Where Appliance Leaks Come From
Refrigeration leaks are usually melt water that has nowhere to go, most often a frozen or clogged defrost drain, or a supply line that has split. Dishwasher leaks come from seals, hoses and inlet valves. Either way, the fix depends on tracing the water back to its origin rather than treating the puddle.
Common Causes and What We Check
| Source | Likely Cause | What a Technician Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Under a refrigerator | Frozen or clogged defrost drain | Clear the drain, confirm defrost cycle |
| Ice or water dispenser | Split line or loose fitting | Inspect and reseat the water line |
| Dishwasher door | Gasket, alignment, inlet valve | Seal, door fit, fill level |
| Under a dishwasher | Pump seal or hose clamp | Pump, hoses and connections |
Notes by Brand
Sub-Zero: Water under a built-in is most often a defrost drain that froze at the trough; clearing it and checking the heater resolves the leak. Diagnosis is symptom-based.
Cove, Miele and Bosch: Dishwasher leaks on these lines usually trace to the door gasket or a pump seal; Bosch models may also trigger an anti-flood response we confirm at the base tray.
Thermador and KitchenAid: Inlet valve overfill and worn door seals are the recurring dishwasher leak sources.
Viking and Liebherr: On refrigeration, a split dispenser line or a drain clog are the common culprits.
Protect the Floor
Place a towel and a shallow pan to catch water, and if the leak is steady, shut off the appliance's water supply until a technician can trace and seal the source.
When to Book a Repair
Because these kitchens sit on finished floors, a leak is worth handling quickly. Book a refrigerator or dishwasher repair and we will find and seal the source.
Leak Spreading?
Book a visit. Diagnostic and travel fees, if applicable, are confirmed before the appointment and before repair approval.