water is leaking from the bottom of my aeitto, underneath the machine, not from the tank.

Diagnosis

The leakage originating from the base of the Aeitto Ice Maker, rather than overflowing from the reservoir, is typically caused by a failure in the internal fluid transport system. Specifically, the most common culprit is a loose connection between the water pump and the vinyl delivery tubing. Because the machine vibrates during the ice-dropping cycle, the friction-fit connections on the pump can gradually slide off or develop micro-gaps, allowing water to drip directly onto the internal chassis and pool at the bottom of the unit. Another frequent cause is a failure of the silicone drain plug seal located at the base of the water tank. If the plug is not seated perfectly flush or if a piece of debris (like a mineral flake) is trapped in the groove, water will bypass the seal and leak into the bottom cavity. In rarer cases, the internal water reservoir may have developed a hairline stress crack due to temperature fluctuations, causing a slow seep that only becomes apparent when the machine is full. You can confirm the pump issue by running the machine for 10 minutes and checking if the water pools specifically under the center-right side of the unit.

How to Fix It

To resolve internal leaking, you must access the pump assembly and verify the integrity of the seals. Follow these precise steps:

1. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and remove the ice basket. Completely drain all water from the reservoir to prevent further spills during the process.
2. Carefully tip the machine backward at a 45-degree angle or lay it on its side on a soft towel. Locate the white water pump assembly situated at the base of the internal tank.
3. Inspect the clear vinyl hoses. If a hose has slid off the pump nozzle, push it firmly back onto the barb. To ensure a permanent fix, use a small plastic zip-tie or a small hose clamp around the vinyl tubing where it meets the pump nozzle to prevent vibration-induced loosening.
4. Inspect the silicone drain plug at the bottom of the reservoir. Remove the plug entirely and use a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar to clean the circular groove of any calcium buildup or debris.
5. Reinsert the plug, pressing firmly in the center to ensure the gasket is fully compressed against the plastic housing.
6. Wipe the internal base dry with a microfiber cloth before returning the unit to an upright position and refilling with water to test for leaks.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for Reservoir Stress Cracks: Fill the reservoir to the max line and let it sit for 2 hours without powering the machine on. If water still pools at the bottom, the internal tank has a structural crack. This cannot be repaired with tape due to the food-grade requirement; the unit will require a chassis replacement.
• Inspect the Cooling Plate Seal: Examine the area where the evaporator plate meets the water tray. If the sealant has degraded, water can leak through the interface. Apply a small amount of food-grade RTV silicone sealant to the exterior seam of the water tray to block the leak.
• Verify Leveling: Ensure the machine is on a perfectly flat surface. If the unit tilts forward, water can pool against the front wall of the reservoir and seep through the overflow vent or the top of the pump housing, mimicking a bottom leak. Use a bubble level to verify the surface.
• Pump Gasket Failure: If the leak is coming from the motor housing of the pump itself (not the hoses), the internal pump seal has failed. This requires replacing the pump assembly entirely, as the motor and impeller are sealed units.

Heads Up

• Use Filtered Water: Always use distilled or filtered water. Hard water creates calcium deposits that degrade the silicone seals and can cause the drain plug to leak over time.
• Avoid Overfilling: Never fill the water reservoir past the "MAX" line, as this increases the hydrostatic pressure on the seals and can force water through micro-leaks.
• Deep Clean Weekly: Run a cleaning cycle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water once a week to prevent mineral buildup from compromising the pump's efficiency and seal integrity.
• Dry the Exterior: If you notice condensation pooling at the base, ensure the machine has at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation; overheating can cause the plastic housing to warp slightly, affecting the seal.