Can A Refrigerator Get Wet

A refrigerator is an essential appliance that keeps your food fresh and cold. But what happens if a refrigerator gets wet? Can it cause damage to the fridge or your home? Can it be fixed or should it be replaced?

The answer depends on how and where the refrigerator gets wet. If the refrigerator gets wet from a spill, a leak, or condensation, it may not cause much harm as long as you wipe it dry quickly and check for any signs of malfunction. However, if the refrigerator gets wet from a flood, a burst pipe, or a fire sprinkler, it can cause serious damage to the fridge and your home.

In this case, you should turn off the power and gas supply to the fridge, disconnect it from the water line, and call a professional for inspection and repair.

How a Refrigerator Can Get Wet

There are different ways that a refrigerator can get wet, ranging from minor to major incidents. Some of the common causes are:

• Spill: If you spill something on or near the fridge, such as water, juice, or milk, it can drip down to the floor or the back of the fridge. This can cause stains, odors, or mold growth if not cleaned up promptly.
• Leak: If there is a leak in the fridge itself, such as from the ice maker, water dispenser, drain pan, or door seal, it can cause water to pool under or behind the fridge. This can damage the floor, wall, or electrical components if not fixed quickly.
• Condensation: If there is high humidity or temperature fluctuation in the room where the fridge is located, it can cause condensation to form on the outside or inside of the fridge. This can create moisture and rust on the metal parts or mold and mildew on the rubber parts if not dried regularly.
• Flood: If there is a flood in your home due to heavy rain, storm surge, sewer backup, or broken pipe, it can submerge your fridge in water. This can ruin the fridge’s compressor, motor, circuit board, and insulation if not replaced immediately.
• Fire sprinkler: If there is a fire in your home and the fire sprinkler system is activated, it can spray water on your fridge. This can short-circuit the fridge’s electrical components or cause corrosion if not repaired soon.

How to Prevent and Fix a Wet Refrigerator

Depending on how and where your refrigerator gets wet, there are different steps you can take to prevent and fix the problem. Here are some tips:

• Spill: If you spill something on or near your fridge, wipe it up as soon as possible with a cloth or paper towel. Use a mild detergent and water to clean any sticky or greasy residue. Check under and behind the fridge for any spills that may have reached there. Dry everything thoroughly with another cloth or paper towel.
• Leak: If you notice a leak in your fridge, try to identify the source and stop it. For example, if the leak is from the ice maker or water dispenser, turn off the water supply valve behind the fridge. If the leak is from the drain pan or door seal, check for any cracks or clogs and replace them if necessary. Use a towel or sponge to soak up any water under or behind the fridge. Dry everything completely with another towel or sponge.
• Condensation: If you see condensation on your fridge, try to reduce the humidity or temperature fluctuation in the room. For example, use a dehumidifier or an exhaust fan to lower the moisture level. Avoid opening and closing the fridge door too frequently or placing hot food inside. Wipe off any condensation with a cloth or paper towel. Dry everything well with another cloth or paper towel.
• Flood: If your fridge is flooded by water, do not attempt to turn it on or use it. Turn off the power and gas supply to your home at the main switch or valve. Disconnect your fridge from the water line by turning off the water supply valve behind it. Move your fridge away from the water source if possible. Call a professional appliance repair service to inspect and repair your fridge.
• Fire sprinkler: If your fridge is sprayed by water from a fire sprinkler system, do not try to turn it on or use it. Turn off the power and gas supply to your home at the main switch or valve. Disconnect your fridge from the water line by turning off the water supply valve behind it. Move your fridge away from the water source if possible. Call a professional appliance repair service to inspect and repair your fridge.

Conclusion

A refrigerator can get wet from various causes, such as spills, leaks, condensation, floods, or fire sprinklers. Some of these causes may not pose much harm to your fridge or your home as long as you clean and dry them quickly and check for any signs of malfunction. However, some of these causes may cause serious damage to your fridge and your home and require professional help to fix them.