2 questions:
1) I have a Hotpoint refrig, model CTF16GG, probably 10-15 years old, that
has started to accumulate water internally. It fills the tray under the
fruit drawers within a week. The water trail starts at the top of the
refrig section under the freezer, runs to the back wall, then down to the
bottom. How can I stop this?


2)Assuming we have to buy a new refrig, what make/model would you
recommend? We have a household of 4, including 2 little kids. The refrig
will be opened/closed a lot. Thanks.


You shouldn't have to buy a new one and right now isn't a good time to do so
either as there are lots of trial and error changes happening at present.
You just have a clogged fitting or drain line at the back. They are meant to
be removed to clean them out on most all designs, think of it as a
mechanical puzzle.

Note: Understanding how the drain system and automatic defrost works is a subject
covered extensively in my online book you can access for a nominal sum.