The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Refrigerator defrost drain clogged are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
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Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Isn’t Defrosting?
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Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Is Freezing Food?
Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Is Noisy?
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Refrigerator Light Not Working? Refrigerator TroubleshootingIf the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
The defrost drain might be clogged or frozen. If the defrost drain is frozen, the water will overflow the drain trough and drip down to the bottom of the compartment. You can use a turkey baster and warm water to help clear out a frozen defrost drain and tube. You should also make sure the drain tube trap is clear by the drain pan.
Some defrost drains are outfitted with a drain strap. The drain strap is a small piece of copper or aluminum that attaches to the defrost heater and extends partway into the defrost drain. When the defrost heater turns on, heat is conducted through the drain strap to melt away any ice that may have accumulated further down in the defrost drain. If the drain strap is not in place, the defrost drain may be more likely to freeze over.
If the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
Some refrigerators are equipped with drain heaters. Drain heaters prevent the water in the drain pan from re-freezing and clogging the defrost drain. If your drain heater is defective or is not in the proper position, the defrost drain might freeze over.
Main Control Board
Temperature Sensor
Defrost Heater Assembly
Defrost Thermostat
Thermistor
Drain Pipe
Hose
Defrost Control Board
Control Board
