Refrigerators have drain tubes that lead to an exterior drain pan beneath the appliance. These drains can occasionally become clogged, leading to standing water inside the refrigerator or ice buildup in the freezer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to clearing the drain tube.
Caution: Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs.
Important Safety Notice: Before clearing the drain tube, unplug the refrigerator or shut off the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical shock hazard.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Basting syringe
- Flexible tubing (1/4 inch or smaller)
- Warm water
- Bleach or baking soda
- Safety gloves
Steps to Clear the Drain Tube
Step 1: Safety First
- Turn Off Power: Unplug the refrigerator to prevent any electrical shock.
- Wear Safety Gear: Wear safety gloves to protect your hands while working.
Step 2: Locate the Drain Tube
- Identify the Drain: The drain is typically located either on the floor of the refrigerator beneath the vegetable crisper or in the wall behind a drain funnel.
- Access the Drain: Remove any drawers or shelves obstructing access to the drain.
Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
- Mix Solution: Prepare a solution of warm water and bleach or warm water and baking soda. This will help break down any clog and sanitize the drain tube.
Step 4: Clear the Drain
- Use a Basting Syringe: Fill the basting syringe with the cleaning solution.
- Flush the Drain: Force the solution into the drain tube using the basting syringe. Repeat this process several times to ensure the clog is cleared.
- Insert Flexible Tubing: If the solution does not flow through, slide a length of flexible tubing (1/4 inch or smaller) into the drain tube to push the clog through to the drain pan. Be gentle to avoid damaging the drain tube.
- Remove the Tubing: After clearing the clog, remove the flexible tubing.
Step 5: Verify the Drain is Clear
- Check for Flow: Pour a small amount of water into the drain to ensure it flows freely into the drain pan.
- Inspect the Drain Pan: Check the exterior drain pan beneath the refrigerator to ensure water is draining properly.
Step 6: Reassemble the Refrigerator
- Replace Drawers and Shelves: Reinsert any drawers or shelves you removed to access the drain.
- Restore Power: Plug the refrigerator back in and ensure it is functioning correctly.
Tips and Warnings
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically flush the drain with a cleaning solution to prevent clogs.
- Consult the Manual: Refer to your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions related to your model.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about any step or if the problem persists, consider seeking help from a professional technician.
By following these steps, you can effectively clear the drain tube in your refrigerator, preventing standing water and ice buildup, and ensuring the efficient operation of your appliance. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and keep it functioning optimally.
Refrigerators have drain tubes that lead to an exterior drain pan beneath the appliance. These drains can occasionally become clogged, leading to standing water inside the refrigerator or ice buildup in the freezer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to clearing the drain tube.
Caution: Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs.
Important Safety Notice: Before clearing the drain tube, unplug the refrigerator or shut off the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical shock hazard.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Basting syringe
- Flexible tubing (1/4 inch or smaller)
- Warm water
- Bleach or baking soda
- Safety gloves
Steps to Clear the Drain Tube
Step 1: Safety First
- Turn Off Power: Unplug the refrigerator to prevent any electrical shock.
- Wear Safety Gear: Wear safety gloves to protect your hands while working.
Step 2: Locate the Drain Tube
- Identify the Drain: The drain is typically located either on the floor of the refrigerator beneath the vegetable crisper or in the wall behind a drain funnel.
- Access the Drain: Remove any drawers or shelves obstructing access to the drain.
Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
- Mix Solution: Prepare a solution of warm water and bleach or warm water and baking soda. This will help break down any clog and sanitize the drain tube.
Step 4: Clear the Drain
- Use a Basting Syringe: Fill the basting syringe with the cleaning solution.
- Flush the Drain: Force the solution into the drain tube using the basting syringe. Repeat this process several times to ensure the clog is cleared.
- Insert Flexible Tubing: If the solution does not flow through, slide a length of flexible tubing (1/4 inch or smaller) into the drain tube to push the clog through to the drain pan. Be gentle to avoid damaging the drain tube.
- Remove the Tubing: After clearing the clog, remove the flexible tubing.
Step 5: Verify the Drain is Clear
- Check for Flow: Pour a small amount of water into the drain to ensure it flows freely into the drain pan.
- Inspect the Drain Pan: Check the exterior drain pan beneath the refrigerator to ensure water is draining properly.
Step 6: Reassemble the Refrigerator
- Replace Drawers and Shelves: Reinsert any drawers or shelves you removed to access the drain.
- Restore Power: Plug the refrigerator back in and ensure it is functioning correctly.
Tips and Warnings
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically flush the drain with a cleaning solution to prevent clogs.
- Consult the Manual: Refer to your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions related to your model.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about any step or if the problem persists, consider seeking help from a professional technician.
By following these steps, you can effectively clear the drain tube in your refrigerator, preventing standing water and ice buildup, and ensuring the efficient operation of your appliance. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and keep it functioning optimally.
