Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpDacor Refrigerator RepairDacor Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Dacor Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If you have a clogged defrost drain causing water to pool or ice to build up, start with the most likely causes and work down the list. The evaporator fan motor is the usual culprit: if the fan is seized or not running, cold air can drive frost into the drain and freeze it shut, so spin the blade by hand and test the motor windings if it won’t run. Next, a clogged or frozen defrost drain or tube can back up melt water; warm water from a turkey baster often clears a frozen drain. Also check for a missing or mispositioned drain strap, which conducts heater heat into the drain to prevent icing. Some models use a drain heater that can fail or sit out of position and let the drain freeze. Only after testing the fan, strap, heater and other defrost parts should you suspect the main control board. If you need replacement parts like an evaporator fan motor, drain strap, drain heater or control board, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.

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

04 - Dacor 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 Dacor Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts
Top Solution

05 - Dacor 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 Dacor Refrigerator Drain Heater Parts
Top Solution

06 - Dacor 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 Dacor Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Defrost drain clogged: why is it happening and how do I fix it?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works: can a clogged defrost drain cause this?
Refrigerator leaking water on the floor: could a clogged defrost drain be the cause?
How do I know whether to replace the evaporator fan motor, drain heater, or main control board?
How do I use my model number or part number to find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?

Shop by Dacor Refrigerator Parts

Dacor Refrigerator Fastener Replacement Parts
Dacor Refrigerator Motor Replacement Parts

Shop by Popular Dacor Refrigerator Models

Dacor EF36BNDFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF36BNDFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF36BNFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF36BNFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF36BNNFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF36IWFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF36LNDFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF36RNDFSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF42BDCBSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF42BNDBSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF48BDCBSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EF48BNDBSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor ER36IWFSSS0 Refrigerator Parts
Dacor ER42BDCBSS Refrigerator Parts
Dacor EWC Refrigerator Parts
Dacor IF36BNDFSF 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