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Found a water stain behind my fridge that changed how I clean
I moved the fridge out to sweep behind it last weekend and found a dark water stain on the drywall near the supply line. The line had a tiny drip for who knows how long, probably a slow leak from the compression nut. I wiped it down but the stain stayed, so I cut a small patch and replaced that section of drywall. Cost me about $14 for a drywall piece and joint compound, plus two hours on a Saturday. Now I check the line every time I deep clean, which is twice a year, and I rotate the fridge slightly to feel for dampness. Anyone else do a routine check of appliance lines, or do you just wait for visible damage?
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nina_jenkins2mo ago
Read a home inspector's blog once who said fridge supply lines are the #2 cause of hidden water damage behind appliances, right after washing machine hoses. He said by the time you SEE a stain, the drywall has been soaked for months and probably has mold behind it. That's what got me checking mine every few months now, not just when I move the fridge for cleaning. I also put a small drip tray under the compression nut, just a cheap plastic one from the hardware store, so if it ever weeps again I'll catch it before it touches the wall again. Your $14 fix is WAY cheaper than what a slow leak does to flooring and subfloor if you ignore it long enough.
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