Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpKelvinator Refrigerator RepairKelvinator Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Kelvinator Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your refrigerator has a defrost drain clogged or frozen, you’ll usually see water pooling in the bottom of the fresh-food compartment or ice building up in the drain tube. The most common cause is a faulty evaporator fan motor that lets cold air migrate down into the drain and freeze it, so start by checking the evaporator fan blade for free spin and test the motor windings with a multimeter if it won’t run. Next likely causes are a clogged or frozen defrost drain that you can clear with a turkey baster and warm water and a missing or mispositioned drain strap that should conduct heat into the drain during defrost cycles. Less commonly, a defective drain heater can let the drain refreeze, and if all defrost components test good, a failing main control board may be at fault. Follow the step-by-step tests for the fan, heater, and drain before replacing the control board, and enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.

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

04 - Kelvinator 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 Kelvinator Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts
Top Solution

05 - Kelvinator 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 Kelvinator Refrigerator Drain Heater Parts
Top Solution

06 - Kelvinator 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 Kelvinator Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator leaking water on the floor?
Freezer is cold but fridge section is warm, could a frozen defrost drain be the reason?
How do I clear a clogged or frozen defrost drain?
How can I tell if the evaporator fan motor or the main control board is bad?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

Shop by Kelvinator Refrigerator Parts

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

Shop by Popular Kelvinator Refrigerator Models

Kelvinator KATR1816MW1 Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator KATR1816PS0 Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator KGM220RHY3 Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator KRS220RHY0 Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator KRS220RHY2 Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator KRT18CRAW0 Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator MRT13CREW5 Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TAK190JN0D Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TGK190KN0W Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator THK190JN1W Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TPK140EN4W Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TPK170MN4W Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TSI206EN0W Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TSK140PN0D Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TSK210JN0D Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator TSX120EN1D 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