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HomeRepair HelpSamsung Refrigerator RepairSamsung Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Samsung Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your Samsung refrigerator has a defrost drain clogged, causing water to pool in the compartment or ice to build in the drain, the most likely causes run in a predictable order. First check the evaporator fan motor—if the fan is stuck, noisy, or not running, cold air can push down into the drain and freeze it; try turning the blade by hand and test the motor windings if it won’t run. Next, a clogged or frozen defrost drain and tube is common; flush it with warm water from a turkey baster to clear ice and debris. Also check for a missing drain strap, the small copper or aluminum piece that conducts heat from the defrost heater into the drain. A faulty or mispositioned drain heater can let the drain refreeze, and only after you test all defrost components should you suspect the main control board. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and get step by step repair guidance.

01 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator warm but the freezer cold?
How do I clear a frozen or clogged defrost drain?
How do I tell if the 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 to find the right replacement on RepairClinic.com?

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