Lg Refrigerator: leaking ice maker

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing water leaking from your LG refrigerator's ice maker? This issue often arises from a variety of causes, including a turned-off ice maker, water line problems, or clogs in the drain line. Addressing the source of the leak promptly can help prevent further damage and maintain the efficiency of your appliance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG official guidance indicates that having the ice maker turned OFF allows warmer air into the ice compartment causing ice to melt and leak. (LG IN
  • Some LG models may have specific fill tube alignments and water inlet configurations; consult your model manual

Possible Causes

Ice maker turned off leading to ice melting and dripping

How to Identify: Ice maker turned off and warm air entering freezer, ice melting instead of producing solid ice

Part: Ice maker control

Water inlet valve or water line issue

How to Identify: Leak tracing back to water supply line or valve connection to ice maker, often continuous dripping

Part: Water inlet valve/line

Misaligned or damaged fill tube

How to Identify: Water leaking around ice maker fill tube during fill cycle, visible misalignment or damage

Part: Ice maker fill tube

Clogged or frozen drain line causing backflow

How to Identify: Water pooling near ice compartment, slow drainage from ice maker

Part: Ice maker drain line

Overfilling due to water pressure issues

How to Identify: Ice maker traps too much water in molds leading to overflow leaks

Part: Water pressure regulator/inlet

DIY Solutions

Ensure Ice Maker Is Turned On

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate ice maker power switch or control in freezer
  2. Turn ice maker function to ON to prevent warm air flooding the compartment

Inspect and Tighten Water Line Connections

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, Towel
  1. Turn off water supply to refrigerator
  2. Inspect water line connections at back of fridge and ice maker
  3. Tighten any loose fittings and ensure no kinks in line
⚠️ Safety First: Shut off water to avoid flooding

Straighten/Realign Fill Tube

Moderate 20 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver (if needed to access)
  1. Locate ice maker fill tube
  2. Check for misalignment or damage
  3. Realign tube to proper position per manual

Check for Clogs in Drain Line

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Flexible brush or pipe cleaner
  1. Unplug refrigerator
  2. Access drain line for ice maker (consult manual)
  3. Carefully clear any visible ice or debris causing blockage
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug unit before accessing internal lines

Professional Repairs

Replace Faulty Water Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Ice Maker Assembly Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Persistent water leak after tightening connections and checking alignment
Leak continues with water supply on even after shutoff and DIY checks
Signs of internal component failure like broken fill tube or inlet valve

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect water lines and connections: Leaks due to loose fittings or worn hoses
    Frequency: quarterly
  • Clean ice maker components and drain lines: Clogs and backflow leaks
    Frequency: biannually
  • Replace water filter on schedule: Clogged filters affecting water flow and pressure
    Frequency: as manufacturer recommends (e.g., every 6 months)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Refrigerator leaking ice maker?
Common causes include a turned-off ice maker, water inlet valve issues, a misaligned fill tube, clogged drain lines, or overfilling.
How do I fix LG Refrigerator leaking ice maker myself?
Ensure the ice maker is on, tighten water line connections, realign the fill tube, or check for clogs in the drain line.
How much does it cost to fix leaking ice maker?
Professional repairs typically range from $50 to $300, depending on whether you need to replace the water inlet valve or the ice maker assembly.
When should I call a technician for leaking ice maker?
Consider calling a technician if the problem persists after DIY fixes or if you're uncomfortable performing advanced repairs.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged or frozen defrost drain
  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Improper door seal allowing warm air in

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clear the defrost drain. Locate the drain at the bottom of the freezer, remove any ice buildup, and ensure it is not clogged with debris.

  2. Inspect and replace the water inlet valve if it is leaking or malfunctioning. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the valve, and install a new one.

  3. Replace the door seal on the ice room door to prevent warm air from leaking in. Remove the old seal and install a new one, ensuring it fits snugly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Ice Maker Leaking

Community Discussions

ice maker leaking and forming a sheet of ice underneath the ice storage container

Replace the door seal on the ice room door to prevent warm air from leaking in.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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