If you discover pools of water in front of and underneath your fridge-freezer, this is most likely caused by a frozen freezer drip pan line. So, why does this happen and how can you fix it?

The Causes of a Frozen Drip Pan Line

Your fridge has an automatic defrost function that is designed to remove any frost that builds up. It does this by melting the frost, creating water that is directed out of a drain in the freezer bottom. The melt-water then drains down the drip pan line and into the drip pan where it is evaporated.

Sometimes, the drain can become blocked, causing the the drip pan line to freeze. The melt-water cannot pass through into the drip pan so it simply leaks out onto the floor.

How to Clear a Frozen Drip Pan Line

1. Start by switching off the power to the appliance and removing the plug from the wall.  
2. Remove the contents from the freezer and place them in an insulated cool bag. You can leave the fridge contents where they are and keep the door closed. This will keep everything cool while you are working.  
3. Now take out the bottom three freezer shelves.  
4. Locate the back wall panel screws and remove them. Removing the screws will expose the drain in the bottom of the freezer compartment. This is the drain that connects to the drip pan line.  
5. Place plenty of paper towels underneath the freezer to mop up any water that pools there while you are thawing the drip pan line.  
6. Now fill up a jug with very hot water. Take a turkey baster and fill it with hot water from the jug. Place the end of the turkey baster into the exposed freezer drain and force the hot water into it. This will melt the ice in the drip pan line.  
7. Continue forcing hot water through the drain until you can hear it draining into the pan, indicating that the drip pan line is thawed and the blockage has been removed.  
8. Make up a solution of 2 cups of very hot water and a teaspoon of baking soda. Load the turkey baster with this solution and force it through the drain line to flush the pipes.  
9. When the drain pipe is clear, re-attach the freezer back wall and replace the shelves.  
10. Finally, put everything back into the freezer, plug the appliance back into the wall, and switch it on.

If you still find puddles of water appearing under your fridge-freezer after the drip pan line has been thawed, contact a freezer repair specialist for more advice.