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HomeRepair HelpKitchenAid Refrigerator RepairKitchenAid Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

KitchenAid Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your refrigerator has a clogged defrost drain, you’ll often see water pooling in the bottom of the fresh-food section or ice building up in the drain tube. The most common reasons on this model start with a failing evaporator fan motor, which can let cold air collect around the drain and cause ice to form; next is a blocked or frozen defrost drain itself, which you can often clear with a turkey baster and warm water; a missing or mispositioned drain strap that fails to conduct heat into the tube is a frequent contributor; a defective drain heater can also allow refreezing; and less commonly a faulty main control board may stop the defrost cycle and let ice clog the drain. Check that the fan spins freely and test motor windings for continuity before replacing the control board, and clear the tube and trap before installing parts. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement drain parts, fan motor, drain heater, or control board that fit your refrigerator.

01 - KitchenAid Refrigerator Fan Motor

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.
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02 - Clogged or Freezing Defrost Drain

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.
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03 - KitchenAid Refrigerator Drain Strap

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.
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04 - KitchenAid Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

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.
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05 - KitchenAid Refrigerator Drain Heater

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.
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06 - KitchenAid Refrigerator Main Control Board

The main control board regulates the power supply to all of the refrigerator components, including the defrost system. If the main control board is defective, it may stop sending voltage to the defrost system which can lead to the defrost drain becoming clogged with ice. Control boards are frequently misdiagnosed—before replacing the main control, first test all of the defrost system components. If none of the defrost system components are defective, consider replacing the control board.
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Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Defrost drain clogged — how do I clear it?
Freezer cold but fridge warm — could a clogged defrost drain or evaporator fan cause this?
How can I tell if my evaporator fan motor is bad?
Can a faulty main control board cause the defrost drain to clog?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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