Blog>Expert Advice>Fridge drain hole troubleshooting: How to unblock a fridge drain

Last updated: 30 October 2024

Fridge drain hole troubleshooting: How to unblock a fridge drain

Is your fridge hole blocked? Our fridge drain hole troubleshooting guide is packed with essential tips to clear the blockage and keep your fridge in tip top condition.

Fridge drain hole troubleshooting: How to unblock a fridge drain
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Have you noticed soggy groceries and water pooling inside your fridge? If so, it might be down to a blocked fridge drain - also called a fridge condensation drain. Our fridge drain hole troubleshooting post outlines how to unblock a fridge drain to get your appliance back in tip top condition.

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What is a fridge condensation drain?

A fridge drain is a small opening that allows water generated from defrosting to drain out of a fridge and into a tray at the bottom of the appliance.

It's found inside the fridge, usually at the bottom of the back panel behind the salad drawers. It'll have ridges leading down towards it to guide the moisture beads.

However, the exact location of your fridge's condensation drain varies depending on its model, so check the user manual.

If your fridge is a few years old, it might not have a drain hole. In which case, try these tips to help stop water building up:

  • Don't stack the items in your fridge too close together

  • Leave space for air to circulate and dry them

  • Reguarly wipe the surfaces inside

  • Avoid opening the door too often

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Signs your fridge hole is blocked

The main purpose of the drain hole is to stop condensation pooling at the bottom of the fridge.

If the fridge drain hole becomes blocked, this can cause problems for the rest of your appliance.

Signs your fridge hole is blocked:

  • Water puddling at the bottom of the fridge or under the crisper drawers

  • Soggy groceries

  • Unpleasant smells from a build up of stagnant water and food debris

  • Water droplets forming on the back wall of the fridge

  • Reduced cooling efficiency

  • Black mould

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How to clean drain hole at the back of the fridge

When the drain hole at the back of the fridge becomes clogged, water can accumulate, causing leaks and affecting cooling performance.

Learn how to unclog a refrigerator drain line by following these simple steps:

1. Unplug and clear the fridge

Safely unplug the fridge from the power source and remove food and drawers.

Mop up any excess water pooling in the base of the fridge.

2. Locate the drain hole

The drain hole is typically located at the back of the freezer compartment, near the bottom.

It may be covered by a plastic or rubber plug, which helps prevent food crumbs and other debris from clogging the drain hole.

3. Remove obstructions

Use a thin, flexible object like a pipe cleaner or a small brush to dislodge any debris or ice blocking the drain hole. Take care not to push the clog further into the drain.

4. Flush the drain hole

Pour warm water and mild detergent into the drain hole to flush out any remaining debris. Use a turkey baster or a syringe to help.

5. Clean the drip tray

The drip tray catches water from the drain hole and prevents it from leaking outside the fridge.

Locate the drip tray, which is usually situated beneath the fridge, and remove any excess water or debris. Clean with warm water and mild detergent to prevent bacterial growth and odours.

6. Replace the drain hole plug

Once the drain hole is clear and drip pan clean, reinsert the plug to seal the drain hole.

You may need to repeat this process from time to time.

If your fridge is still collecting water and pooling at the bottom, you might have a more serious problem. Get in touch with a fridge repair company near you who can help.

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What to do if your fridge drain hole is blocked with ice

There are several reasons why a fridge drain hole can become blocked with ice, including:

Damaged thermostat

If your thermostat is faulty it will no longer be able to regulate your fridge's temperature, so it can get too cold. Ice may form inside the drain with water overflowing into your fridge.

Solution: Adjust your thermostat to increase the temperature. If your fridge is still too cold, your thermostat might be defective and need replacing.

Clogged drain tube

The blockage might be at the top or bottom of the drain tube.

Solution: Use a drain cleaning tool or a pipe cleaner, cotton bud, or drinking straw to poke around and unblock the drain tube.

Food debris stuck in the drain

Food or packaging can get pushed against a fridge's back panel and become stuck in the drain hole.

Solution: Unclog the drain hole as outlined above and flush out with a solution made up of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of hot tap water. Use a turkey baster to squeeze the solution into the drain hole.

Here are some tips to help prevent your fridge drain hole getting blocked:

  • Don't overfill your fridge

  • Clean your fridge regularly

  • Clean the drain hole a couple of times a year

  • Make sure the vents at the back of your fridge are unobstructed

  • Don't leave your fridge door open for too long

  • Don't let food or packaging touch the back panel of your fridge

FAQs

Why is my fridge drain hole not draining?

Here are some reasons why your fridge drain hole isn't draining:

  • Fridge hole blocked

  • Ice or frost build up

  • Faulty drip tray

How do I clear a clogged drainage hole in my refrigerator?

Follow these simple steps to clear a clogged drainage hole:

  1. Unplug your fridge

  2. Remove the food and any crisper drawers

  3. Mop up any excess water and remove the drain hole cover if yours has one

  4. Use the unblock tool that came with your fridge (or else a pipe cleaner, straw or cotton bud) to remove the food and debris build-up

  5. Replace the cover and turn your fridge back on

Why does the drain hole in my fridge keep filling with water?

The simple answer is your drain hole is blocked, either with a build-up of food debris, grease or ice.

What happens if a fridge drain is blocked?

If a fridge drain is blocked, it can cause many problems such as water pooling at the bottom, soggy groceries, bad odours, reduced cooling efficiency and potentially black mould.

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