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HomeRepair HelpRCA Refrigerator RepairRCA Refrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

RCA Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your RCA refrigerator has water pooling in the bottom, ice building in the freezer, or a clogged defrost drain, start with the most likely causes. The evaporator fan motor often fails or sticks, letting cold air migrate toward the drain so ice forms; try turning the fan blade by hand and test the motor windings with a multimeter for continuity. A frozen or clogged defrost drain is next, and warm water from a turkey baster can often clear a clogged defrost drain and the drain tube trap. Check for a missing drain strap that conducts heat into the drain and for a defective drain heater that should keep the line from refreezing. Less commonly, a bad main control board can stop defrost cycles and lead to a refrigerator drain clogged with ice, so test the defrost components before replacing the control board. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator.

01 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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

How do I fix a clogged defrost drain?
Freezer is cold but fridge is warm; could a clogged defrost drain be the cause?
How can I tell whether the evaporator fan motor, drain heater, or main control board is bad?
Where is the defrost drain located and how does it run?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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