it's leaking water from the bottom onto my counter, not from the drain plug

Diagnosis

The leakage occurring from the bottom of the Della Portable Ice Maker, specifically when not originating from the drain plug, typically indicates a failure in the internal hydraulic circuit or a breach in the chassis seal. Because these units use a gravity-fed reservoir and a small motorized pump to move water to the evaporator plate, the most common culprit is a hairline crack in the clear silicone tubing or a loosened tension clamp. When the pump engages to move water, the increased pressure forces liquid through these gaps, which then pools at the base of the machine and seeps out from under the plastic housing. Another frequent cause is the degradation of the silicone gaskets surrounding the evaporator assembly. Over time, the constant expansion and contraction of the metal plate during the freezing and thawing cycles can shift the alignment of the seals. To confirm the source, you must dry the entire unit and the counter completely, then run a single cycle while observing the unit with a flashlight. Look for "tracking"—streaks of water running down the interior walls of the chassis—to determine if the leak is coming from the pump (bottom) or the evaporator (top).

How to Fix It

To resolve internal leaks in a Della unit, you must access the internal plumbing. Follow these precise steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and remove all ice and water from the reservoir to prevent further spilling.
2. Turn the unit over or remove the rear access panel by unscrewing the four Phillips-head screws located at the corners of the back chassis.
3. Locate the water pump, which is the small motor situated at the bottom of the unit. Inspect the silicone tubing connecting the pump to the reservoir. If the tube is loose, slide it further onto the plastic nipple and secure it with a small nylon zip-tie or a miniature hose clamp.
4. Inspect the tubing for "pinhole" leaks. If a crack is found, cut the damaged section (approximately 1/2 inch) using sharp scissors and reconnect the tube, or replace the tubing entirely with 1/4-inch food-grade silicone tubing.
5. Check the evaporator plate seals. If water is dripping from the top, apply a small amount of food-grade RTV silicone sealant around the edge of the evaporator housing where it meets the plastic chassis.
6. Reassemble the panel, wipe the exterior dry, and run a test cycle with only 2 cups of water to verify the leak has stopped.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for Condensation Overflow: In high-humidity environments, the exterior of the evaporator plate can sweat excessively. If the internal drip tray is misaligned or clogged with mineral deposits, this condensation will overflow and leak from the bottom of the machine rather than the drain. Clean the drip tray with a mixture of white vinegar and water to clear any calcium buildup.
• Inspect the Water Level Sensor: If the float switch (the small plastic piece that rises with the water) is stuck in the "down" position, the machine may overfill the internal reservoir. This causes water to spill over the internal walls and leak from the base. Gently wiggle the float to ensure it moves freely up and down.
• Examine the Chassis Seal: Check the bottom seam of the plastic housing. If the factory sealant has cracked, water from the external environment or minor internal splashes can seep through. Apply a bead of clear waterproof silicone sealant along the bottom exterior seams of the plastic casing.
• Pump Housing Crack: Inspect the plastic casing of the water pump itself. If the pump housing has a stress crack, the unit cannot be repaired with sealant and the pump assembly must be replaced.

Heads Up

• Use Distilled Water: Using tap water leads to calcium and lime scale buildup, which can clog the pump and corrode the seals, leading to the leaks described above. Switching to distilled water extends the life of the internal tubing.
• Avoid Overfilling: Never fill the reservoir past the "MAX" line. Overfilling increases the risk of water splashing over the internal components during the pump cycle.
• Ventilation Clearance: Ensure there is at least 6 inches of space around the sides and back of the machine. Overheating can warp the plastic housing and compromise the integrity of the internal seals.
• Deep Cleaning: Every 30 days, run a cleaning cycle with a specialized ice maker cleaner or a mild vinegar solution to prevent biofilm buildup in the tubes, which can cause blockages and pressure-related leaks.