Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpDanby Refrigerator RepairDanby Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Danby Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your Danby shows a defrost drain clogged or a clogged defrost drain that’s causing water to pool or ice to form, start with the evaporator fan motor—if the fan isn’t running cold air can migrate and freeze the drain. Spin the fan blade by hand; if it’s stiff, noisy, or won’t run, the evaporator fan motor is a common failure. Next check for a frozen or blocked defrost drain and tube; warm water from a turkey baster often clears ice and debris and gets the drain flowing again. Inspect for a missing or damaged drain strap, which conducts heat from the defrost heater into the drain, and check the drain heater itself if your model has one. A faulty main control board can cause the defrost system to stop cycling, but that is less common, so test heaters, thermostats, and sensors before replacing the board. If you need replacement parts for any of these components, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.

01 - Danby 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 Danby 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 - Danby 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 Danby Refrigerator Drain Strap Parts
Top Solution

04 - Danby 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 Danby Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts
Top Solution

05 - Danby 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 Danby Refrigerator Drain Heater Parts
Top Solution

06 - Danby 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 Danby Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Fridge not cooling but freezer works, could a clogged defrost drain be the cause?
How do I clear a frozen or clogged defrost drain?
How can I tell if the evaporator fan motor is bad?
My defrost drain keeps freezing, do I need to replace the main control board?
How do I use my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

Shop by Danby Refrigerator Parts

Danby Refrigerator Adhesive Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Axle, Roller, Shaft, Wheel Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Bearing Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Blower Wheel & Fan Blade Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Bracket & Flange Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Cap, Lid & Cover Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Capacitor Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Circuit Board & Timer Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Compressor & Sealed System Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Dispenser Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Door Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Drawer Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Drip Bowl & Drip Pan Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Duct & Venting Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Fastener Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Fuse, Thermal Fuse & Breaker Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Gasket & Seal Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Grille & Kickplate Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Handle Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Heating Element Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Hinge Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Hose, Tube & Fitting Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Ice Maker Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Insulation Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Knob, Dial & Button Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Leg, Foot & Caster Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Lighting & Light Bulb Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Miscellaneous Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Motor Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Paint Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Panel Replacement Parts
Danby Refrigerator Sensor & Thermistor Replacement Parts

Shop by Popular Danby Refrigerator Models

Danby D1052W Refrigerator Parts
Danby D9600W Refrigerator Parts
Danby DAR195BL Refrigerator Parts
Danby DAR340W Refrigerator Parts
Danby DAR482BLS Refrigerator Parts
Danby DAR482BLS Refrigerator Parts
Danby DCR157WEY Refrigerator Parts
Danby DCR34W Refrigerator Parts
Danby DCR34W Refrigerator Parts
Danby DFF1044W Refrigerator Parts
Danby DFF1144W Refrigerator Parts
Danby DFF1144W Refrigerator Parts
Danby DFF261BSLDB Refrigerator Parts
Danby DFF261BSLDB Refrigerator Parts
Danby DFF280WDB Refrigerator Parts
Danby DFF9102BLS 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