Why is my refrigerator water dispenser leaking?

Trapped Air

If the water is dripping from the water dispenser, this is normally caused by air in the water dispenser system lines. The water is chilled by going through a coiled up section of water tubing in the back of the refrigerator compartment. To stop the dripping, try purging water as constantly as possible through the water dispenser for 3 minutes. Use as large of a container as possible to keep the dispenser running as constantly as possible to purge this water through the dispenser. This will likely eliminate any air through the dispenser water lines that could be causing the drip.

Water Valve or Pressure

If you still have a drip after conducting this procedure, then we recommend that you check the water pressure that you have supplied to the refrigerator. Shut off the water supply cut-off valve to the refrigerator and remove the water line connected to the back of the refrigerator. Place the end of this water line in a bucket and briefly turn on the water supply briefly to check the water pressure and flow from this line to make sure that it is adequate. If it is weak, it could be causing your problem.

If the water supply provided to the refrigerator is adequate, you could have a failed inlet water valve assembly. In this instance, you'll need to replace the valve to stop the leak. Unless you are experienced with these types of appliance repairs, it is best to call a professional to take care of changing out this component.

Empty the Catch Pan

Below the dispenser, there is usually a grate where excess dripped water collects. This area will hold a small amount of water during times when you pull your glass away too fast or someone presses the release with no cup underneath. Eventually, if there is enough spillage, this catch area can overflow. You may notice water trickling down from the dispenser area, running in streams down the front of the refrigerator. You may mistake this for a dispenser problem, but it is actually just a housekeeping error. Empty the removable grate from time to time to make sure it doesn't overflow, as it does not have a drain.

Normal Dribble

Sometimes there is a normal drip from the refrigerator's water dispenser. If water splashes off of ice cubes or a glass is removed too quickly, the dispenser may appear to be leaking. But it will stop shortly. The splashed water will probably drip below for a moment and then stop, and some dispensers may drip for a few seconds or more after the glass is removed.