If you put water in an old refrigerator or freezer that has stopped working, it will not effectively preserve the contents or prevent them from spoiling. When a refrigerator or freezer stops working, the temperature inside rises, causing perishable items to warm up and potentially spoil.
Adding water to the freezer or refrigerator will not change the fact that the cooling mechanism is no longer functioning. The water will eventually reach room temperature and will not provide any cooling effect to the items stored inside. In fact, it may even contribute to the growth of bacteria and the development of unpleasant odors.
If your refrigerator or freezer has stopped working, it's important to remove any perishable items and find alternative methods of keeping them cool, such as using a cooler with ice or finding temporary storage elsewhere. Additionally, it is advisable to have the appliance inspected and repaired by a professional or consider replacing it if necessary.