Ice maker leaking water: possible causes and fixes

Sometimes ice in the ice bin can clump together, then get stuck in the chute on its way to your glass. As warm air from your kitchen works its way up the chute, the ice may begin to melt and leak water. Use a long plastic or wooden handle to check for jammed ice by sliding the handle up into the shoot and gently moving it from side to side. If the clump is too lodged to release, remove and defrost the ice bin. You may also want to place a towel below the chute as the ice thaws.

Water that accumulates in the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, or behind the fridge, may come from a loosely connected water hose. Check that the hose is secured on both ends. You can reference your user manual for more information on installing your refrigerator’s water line. 

Ice in the ice maker can start to melt from normal temperature fluctuations. An out-of-balance refrigerator or ice bin could cause the water from melted ice to pool in the bin, rather than travel to the drain designed to clear it out. Use a leveler to make sure both your refrigerator and ice maker are level, then adjust them accordingly. 

A water spigot fills the ice tray, also known as the fill cup, in your ice maker. If the spigot isn’t aligned with the cup, water may pool on the bottom of the ice maker and leak out before it has a chance to freeze. Inspect your ice maker to make sure the spigot and cup are aligned, referencing your owner’s manual as needed.

Your refrigerator’s defrost drain is typically located at the bottom back of the freezer and is meant to carry away excess condensation or leaks. The drain may be blocked if you notice water puddling in the refrigerator, or leaking through the bottom door seal onto your kitchen floor. Check your user manual to find out where the defrost drain is in your fridge, then inspect and remove blockages like food particles or ice formations.