Refrigerators have a pan that collects water from the air. This is called the condensate pan or drain pan.
The water usually evaporates, but if it doesn’t, the pan might overflow. If you see black liquid leaking, it might mean that your drain pan is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
There are a few reasons why your drain pan might overflow. One possibility is that the refrigerator is set to too low of a temperature, causing it to produce more condensation than it can evaporate.
Another possibility is that the refrigerator doesn’t have enough refrigerant, which is the fuel that powers the cooling system.
You can remove the pan and drain it for now. Clean the pan with your sink sprayer and a kitchen sponge.
Put the pan back under the fridge and call an appliance repair technician to find out what is wrong.
Your refrigerator might be leaking compressor oil
If your fridge has also stopped cooling, it might be because the compressor has broken. The compressor is what makes the refrigerant go through the cooling system in your fridge. If it’s broken, that means there might be a leak.
If your refrigerator starts leaking water, you need to unplug it and call an appliance repair service. Be sure to keep any small children or pets away from the spill, as there may be dangerous chemicals involved.
It is possible for the tech to replace or repair the compressor, but you might find it more cost effective to simply buy a new refrigerator if a compressor leak is the problem.
What to do if your fridge is leaking black liquid?
If the fridge is leaking black liquid, the first thing you should do is unplug it and call a technician.
Liquid leaking from a fridge usually means there is a problem with the compressor or condenser and it needs to be fixed by a professional.
If you continue to use the fridge, it could cause more damage and end up costing you more money in repairs.
You risk running into problems like:
- Fridge not cooling properly
- Food spoiling
- Electrical issues
- Water damage
So, if you fridge is leaking black liquid, unplug it and call a technician as soon as possible.
This type of leakage usually means that there is an issue with the compressor or condenser, which can cause more damage the longer it goes untreated.
In addition to risking further damage to your fridge, continuing to use it could also lead to spoiled food, electrical problems, and water damage.
All of these things can end up costing you more money in repairs, so it is best to nip the problem in the bud by unplugging the fridge and calling a technician.
What black fluid leaks from a refrigerator?
Refrigerators use a compressor to pump refrigerant gas around the system. When the gas starts to leak it turns black as it reacts with the air.
It could also be compressor oil that is leaking. This oil is used to lubricate the compressor and turns black as it leaks.
If your refrigerator is leaking black fluid and you continue to use the fridge with a refrigerant or oil leak can be dangerous and cause further damage to the appliance.
In most cases the problem can be fix by a fridge repair professional, however if the issue is not resolved it could lead to the need for a new fridge.
Besides the fact that getting a new fridge is more expensive it may also be good for the environment. Most modern refrigerators are much more energy efficient than older models.
If you have an old fridge that is starting to leak black fluid, it may be time to start shopping for a new one.
How to find the source of the leak?
Check the seals around the doors and compressors. If they’re loose, that’s where the liquid is leaking from.
If this does not help you find the leak you can follow these steps:
- Pull the appliance away from the wall.
- Disconnect the power cord.
- Remove the back panel.
- Inspect the evaporator coils and look for any cracks or holes.
- Replace the damaged parts and reassemble the fridge.
Now your fridge should be fine again. If not there is probably no way around consulting a professional technician.
How to fix a fridge that’s leaking black liquid?
If your fridge is leaking black liquid, it’s important to clean the condenser coils. These are the coils that help to cool the fridge.
If they’re not clean, they won’t be able to do their job properly. To clean them, simply remove them from the fridge and scrub them with a stiff brush.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up any dirt and debris.
If cleaning the coils doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the seals on the doors or the compressor.
These are parts that can wear out over time and cause leaks. To replace them, you’ll need to contact a professional appliance repair person.
Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the entire fridge. This is usually a last resort, but it may be necessary if your fridge is very old or damaged.
If you decide to replace your fridge, be sure to choose one that’s the same size and model as your current fridge so it will fit in the same space.
How long it will take for your fridge to be fixed?
It can take up to two weeks for a fridge to be repaired, depending on the extent of the damage.
If your fridge is leaking black liquid, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
In the meantime, you can try to clean up the mess and prevent any more liquid from leaking by using a bowl or tray to catch the drips.
Once your fridge is fixed, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any residue from the leak.
