Why is my LG refrigerator leaking from the bottom?
If your LG LFX25973D refrigerator is leaking from the bottom, the most common causes are a clogged defrost drain that overflows into the base, a leak in the ice maker or water supply circuit, or a drain pan issue that lets water spill underneath. Use the LFX25973D manual to locate access panels and safe service steps.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or handling wiring.
- Confirm the liquid is water (not oily) and note whether it appears after defrost cycles or after using the dispenser/ice maker.
- Pull the unit forward and look for water tracks under the cabinet and around the front leveling legs.
- Check the freezer floor for a sheet of ice (often points to a defrost drain problem).
- If the leak happens only when making ice, focus on the ice maker fill tube and water line connections.
Most likely causes (and what to do)
1) Clogged defrost drain
During defrost, meltwater should flow through a drain tube into the drain pan. If the drain is blocked by ice or debris, water can back up and leak out the bottom.
What to do:
- Clear ice at the drain opening (warm water and a turkey baster work well).
- Flush the drain until water runs freely to the pan.
- If the drain pan is cracked or out of position, inspect/replace the refrigerator defrost drain pan MJS62591901.
2) Ice maker or water supply leak
A loose fitting, cracked line, or a leaking ice maker can drip and run down to the base.
What to do:
- Inspect the ice maker area for frost buildup or dripping.
- Check the inlet valve and tubing connections for seepage.
- If the ice maker housing is leaking, consider replacing the ice maker assembly (AEQ73110203) - refrigerator ice making component by LG AEQ73110203.
Symptom-to-cause guide
| What you notice | Most likely area | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Water after defrost, ice on freezer floor | Defrost drain | Thaw and flush drain |
| Leak only when making ice | Ice maker/fill tube/valve | Inspect fittings and fill tube |
| Water under front, no ice in freezer | Drain pan or tubing | Check pan seating and lines |
Why it matters
Bottom leaks can lead to floor damage and can also indicate ice buildup in the defrost drain that may eventually affect airflow and cooling performance.
Last updated: January 2026
What does FDH mean on the LG refrigerator panel?
On the LG LFX25973D refrigerator, FDH is a defrost-related error that typically points to a problem in the freezer evaporator defrost circuit (heater, wiring, sensor, or control). It often shows up with frost or ice buildup and reduced cooling or airflow. See the LFX25973D manual for model-specific display and reset guidance.
What to check first (safe, quick steps)
- Power reset: unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Listen for the evaporator fan; weak airflow can indicate heavy frost on the evaporator.
- Check for obvious door sealing issues that can drive excess frost.
- Confirm vents are not blocked by food packages.
- If the freezer back wall is heavily frosted, the defrost system is the likely cause.
Likely causes on this model family
FDH is most commonly tied to the defrost heater not warming the evaporator enough during a defrost cycle, or the control not sensing the expected temperature change.
Common culprits include:
- Defrost heater open (failed heater)
- Defrost sensor/thermistor out of range
- Wiring/connectors at the evaporator area loose or damaged
- Control board not powering the heater
If you suspect the heater itself, the compatible part for this model is the kenmore elite refrigerator defrost heater 5300JK1005Z.
Symptoms and what they usually mean
| What you notice | What it often points to |
|---|---|
| Frost blanket on freezer back panel | Defrost system not clearing ice |
| Fridge section warm but freezer still cold | Airflow blocked by ice at evaporator |
| Fan noise changes or stops | Fan hitting ice or restricted airflow |
| Error returns soon after reset | Component or wiring issue (not a one-time glitch) |
Why it matters
When the evaporator coils ice over, airflow drops and temperatures drift. That can cause warm fresh-food temps, soft ice, longer run times, and recurring error codes.
Helpful reference
For additional LG-specific code context, we recommend LG bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
Why does ice build up in the bottom of my LG freezer?
Ice building up on the bottom of the freezer in an LG LFX25973D is most often caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain; defrost water cannot flow to the drain pan, so it refreezes into a sheet of ice on the freezer floor. Check the drain path first before replacing parts.
What to check first (fast, no parts)
- Unplug the refrigerator to avoid shock and to protect the evaporator fan and controls.
- Remove the freezer drawer/bins and look for a solid ice sheet on the floor.
- Melt the ice with a hair dryer on low or by leaving the door open (use towels to catch water).
- Locate the drain opening under the evaporator cover area and clear slush/debris.
- Flush the drain with hot water using a turkey baster until it flows freely.
Common causes on bottom-mount LG freezers
| Cause | What you typically see | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen/clogged defrost drain | Ice sheet on freezer floor | Defrost and clear/flush drain |
| Door not sealing well | Frost on packages and walls plus ice buildup | Inspect/replace gasket, correct door alignment |
| Heavy humidity or frequent door openings | Light frost that gradually turns to ice | Reduce door-open time, verify temps |
When a part is likely involved
If the drain keeps freezing back up within days, we usually look for airflow or defrost-related issues that let water refreeze before it can drain.
- If you also have heavy frost on the back freezer wall, the defrost system may not be clearing the evaporator properly.
- If the freezer door is not sealing, warm air leaks in and creates excess frost and meltwater.
For door-seal problems on this model, check the freezer gasket for gaps, tears, or hardened sections; a compatible option is the refrigerator freezer door gasket MDS38201427.
Why it matters
A blocked drain can lead to recurring ice sheets, water leaks when the ice melts, and restricted airflow that makes the freezer work harder and can affect ice maker performance.
Helpful reference
We recommend following the access and safety guidance in the LFX25973D manual when removing drawers, covers, or using a heat source to defrost.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with LG refrigerators ice?
On the LG LFX25973D, the most common ice problems are usually water-flow or temperature related: a restricted water filter, low household water pressure, a frozen fill path, or ice clumping/jams in the bin or chute. Use the LFX25973D manual for model-specific ice maker and control settings.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the ice maker is turned on and not in an “off” or “stop” mode.
- Make sure the freezer is cold enough for ice production (warm freezers cause slow or no ice).
- Dump old ice and break up clumps; reseat the ice container fully.
- Check door seals and that doors close completely; warm air causes frost and clumping.
- If water dispensing is slow, replace the filter and purge air from the line.
Parts that commonly affect ice making on this model
If the basic checks do not restore normal ice production, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | What to check | Model-compatible part |
|---|---|---|
| Slow ice, small cubes, weak water flow | Filter restriction | LG refrigerator water filter ADQ72910911 |
| No ice or intermittent filling | Water supply control to ice maker | Refrigerator water inlet valve AJU73432801 or refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41869202 |
| Ice maker won’t cycle or harvest | Ice maker mechanism | Ice maker assembly (AEQ72909602) - refrigerator ice maker part by LG AEQ72909602 or ice maker assembly (AEQ73110203) - refrigerator ice making component by LG AEQ73110203 |
| Ice won’t dispense, grinding or humming | Auger drive in the bin | Refrigerator auger motor EAU61083522 |
Why it matters
Ice issues are often an early warning of restricted water flow or warm air getting into the freezer. Fixing the root cause helps prevent repeat jams, slow production, and unnecessary part replacements.
Helpful DIY reading
- How to change the water filter in an LG refrigerator
- Common refrigerator ice maker problems and solutions
Last updated: January 2026





