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Hotpoint Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If water is pooling or dripping to the bottom of your fridge or you see ice down in the drain, a defrost drain clogged with ice or debris is the usual suspect, but start by checking the evaporator fan motor first. A fan that does not spin freely or is noisy lets cold air migrate toward the drain and promotes ice buildup, so try turning the fan blade by hand and test the motor if it won’t run. If the fan checks out, the defrost drain itself may be frozen or blocked; warm water from a turkey baster often clears a frozen defrost drain and drain tube. Also look for a missing or damaged drain strap that conducts heat from the defrost heater into the drain, and inspect any drain heater if your model has one. A faulty main control board can cause the whole defrost system to stop, but only consider that after testing the defrost components. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.

01 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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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Frequently Asked Questions

My fridge not cooling but freezer works. What could be wrong?
Refrigerator defrost drain clogged — how do I clear it?
My refrigerator is noisy and not cooling — is the evaporator fan motor bad?
What does a drain strap or drain heater do and will replacing it fix a defrost drain clogged?
How do I enter my model number or part number at RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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