Why Is My Commercial Cooler Leaking Water?

Commercial coolers usually leak water due to clogged drains, frozen evaporator coils, or airflow and temperature problems.

Water leaking from a commercial cooler is a common issue that often signals an underlying mechanical or maintenance problem. In busy commercial environments, even small drainage or temperature issues can quickly lead to pooling water, unsafe floors, and potential equipment damage if not addressed promptly.

What Causes a Commercial Cooler To Leak Water?

Commercial coolers remove moisture from the air as part of normal operation. That moisture must drain properly. When drainage, airflow, or temperature control is disrupted, water can overflow, freeze, or leak from the unit.

Common Reasons Commercial Coolers Leak Water

1. Clogged or Blocked Drain Line

The most common cause of water leaks is a blocked condensate drain. Over time, food particles, grease, mold, and debris can clog the drain line, preventing water from exiting the unit.

• Standing water inside the cooler
• Water pooling beneath the unit
• Musty or moldy odors

2. Frozen Evaporator Coils

If evaporator coils freeze, condensation cannot drain properly. As the ice melts, excess water can overflow the drain pan and leak onto the floor.

Frozen coils are often caused by airflow restrictions, low refrigerant, or defrost cycle problems.

3. Dirty or Cracked Drain Pan

The drain pan collects condensation before it exits through the drain line. If the pan is cracked, rusted, or misaligned, water may spill instead of draining correctly.

4. Door Gasket Damage or Frequent Door Openings

Damaged door seals or heavy foot traffic allow warm, humid air to enter the cooler. This creates excess condensation that can overwhelm the drainage system.

5. Improper Temperature Settings

If the cooler temperature is set too low, excess moisture may freeze before draining. When the ice melts, the volume of water can exceed the system’s drainage capacity.

6. Improper Installation or Unit Leveling

Commercial coolers must be level to allow water to flow correctly toward the drain. If the unit shifts or was improperly installed, water may collect and leak.

Commercial Cooler Leaks at a Glance

What You Can Check Before Calling for Service

Some causes of water leaks can be identified quickly before scheduling professional repair.

• Inspect the drain opening for visible debris
• Check for ice buildup on interior panels
• Confirm doors close fully and seal tightly
• Verify temperature settings are within manufacturer recommendations
• Look for water pooling inside the unit

When To Call a Commercial Refrigeration Professional

If water continues leaking after basic checks, professional service is recommended. Ongoing leaks often indicate deeper issues that require trained diagnostics.

• Frozen or leaking drain lines
• Defrost cycle failures
• Low refrigerant or pressure imbalance
• Cracked drain pans or damaged components
• Improper airflow or fan malfunctions

RBAir provides expert commercial refrigeration services, including diagnostics and repair for leaking coolers. Our technicians work quickly to reduce downtime and safety risks.

How To Prevent Commercial Cooler Leaks

Preventive maintenance is the most effective way to avoid water leaks and protect your equipment.

• Clean drain lines regularly
• Inspect door gaskets for wear or damage
• Keep evaporator and condenser coils clean
• Monitor temperatures daily
• Schedule routine commercial refrigeration maintenance

Facilities that invest in proactive service experience fewer leaks, lower repair costs, and more consistent cooling performance.

Your Commercial Cooler Shouldn’t Leak Water

Water leaks are a warning sign—not a normal part of operation. Addressing drainage, airflow, and temperature issues early helps prevent safety hazards, product loss, and costly equipment damage.

If your commercial cooler is leaking water, RBAir is ready to help with fast, reliable service.