Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpFrigidaire Refrigerator RepairFrigidaire Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Frigidaire Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your Frigidaire has a defrost drain clogged, you’ll usually see water pooling in the bottom of the fridge or ice forming where the drain sits. The most common causes are, in order: a faulty evaporator fan motor that lets cold air build up and freeze the drain, a frozen or clogged defrost drain or tube, a missing or damaged drain strap that should conduct heat into the drain, a defective drain heater that fails to keep the drain clear, and—less commonly—a main control board that is not running the defrost cycle. Start by checking the evaporator fan: turn the blade by hand and listen for noise or motor failure, then clear the drain trough and tube with warm water from a turkey baster to remove ice or debris. Inspect the drain strap and drain heater for proper placement and continuity, and only consider the control board after you’ve tested the defrost components. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator.

01 - Frigidaire 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Need help finding your model number?
Shop all Frigidaire Refrigerator Fan Motor Parts
Top Solution

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.
Top Solution

03 - Frigidaire 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.
Shop all Frigidaire Refrigerator Drain Strap Parts
Top Solution

04 - Frigidaire 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.
Shop all Frigidaire Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts
Top Solution

05 - Frigidaire 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.
Shop all Frigidaire Refrigerator Drain Heater Parts
Top Solution

06 - Frigidaire 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.
Shop all Frigidaire Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator leaking water on the floor?
My freezer is cold but the fridge is warm. Could a clogged defrost drain be the cause?
How do I clear a frozen or clogged defrost drain myself?
How can I test the evaporator fan motor to see if it needs replacement?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

Shop by Frigidaire Refrigerator Parts

Frigidaire Refrigerator Adhesive Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Axle, Roller, Shaft, Wheel Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Bearing Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Blower Wheel & Fan Blade Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Bracket & Flange Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Cap, Lid & Cover Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Capacitor Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Circuit Board & Timer Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Cleaner & Deodorizer Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Compressor & Sealed System Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Deflector & Chute Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Dispenser Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Door Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Drawer Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Drip Bowl & Drip Pan Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Duct & Venting Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Fastener Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Filter Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Fuse, Thermal Fuse & Breaker Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Gasket & Seal Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Grille & Kickplate Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Handle Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Heating Element Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Hinge Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Hose, Tube & Fitting Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Insulation Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Knob, Dial & Button Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Latch Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Leg, Foot & Caster Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Lighting & Light Bulb Replacement Parts
Frigidaire Refrigerator Manuals, Care Guides & Literature Replacement Parts

Shop by Popular Frigidaire Refrigerator Models

Frigidaire CFHT1513LZ3 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire CFHT1513LZ4 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FFHS2611PFEA Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FFHT1513LS4 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FFSS2615TS0 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FFTR2126LQ2 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FGHC2331PFAA Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FGHS2631PF4A Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FGHS2655PF5A Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FGUS2642LF2 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FPHS2387KF5 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FRS26H5ASB4 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FRS26H5ASB5 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FRS26R4A Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FRS6LR5EM8 Refrigerator Parts
Frigidaire FRT17B3AW2 Refrigerator Parts
View more
Repair Clinic
Join Repair Clinic's VIP email list for 10% off, plus other discounts and tips!
Our Story

Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.

About Repair Clinic
Customer StoriesRepair Parts BrandsDIY Repair BlogIn the News
Click for the BBB Business Review of this Appliances - Major - Parts & Supplies in Canton MI
Quick Links
Shipping Information365 Day Return PolicyRetail Location & HoursContact UsTrack OrderReviewsRepair Clinic Pro
Social Media
Privacy PolicyDo Not Sell/Share My Personal InformationTerms & ConditionsSitemapGet 10% Off
© 2026 RepairClinic.com