Damaged or dirty seals can let warm air in and cold air out. That leads to condensation, which turns into — you guessed it — water inside your fridge. A worn-out seal won’t always look obviously broken, but even small gaps can cause trouble.
Run your fingers around the rubber to check for cracks, and see if it feels loose anywhere. A proper seal should feel snug all the way around. If you spot any damage and your fridge is leaking water inside, replacing the seal might be the answer.
Clogged or frozen freezer vents
In many modern fridges, cold air comes from the freezer. If those vents get blocked by ice, containers, or mystery leftovers, the airflow gets disrupted. That can lead to uneven temperatures, extra moisture, and eventually a fridge leaking water inside.
Keep vents clear and don’t overload your fridge or freezer. A little breathing room goes a long way.
Check the water filter (if you’ve got one)
If your fridge has a built-in water or ice dispenser, don’t forget to check the filter. A clogged or incorrectly installed filter can cause leaks, both inside and underneath the fridge. It might not be the first place you think to look, but it’s worth a peek if your fridge is leaking water inside.
Also check the water line at the back — sometimes it can come loose or crack over time. (We’ve seen a few fridges try to water the floor like it’s a garden bed.)
Is your fridge too cold?
Believe it or not, setting your fridge too cold can backfire. If things start freezing in the fridge section, the ice eventually melts and pools underneath drawers. Then you’re stuck with a fridge leaking water inside, even though you thought you were keeping things extra fresh.
Stick to around 3–5°C for the fridge compartment. If you’re not sure, use a thermometer to check — fridge displays aren’t always accurate.
Sometimes, it’s just wear and tear
If your fridge is a bit older, parts like the defrost timer, sensor, or even the control board can start to go. When that happens, the defrost cycle might not work properly, which means ice builds up and melts in all the wrong places.
A fridge leaking water inside could be a sign something’s wearing out behind the scenes. If you’ve checked all the basics and water’s still showing up, it’s time to bring in someone who knows what they’re looking at.
That’s where we come in
At Sydney Appliance Repairs, we’ve been helping Sydney homes deal with fridge problems big and small. A fridge leaking water inside might not seem like an emergency — but it’s usually something you want fixed sooner rather than later.
We work on all the big brands, and we carry common spare parts so we can sort most problems on the spot. Our team is local, quick, and experienced. And we’ll always talk you through the issue before starting any work, so there are no surprises.
What we offer:
- Fast fridge repairs across Sydney
- Friendly, down-to-earth service
- Genuine parts
- Clear pricing
- Help with both new and older models
We know your fridge is one of the most used appliances in the house. So when it starts acting up — leaking water, making noise, not cooling — we’re ready to help.
Call Sydney Appliance Repairs today
If your fridge is leaking water inside, don’t wait for it to get worse. We’ll check everything from seals to drains to filters and get things back to normal.
A fridge leaking water inside isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a warning sign. But it doesn’t have to turn into a big drama. Whether it’s a quick clean-out or a part that needs replacing, we’ll take care of it.
Because let’s be honest — no one wants a fridge that doubles as a fishpond.