Water on the patio or in the cabinet below an outdoor refrigerator is alarming, but it is often condensation or a clogged drain. Houston humidity makes it show up more than it would in a dry climate.
Where the Water Comes From
- A blocked defrost drain. Water that cannot leave the cabinet backs up and spills out.
- A door gasket that does not seal. Humid air gets in, condenses and drips.
- An unlevel unit. Water collects at one edge instead of reaching the drain.
- Rain or sprinkler spray. Check whether the water comes from outside the unit before blaming the unit.
A Simple Way to Sort It Out
- Dry the area and the shelf thoroughly.
- Check the level front to back and side to side.
- Look for ice built up in the back of the cabinet, which can mean a drain is frozen or clogged.
- Watch for a day and note whether the water returns after the door has been opened a lot.
What Not to Do
Do not poke at the drain with sharp objects, and do not pour hot water into a unit that is plugged in. If water has reached the electrical parts, or the outlet nearby is wet, shut the power off at the breaker and leave it off until it has dried and been checked.
What We Check
We look at the drain path, the gasket, the level and the fan that moves air over the coil. A puddle does not tell us which of those is the cause, so we confirm before suggesting a part. On an older unit, we also tell you if the repair is worth it.
Water that keeps returning is worth a visit: call us or use our online form, and a three-hour arrival window gets confirmed for your outdoor refrigeration repair.