Why Is My Wine Fridge Leaking Water - How to Fix and Prevent
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Why Is My Wine Fridge Leaking Water – How to Fix/Prevent?

David J Sharp
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So you’ve headed over to your wine fridge to get a nice bottle of red or white wine, and you’ve noticed there’s a leak. Not good!

However, not to fear. Because in this article, we’re going to be discussing the reasons why a wine fridge may leak, alongside all of the tips and tricks to help fix it.

Therefore, without further ado, let’s get into it!

Can a wine refrigerator leak?

Yes, a wine fridge can leak. This can happen for a few reasons, one, in particular, being if a bottle breaks and the wine ends up leaking from the unit. However, this isn’t the most common reason. 

Let’s discuss the main reason why your wine refrigerators may leak water.

What’s the reason why a wine fridge will leak?

Condensation is the cause of wine cooler leaks. A wine cooler is likely to experience excessive condensation due to a gap somewhere in the appliance that allows warm air inside. Condensation increases dramatically when excess moisture finds its way into your wine cooler through the gaps in the appliance, leaving stagnant water in the bottom.

Even though a wine cooler leak is not the worst possible problem, it remains a pressing issue you should address quickly. Here are some tips and ways to prevent your wine fridge from leaking.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Wine Fridge Leaks

Due to the fact that wine cooler leaks result from excessive condensation, it is only natural to combat the problem by controlling the condensation issue. There are some simple things you can do to fix your leakage problem and prevent it from happening again.

Inspect And Replace Damaged Seals.

Seals play an important part in keeping your appliance in good condition. They keep your wine cooler‘s interior at the right temperature by preventing moisture from building up in it. As soon as you see excessive moisture build up in your wine cooler, check to ensure that the seals are in good working order.

What exactly do you need to check for?

Check for any gaps – A seal can sometimes become wiggled out of place. Whenever there are gaps around a moisture barrier, simply push it back into place.

Make sure the seal is not torn or cracked – Pressing it back into place won’t help if you notice any cracks or tears. The moisture barrier should be replaced if deteriorated.

In addition, ensure there are no cracks or gaps in the ceiling or floor of the appliance that could allow warm air in. If you notice any signs of wear and tear on your appliance, you should consult an expert technician.

Set the Ideal Temperature

There is a good possibility that this tip won’t completely solve your leak problem, but it is something to consider when dealing with condensation issues. If possible, set the minimum temperature of your wine fridge to 51 degrees or higher. This temperature will keep your wine fridge from accumulating too much condensation and humidity.

Clean Any Dirty Seals

As your wine cooler ages, the seals will accumulate dirt in their cracks, preventing your appliance from sealing properly. In order to prevent these issues, you should check your seals twice a year for dirt, and if you find any, you should clean them.

Try Not To Open The Fridge Too Frequently

It’s important to remember that wine refrigerator leaks are caused by condensation. Condensation occurs when warm air enters the cellar. If you want to stop or prevent your refrigerator from leaking water, you need to control how frequently you open it.

In the event that you have guests over for the evening, try to avoid regularly opening the unit and instead use a bucket of ice to keep the drinks cold. This is even easier if your unit is located in the wine cellar or a wine cabinet, so you’re not having to walk back and forth.

Place Some Baking Soda Into Your Wine Refrigerator

We typically think about baking soda as a product to use when deodorizing wine coolers and refrigerators, when in fact it can also be a great moisture absorber. Therefore, placing a small amount of baking soda in your wine fridge can help absorb any excess moisture and humidity.

Signs of Physical Damage to the Wine Fridge

In case your seals look fine and the leak persists, then it may be your actual wine fridge that is to blame. Take a close look at your unit for signs of damage. The smallest crack in your refrigerator can lead to leaks, and it should be repaired.

In the case of wine fridge damage, you should contact the manufacturer to see if they have any recommendations on how to fix it. It’s more likely, however, that you’ll have to buy a new device since cracks and other issues are difficult to repair and might not leave you with an airtight seal.

Inspect the Drainpipe

The drainpipe is another area you should not overlook. Clogged drainpipes result in the wine fridge not being able to get rid of excess condensation, which might lead to leaks. Although there may be times when professional help is needed, you can often remove some clogs on your own by following the steps below:

  1. Remove your wine bottles and place them in another cool place (preferably another wine fridge)
  2. Disconnect the drain pipe from the wine refrigerator.
  3. You can try pushing the clog through the drainpipe with a snake.
  4. Put some baking soda in the drain.
  5. Fill the drain with hot water.
  6. Check to see if the clog has been removed. In the event that it hasn’t, repeat the process.
  7. In the event that you are unable to fix the clog by yourself, there might be a problem with the drainpipe or there may be something lodged. In this case, it would require professional assistance from a wine cooler repair specialist.

Conclusion

It may seem as if a leaking wine fridge is a cause for alarm, but it isn’t. It is common for wine fridge leaks to be caused by too much condensation that is seeping out, regardless of whether your seals are damaged. In order to prevent leaks, reduce how much you open the door, check for drainpipe clogs, and ensure that the seal does not have holes or cracks.

David J Sharp is a wine equipment expert, having previously worked with some of the best wine cooler manufacturers within the USA. Today he works as a full-time wine cooler and wine cellar consultant for small and large clients alike. You can find out more about LoveCraftWines here.

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