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HomeRepair HelpCaloric Refrigerator RepairCaloric Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Caloric Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your Caloric refrigerator has a defrost drain clogged and water is pooling or icing up, start by checking the evaporator fan motor — it’s the most common culprit. Try turning the fan blade by hand; if it’s stiff, noisy, or won’t run, the fan motor can let cold air reach the drain and cause ice buildup. Next look for a frozen or clogged defrost drain: warm water from a turkey baster or blowing out the tube will often clear a clogged or freezing drain and stop overflow into the compartment. Check for a missing drain strap, the small metal strip that conducts heat into the drain during defrost cycles, and inspect any drain heater to make sure it’s in place and working. Only after you’ve tested or replaced those parts should you suspect the main control board, since control failures are less common. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement for your refrigerator drain, evaporator fan, drain heater, drain strap, or control board.

01 - Caloric 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 - Caloric 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 - Caloric 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 - Caloric 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 - Caloric 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

Why is my refrigerator leaking water on the floor?
Freezer is cold but fridge section is warm, could a clogged defrost drain be the problem?
How do I clear a clogged defrost drain in my refrigerator?
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 correct replacement part?

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