Moderate

Refrigerator Water Line Leak

Refrigerator ice maker and water line leak restoration

Understanding Refrigerator Water Line Leak

Refrigerator water line leaks are a silent threat that causes significant water damage in thousands of homes each year. The small plastic or copper water line that supplies your ice maker and water dispenser runs behind or under the refrigerator, often out of sight and out of mind—until it fails.

In South Florida, refrigerator water lines face additional stress from our hard water, which can cause mineral buildup and corrosion. The lines also endure repeated stress from moving the refrigerator for cleaning or repairs. Over time, connections loosen, lines crack, or fittings fail, releasing a steady stream of water that goes unnoticed.

Because refrigerators typically sit against walls and over flooring, water from these leaks pools underneath, soaking into subfloors and traveling behind walls. Many homeowners don't discover the damage until they smell mold, notice warped flooring, or move the refrigerator and find extensive damage. Our team specializes in detecting and restoring this often hidden water damage.

Why You Need to Act Fast

Refrigerator water line leaks are particularly damaging because they often go undetected for extended periods. Water continuously seeps under the unit, saturating subfloors and traveling into wall cavities. By the time you notice signs like warped flooring or odors, significant damage and mold growth may have occurred. Immediate professional inspection and drying is crucial.

Common Causes of Refrigerator Water Line Leak

Cracked or worn plastic supply line
Loose connection at water valve or refrigerator
Corroded copper tubing from hard water
Damaged fitting from moving the refrigerator
Defective ice maker water inlet valve
Kinked line causing pressure buildup
Frozen and burst water line
Improper original installation

Prevention Tips

1
Inspect the water line annually for wear or damage
2
Replace plastic lines with braided steel supply lines
3
Check connections when cleaning behind refrigerator
4
Don't kink the line when pushing refrigerator back
5
Install a water leak detector behind the refrigerator
6
Turn off water supply when away for extended periods

Dealing with Refrigerator Water Line Leak?

Don't wait – damage gets worse with time. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 across South Florida.