Samsung refrigerators have become the most sought-after devices on the market due to ergonomics, practicality and aesthetics. In addition, the manufacturer of refrigerators guarantees high performance and constant maintenance of the desired temperature inside the chamber.
However, sometimes Samsung appliances start to malfunction. In the case of refrigerators, they may start to leak. This might get you excited if you’re facing this kind of issue. But do not worry too much, because this problem is quite common not only among Samsung refrigerators but also among representatives of other brands.
If we talk about Samsung refrigerators, then most often the cause of leakage can be:
- Clogged defrosting drain;
- Broken water supply valve;
- Faulty built-in water filter.
Moreover, these breakdowns and failures can cause not only water leakage from the refrigerator, but also the appearance of water in the water filter, food storage compartments and other places. Moreover, due to the fact that two cooling lines are built into Samsung refrigerators, the above problems can affect both the freezer and the refrigerator compartments.
How to determine exactly what the problem is
To most accurately determine the root of the problem, you need to pay attention to where and where exactly the water flows. For example, water may appear in one of the compartments of the refrigerator or freezer, on the floor, on the water filter.
The next thing to do is to consider the signs of each of the causes, compare them with the symptoms that you have.
If water flows to the floor
Typically, there are two significant causes that cause water to leak from the refrigerator onto the floor: a broken water supply valve and a blockage in the defrost drain. But there are others that are less common.
Broken water supply valve
On Samsung refrigerators that have an ice making function or a special water dispenser, additional plumbing is expected to be included. In other words, a tube is attached to the back of the refrigerator, through which water moves from the refrigerator and to the refrigerator.
Additional plumbing can also cause a particular problem. So, if the water supply valve is faulty, then there is a high probability that water will flow onto the floor.
To solve the problem, you must first determine whether water is dripping from the valve due to an accident or due to a loose fit of parts. Therefore, first of all, you need to make sure that the pipeline is firmly connected to the water outlet pipe on the refrigerator. If in this regard the devices are firmly connected, then the water supply elements are faulty. In this case, only a complete replacement of parts with new ones will help.
Clogged defrosting drain
During the operation of the refrigerator, frost forms on the walls. This is an absolutely normal process, since when the door is opened, the air from the refrigerator exchanges heat with the air from the environment. In order to prevent layers of frost from becoming ice, manufacturers have added an automatic defrost system, a defrost drain and a drain pan where water flows. Moreover, the chance that the drain pan overflows is minimal.
The automatic regular defrosting process of the refrigerator increases the humidity as the accumulated frost begins to melt. However, during long-term operation of the refrigerator, the drain for thawed frost may become clogged with small pieces of ice, which are layered and turn into an impenetrable partition.
And in the event that there is a blockage in the defrosting drain, the water will not be able to freely pass through the pipe, which means that excess water will come out in a different way, for example, pour onto the floor.
The good news is that fixing this problem is quite simple. The first thing you need to do is find this very drain, usually it is a small hole that is located at the back of the refrigerator. Instructions can also help in the search. After that, you need to pour hot water into this drain, to make it easier, use a funnel.
Overflowing drain pan
This is the least likely cause of a refrigerator leak. However, you can consider this option, if only to narrow down the options for possible causes.
So, at the bottom of each Samsung refrigerator there is a drain pan, its task is to ensure that the water that appears from melting does not flow out. However, if this tray overflows, the water will still flow out and leave puddles in the room.
To solve the problem, remove the drip tray and pour out the contents. But if this problem bothers you too often and if you often have to empty the water from the pan, then the problem is a clogged defrost drain, and a full pan is just a symptom.
If water flows from the dispenser
Samsung refrigerators that are equipped with a water dispenser may leak in the area around the dispenser. This is due to the fact that:
- Air has accumulated in the water supply system;
- The water filter was initially installed incorrectly.
It is worth familiarizing yourself with the signs of each of the problems in more detail.
