Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpRefrigerator RepairRefrigerator defrost drain clogged Repair

Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your refrigerator has a defrost drain clogged, you’ll usually notice water pooling under the crispers or ice building in the drain tube. The most common cause is a failed evaporator fan motor: if the fan isn’t running or is noisy, cold air can push down into the drain and freeze it solid. Next, the drain itself may be clogged or frozen from food debris or ice, which you can clear with warm water or a turkey baster once you locate the defrost drain. Some models use a drain strap that conducts heat from the defrost heater into the drain; a missing or broken drain strap makes a clogged defrost drain more likely. Less common causes are a faulty drain heater that fails to keep the tube clear and, rarely, a bad main control board that stops the defrost cycle. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part for your refrigerator and get back to a dry, properly draining fridge.

01 - 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 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 - 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 Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts
Top Solution

04 - 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 Refrigerator Drain Strap Parts
Top Solution

05 - 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 Refrigerator Drain Heater Parts
Top Solution

06 - Refrigerator Temperature Sensor

A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. If the coils are below a set temperature, the sensor will alert the defrost control to allow power to flow to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. In the defrost cycle, the defrost heater melts away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the temperature sensor is defective, the defrost control will not be alerted to allow voltage to be sent to the defrost heater and the defrost drain may become clogged with ice. The sensor can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it is functioning properly when the air temperature... changes.
Shop all Refrigerator Temperature Sensor Parts
Less Common

07 - 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 Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator leaking water on the floor? (refrigerator leaking water)
Freezer cold but fridge warm — could a clogged defrost drain or evaporator fan cause this? (freezer cold but fridge warm)
How do I clear a defrost drain clogged with ice? (defrost drain clogged)
My refrigerator is not defrosting properly — how do I know if the drain heater, drain strap, or control board is the problem? (refrigerator not defrosting)
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

Troubleshooting by Brand

Frigidaire Refrigerator RepairKenmore Refrigerator RepairElectrolux Refrigerator RepairGibson Refrigerator Repair
Kelvinator Refrigerator RepairTappan Refrigerator RepairWhite-Westinghouse Refrigerator RepairRoper Refrigerator Repair
Crosley Refrigerator RepairUniversal Refrigerator Repair

Shop for Parts by brands

Frigidaire Refrigerator PartsKenmore Refrigerator PartsElectrolux Refrigerator PartsGibson Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator Refrigerator PartsTappan Refrigerator PartsWhite-Westinghouse Refrigerator PartsRoper Refrigerator Parts
Crosley Refrigerator PartsUniversal Refrigerator Parts