What are the common reasons why a refrigerator leaks water?

Residential refrigerators can leak water due to several common plumbing, condensation, and drainage malfunctions occurring inside or beneath the appliance. The most frequent reason is a clogged or frozen defrost drain line choked with food debris, slime, or solid ice, which causes auto-defrost water to overflow inside the cabinet and pool on the floor. Other common causes include a cracked or misaligned evaporation pan near the compressor that fails to hold and evaporate water, loose or leaking plastic water supply line fittings connected to an automatic ice maker or water dispenser, a worn-out water filter housing, or rubber door gaskets that allow warm, humid kitchen air to enter and create heavy condensation. You can troubleshoot leaks easily by inspecting interior and exterior components. You can verify that your corrective action is successful when clearing drain clogs, tightening fittings, or replacing seals stops all water leaks.