Air has accumulated in the water supply system
Air in the water supply system can cause water leakage problems. This problem occurs in new Samsung refrigerators. Fixing this problem is easy enough: you just need to flush the entire system to remove air bubbles.
For rinsing, several liters of water must be passed through the dispenser so that the water flows continuously. In order not to waste water, you can substitute a container and drain a cloud of water, so that you can reuse it later. In this case, the air spaces will be filled with water. After that, the problem should be solved, and you can start using the system again.
Incorrect installation of the water filter
The water filter is present in all Samsung refrigerators that have a dispenser hole and/or that have an ice making function. To determine exactly where the water filter is located, refer to the instructions, or go to the official website of the manufacturer and find the answer to your question there. It is usually located in the middle inner part of the refrigerator.
If the filter is defective, it must be replaced. This must be done in accordance with the instructions, otherwise air will enter the water supply system, which will create another problem, since air also causes water to leak. Check several times the correctness of your actions. After installation, you need to pass a few liters of water through the dispenser. Water can fill all air spaces.
If water flows from under the boxes
As a rule, the humidity level in the fruit compartments is different from the humidity level in the rest of the device. This is required in order to keep the fruit fresh for a long period of time. However, water can also leak from under the drawers. If this happens, then the boxes are not the root cause of the leak. The problem is most likely a clogged defrosting drain.
This can be explained by the fact that a clogged defrosting drain prevents water formed from melted frost from leaving the refrigerator. Then internal leaks begin, which, in turn, entail external leaks, including under the fruit compartments.
Of course, you can drain the water from the compartments each time so that it does not leak out, but this is a treatment for the symptoms, not the problem.
If water flows from the filter
In this case, leaks do not occur due to the water filter, but in the filter itself. A leak is primarily a sign of a problem, for example:
- Incorrect installation of the water filter;
- Deformation of the water filter: chips, cracks, scratches, etc.;
- The new water filter is not the same brand as the refrigerator;
- Damage at the very base of the filter.
As in the previous cases, it is necessary to deal with each of the reasons in order to accurately identify your case.
Incorrect filter installation
Incorrect installation of the filter entails the ingress of air into the system. And the air, in turn, provokes water leaks. That is why you need to thoroughly approach the process of installing the filter. Be sure to read the instructions and user manual first.
Cracks in the base of the filter
The basis of the filter is the filter block. Failure of this element entails incorrect operation of the entire system. This is especially true when the filter head or the area around it is deformed.
A damaged filter head prevents water from passing quickly and freely. Due to the fact that the filter is located inside the refrigerator body, that is, it cannot be seen from the outside, the problem with it will become apparent only when massive and significant water leaks begin. It is worth checking the water filter after you have checked the most common cause – a blockage in the defrost drain.
Water filter deformation: chips, cracks, scratches
Any damage to the water filter may also cause water leakage. Since water in the refrigerator passes through it, any damage disables the system. If none of the above reasons apply to your case, it is worth checking the filter. Moreover, only a professional with the proper skills and knowledge can replace the filter; you cannot do it yourself.
To detect this problem, you will need to find the filter housing. The manual and user manual can help with this. Next, inspect the part externally: if you notice cracks, chips, scratches and any other deformation, install a new filter.
Now there are many replacement filters on the market, which are several times cheaper than original Samsung filters. However, the cheapness may hide the incompatibility of the device with the new filter, since the Samsung mechanism is far from the simplest, so other manufacturers are unlikely to be able to recreate exactly what is required.
This applies not only to fake filters. Even parts from other equally popular brands may not fit the Samsung refrigerator and cause a leak. That is why it is necessary to buy parts and filters only from the manufacturer whose equipment you use. This guarantees not only compatibility, but also reliability.
Undoubtedly, original Samsung products are more expensive than copies and even parts from other brands. But for the constant uninterrupted operation of the refrigerator, it is required to buy them. Otherwise, the part may not fit the refrigerator, and also cause new breakdowns.