A puddle of water around your commercial refrigerator is more than a cleanup hassle it’s a warning sign that something isn’t working properly. Water leaks can lead to slippery floors, product damage, and even hidden mechanical issues if ignored.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we’ve helped restaurants, grocery stores, and foodservice facilities across Nevada diagnose and repair refrigeration leaks quickly and effectively. Here’s what might be causing the problem and what to do about it.
Common Causes of Refrigerator Leaks
1. Clogged or Frozen Drain Line
One of the most common reasons for a refrigerator leak is a blocked drain line. During normal operation, condensation from the evaporator coil drains into a pan through this line. If the line becomes clogged with debris or ice, water backs up and eventually overflows onto the floor.
Fix: A technician can clear the blockage and ensure proper drainage. Keeping the drain line clean and scheduling regular maintenance prevents this issue from recurring.
2. Damaged or Overflowing Drain Pan
The drain pan collects condensation under the unit. Over time, it can crack, rust, or become misaligned, allowing water to spill out.
Fix: Check the drain pan for cracks or damage. If it’s warped or overflowing, it needs to be replaced or repositioned.
3. Excessive Condensation from Door Gasket Leaks
When door gaskets are worn or damaged, warm air seeps into the cooler. This introduces excess moisture, leading to condensation and water pooling around the base.
Fix: Inspect the door seals regularly. If they’re brittle, cracked, or not sealing properly, replacing them is a simple and effective solution that also improves efficiency.
4. Ice or Frost Buildup on Coils
If your evaporator coils are covered in ice, the system’s defrost cycle may not be working properly. When the ice melts, excess water can leak onto the floor or inside the unit.
Fix: Avoid manually scraping ice and instead call a commercial refrigeration technician to inspect the defrost heater and timer.
5. High Humidity or Improper Airflow
In Nevada’s humid summer months, moisture levels can rise inside your refrigeration system — especially if airflow is blocked. Stacked products, blocked vents, or poorly sealed doors can cause condensation buildup.
Fix: Keep shelves organized, maintain space around air vents, and make sure fans are running properly. This allows air to circulate evenly and reduces moisture inside the unit.
6. Refrigerant or Mechanical Issues
In some cases, water leaks may be a symptom of a deeper issue, such as low refrigerant levels or a failing compressor. These problems affect cooling performance and can cause temperature imbalances that lead to condensation.
Fix: Schedule an inspection with a refrigeration repair company to identify the source. Catching refrigerant or mechanical problems early helps prevent system failure and costly downtime.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Even small leaks can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked:
- Mold or mildew growth inside or around the cooler
- Water damage to flooring or walls
- Slip-and-fall hazards for employees
- Increased energy use and system strain
Prompt repairs keep your equipment efficient and your workplace safe.
Prevent Leaks with Routine Maintenance
The best way to avoid water leaks — and unexpected downtime — is through preventative maintenance. Regular service visits from Buffo’s Refrigeration include coil cleaning, drain inspections, gasket checks, and system testing to catch small issues before they turn into big ones.
Our experienced technicians help restaurants, grocery stores, and foodservice facilities across Nevada maintain dependable, leak-free refrigeration systems year-round.
Schedule Service Today
If your refrigerator or walk-in cooler is leaking water, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration today to schedule a service visit or request a free consultation. We proudly serve Nevada and surrounding areas with expert commercial refrigeration repair, maintenance, and installation.
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