Whirlpool Clogged Defrost Drain

Water leaking from front of refrigerator, puddle under crisper drawers or at bottom of fresh food section.

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Possible Causes

Blocked drain hole under evaporator, Ice plug in drain tube, Debris in drain pan, Misrouted drain tube

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels. Use towels to catch meltwater.

Steps:

  • Access drain: Remove freezer rear panel to expose the evaporator and drain trough.
  • Clear ice: Use warm water or a turkey baster to melt ice in the drain trough and hole. Do not use sharp tools.
  • Flush drain tube: From inside the freezer, flush warm water down the drain until it flows freely into the drain pan near the compressor.
  • Clean drain pan: Pull the unit out and clean the drain pan of sludge or debris.
  • If the drain repeatedly freezes, install a Whirlpool drain heater kit if available for your model.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
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