A homeowner trying to track down a mysterious fishy smell uncovered a frustrating appliance design issue as brown liquid leaked from beneath their refrigerator even though the inside was clean.
Some of a fridge's messiest problems can remain hidden from view, and catching them early may help homeowners avoid repair bills.
Here's what to know
"Working at home right now and kept noticing a fishy smell. Came back after my meeting to find brown liquid leaking from below the fridge to the front," the original poster explained on r/homeowners.
A commenter said the source might be a concealed part of the appliance rather than anything stored on the shelves, writing: "The liquid could be coming from the fridge's drip/drain pan underneath. It collects condensation and defrost water, and if the pan gets really dirty or something has spilled into it, the water can turn brown and smell awful."
The homeowner said the fridge had been emptied and cleaned and that there was no brown liquid or fishy smell inside.
They found the appliance's manual online and removed panels from the front and back, but the odor still seemed tied to a hard-to-reach spot.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Problems in hidden components such as drip pans and drain tubes can produce foul smells long before most people realize there is a maintenance issue.
The thread also showed that many homeowners do not know these components exist until something goes wrong — and how difficult some appliances can be to service.
More background
"It seems to me the pan is located beneath the right door area without any ability to reach it," the original poster wrote. "... I really don't like technology you can't fully take apart, a bummer."
Such designs can carry real costs for consumers. If a dirty drain pan or drain tube is easy to access, a homeowner may be able to clean it before it causes lingering odors, water damage, or extra strain on the appliance. If it is sealed away, a relatively minor cleanup can turn into a service appointment, an expensive repair, or even an early replacement.
"Should also check because I once lost power for a few hours and water dripped on the motor and killed it," one commenter warned.
Extending the life of major appliances can help families avoid spending money sooner than expected and reduce waste.
What can be done?
The first step is to rule out food spills and check the manual for the location of the drain tube and drip pan. If necessary, the model number can help you locate a digital version.
Cleaning the tube, pan, or drip area; drying moisture; and checking for buildup around cooling components may stop the smell before it gets worse.
The original poster said they "cleaned everything as best as I could with a hairdryer and a vacuum cleaner and some fridge disinfectant for inside and outside."
Even when a full fix is not possible without professional help, identifying the likely source can still save you money by narrowing down the issue before you call for service. That can reduce the risk of paying for unnecessary diagnostic work and may prevent a leak from damaging floors or the appliance itself.
"Every single person here who knows what a drain pan is was just as new as you at one time," one commenter said, referencing the OP's apology for being young and inexperienced.
"Hey don't feel bad," another user wrote. "I'm 50 and I had no idea the drip tray was a thing until today."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
