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HomeRepair HelpUniversal Refrigerator RepairUniversal Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Universal Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If you have water pooling under the crisper or a build-up of ice in the bottom of the fridge, you most likely have a defrost drain clogged issue. The top cause is a failing evaporator fan motor; when the fan doesn’t run cold air can migrate toward the drain and freeze there, so check the fan blade for free spin, listen for unusual noise, and test the windings with a multimeter. Next, the drain itself may be clogged or frozen — you can often clear a frozen defrost drain with warm water and a turkey baster and verify the drain tube trap is clear. A missing or damaged drain strap that conducts heat into the drain, or a defective drain heater, can let the defrost drain freeze over. Less commonly, a bad main control board will stop the defrost cycle and lead to a refrigerator drain clogged with ice, so test all defrost components before replacing the control board. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.

01 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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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Top Solution

06 - Universal 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

My refrigerator is leaking water onto the floor. Could a defrost drain clogged be the cause?
Freezer is cold but fridge warm. Can a clogged defrost drain or evaporator fan cause my fridge not cooling?
How do I clear a frozen or clogged defrost drain?
Should I replace the drain strap, drain heater, or the main control board when the defrost drain keeps freezing?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?

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