What is a freezer drain?

The Problem: Refrigerators with defrosting coils, melt out the ice built up in the freezer by heating up and allowing the water to drip into the defrost drain. When the water arrives at the tip of the drain, it is close to freezing temperature and the drain typically freezes shut. Water can collect there over time.

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Similarly, how do you clear a freezer drain?

Unclogging the drain prevents water from building up inside the unit and leaking out onto the floor.

Unplug the refrigerator/freezer unit.
Remove any food or objects, like a sliding drawer, that are blocking your access to the drain hole.
Clear the ice from the drain hole with a screwdriver or a piece of stiff wire.

One may also ask, where is drain line in freezer? Defrost drain hole located on the back wall of the freezer, just up from where the floor slopes up to the back, in the center. Plastic panel held in place by a screw. Remove screw and panel, and the drain hole will be visible.

Similarly one may ask, how does a freezer drain work?

A refrigerator constantly produces condensation inside its freezer compartment. The liquid that forms drips down a drain pipe into a pan underneath the appliance where it eventually evaporates. A plugged drain pipe throws a kink in this process, causing water to back up and pool on the inside bottom of the fridge.

What causes freezer drain to freeze up?

This is usually caused by the defrost drain clogging, then freezing. On older units, it can also happen when the insulation (usually open-cell Styrofoam) around the drain gets 'water-logged', as it often does over the years, causing ice to build up inside the drain.

27 Related Question Answers Found

Where is the drain hole in my freezer?

The drain hole is usually located at the back wall of the freezer on the panel. On some refrigerator/freezers a plastic panel covers the drain hole. Remove the screw(s) and the panel to access the drain hole.

What are the lines at the bottom of the freezer for?

Those lines are the evaporator coils. The refrigerant runs through them and back out to the condensor coils (in a manual defrost freezer, they are in the outside walls), and they work together with the compressor to remove the heat from the inside, keeping it cold.

Where is the drain plug on an upright freezer?

Upright freezer

Remove the drain plug on the inside floor of freezer by pulling it straight out.
If the freezer has a base panel, remove it from the cabinet and find the drain tube near the left center under the freezer.

Why does the drain hole in my fridge keep freezing?

The Problem: Refrigerators with defrosting coils, melt out the ice built up in the freezer by heating up and allowing the water to drip into the defrost drain. When the water arrives at the tip of the drain, it is close to freezing temperature and the drain typically freezes shut. Water can collect there over time.

Why is water pooling in my fridge?

If your fridge has water pooling at the bottom, the defrost tube is your MOST likely suspect. Your defrost tube is what carries the water all the way down to the drain pan where it eventually evaporates. This tube can get clogged with ice or debris which leads to water backing up and leaking back into the fridge.

How do you keep your freezer from frosting up?

Eight simple-to-do strategies to prevent ice build-up in your freezer

Keep the freezer inside and away from a hot water heater or furnace.
Don't overstock the freezer or leave it too empty.
Break up large packages into smaller, airtight packages.
Limit the amount of time the freezer is open.

Why is my fridge leaking water onto the floor?

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leaking from your refrigerator and is a good place to start troubleshooting. When enough water builds up, it starts leaking out of the refrigerator and onto the floor. Clear the drain by flushing it with hot water.

Do all refrigerators have a drain pan?

While refrigerators vary in design, the drip pan is almost universally located in the bottom of the unit. In many refrigerators, you can access the drip pan from this area. In other models you may need to slide the refrigerator out from the wall and get to the pan from the bottom, rear of the unit.

Why does my frost free freezer leak water?

Cause 1: A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Will my fridge leak if I unplug it?

Unfortunately, if food, ice, or debris clogs the drain line, water is unable to flow out, which causes a leak. If the leak is coming from the lower front of the refrigerator or freezer door, follow these steps: Unplug the refrigerator. Check the owner's manual to discover where the drain tube is located.

Where does water go in fridge drain hole?

In the middle of the gully is a drain hole and the condensation drops should drain away down this hole. Make sure that the drain hole found at the bottom of the rear wall of the fridge has not frozen over or become blocked with food. If it has then water will drip into the bottom of the fridge.

What do you do with food when defrosting a freezer?

Remove the fridge or freezer contents, wrapping frozen food in thick layers of newspaper and storing them close together or storing them in a cool-bag or a neighbour's freezer.

Why does ice form in the bottom of my Samsung freezer?

Ice can form on the bottom of freezers for a number of reasons. The most common are humid air entering the freezer, faulty door seals and poor ventilation. To prevent ice from building up, try the solutions below to resolve your issue.

How long is a defrost cycle in a refrigerator?

Most models will defrost for approximately 25 to 45 minutes, usually once to twice a day. You may hear water dripping or sizzling as it hits the heater. This is normal and helps evaporate the water before it gets to the drip pan.

Where is the defrost drain on a Frigidaire freezer?

To Defrost Upright Models with Defrost Drain:

Locate the drain tube near the left center under the freezer. Place a shallow pan under the drain tube.

Where is the defrost drain in my Whirlpool freezer?

Defrost Drains

Inside your refrigerator and freezer compartments, typically near the back wall, is a small indentation. This is the defrost drain, which takes water and ice that accumulates on the walls of the refrigerator and freezer and drains it down to the drain pan on the bottom of the unit.

Is my freezer broken?

Not Running

Warm food or a defrosting freezer are the obvious signs a refrigerator is malfunctioning. Check for power lights on the water or ice dispenser, if the refrigerator is so equipped. Open the doors and check for lights inside. Listen for sounds of the fan running.