ice maker

Leaky Ice Maker Leads to Mold and Water Damage

Mold Restoration

We regularly deal with leaks in kitchens. One common cause is when the ice-maker in the refrigerator begins to leak and then leaves water damage in its wake. Sometimes these leaks are minor and go for several days or even weeks before they are discovered.

Leaky Ice Maker: From Discovery to Full Restoration

We recently had a job where the client found the leak and saw mold behind the refrigerator in his Old Town East home. This client is a single man who travels a lot for work, so he did not discover it until it had gone on for some time. He called us to perform mold remediation, but this job was not as simple as that.

Because the job parameters included water restoration and mold mitigation, we told the homeowner to check with his insurance as he should have coverage for the damages. He checked with his agent and found he was able to file a claim.

The homeowner removed some drywall and insulation, but our team removed more walls and more mold. In addition, we had to remove the laminate flooring in the kitchen as it was trapping water underneath. The subfloor was saturated and soft due to the ongoing leak. We cleaned the surface with a germicidal lamp, which uses ultraviolet C light (UV-C) to disinfect and kill harmful bacteria. After it dried, we encapsulated it with mold-resistant paint once we deemed the subfloor was salvageable. 

Due to the homeowner’s schedule, we sent a technician to his home at 7 pm on a Sunday to finish the job. We completed the work swiftly, and we worked around the homeowner’s schedule since he travels frequently. The client was very thankful for the speed and flexibility with which we conducted the restoration.

ice maker
ice maker
ice maker
ice maker
ice maker
Photos from our restoration.

Preventing Ice Maker Water Damage in Your Home

While leaks can happen unexpectedly, a few preventive steps can save you from costly repairs:

  • Inspect regularly: Pull the refrigerator away from the wall every few months and check the water line for wear or moisture.
  • Replace old hoses: If your ice maker line is over five years old, replace it with a braided steel line for better durability.
  • Install a water leak detector: Small sensors placed behind the fridge can alert you to leaks early.
  • Check humidity levels: Columbus homes often experience high humidity in summer—use a dehumidifier to reduce condensation buildup.

Following these precautions can prevent leaks before they escalate into serious damage.

Act Fast: Protect Your Columbus Home from Ice Maker Water Damage

A leaky ice maker might seem minor, but even a slow drip can cause thousands of dollars in hidden damage. If you notice moisture near your refrigerator, a musty smell, or warped flooring, don’t wait—address it before mold or structural problems spread.

At PuroClean Fire & Water Experts of Columbus, we specialize in fast, reliable restoration for ice maker leaks, appliance water damage, and mold remediation. Our certified technicians respond 24/7, using industry-leading drying and sanitization methods to protect your home and health.

We proudly serve Columbus, Dublin, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding Central Ohio communities with professionalism, speed, and care. Call (614) 309-5739 today or visit our website to schedule an inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell if my ice maker is leaking?
Look for small puddles under the refrigerator, a musty smell, or warped flooring. You might also notice reduced ice production or the sound of dripping water.

2. Can an ice maker cause mold?
Yes. Even a slow, hidden leak can create enough moisture for mold to grow behind walls, under flooring, or inside cabinets.

3. How much damage can an ice maker leak cause?
A leak running for just a few days can soak drywall, insulation, and subflooring—potentially leading to thousands of dollars in repairs if ignored.

4. Will homeowners insurance cover ice maker water damage?
Many policies cover sudden or accidental leaks, but not gradual ones. Always contact your insurance agent as soon as you discover a leak.

5. How soon should I call a professional?
Immediately. Water damage worsens within hours, and mold can begin forming in as little as 24–48 hours.

Summary

  • A leaky ice maker can cause hidden water and mold damage.
  • PuroClean restored a Columbus home affected by an unnoticed refrigerator leak.
  • Regular inspections and water line replacements prevent costly issues.
  • For ice maker leaks or water damage, call PuroClean Fire & Water Experts—your trusted local restoration team.

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