Fresh food compartment defrosting takes place automatically every time the refrigerator turns off. Melted frost water drains from the cooling coil into a trough on the rear wall of the cabinet and then down the corner to a drain tube at the bottom. Water flows into a pan behind the grille where it is evaporated.
During the auto defrosting process, the ice melts and flows as water into the drain tray installed at the bottom back of the refrigerator. This water evaporates due to the ambient temperature and heat of the compressor.
The drain tube goes to a drip pan underneath the Refrigerator. Water created by the self-defrost cycle goes into the drip pan where it is evaporated.
The most common cause of a leaky fridge freezer is blocked drain tubes. Before you do anything, take any food out and turn off the appliance. Don't worry, the food won't need to be out for too long, but if you've got an ice chest or a cooler, put any frozen items in there.
As soon as the machine recognises the ice has cleared (by seeing the warmth of the evaporator), then the compressor starts again and the cycle repeats. The water generated by the melting ice drains through to the back of the appliance where heat from the compressor will evaporate the water away.
A temperature sensor
Every six hours or so, the timer turns on the heating coil. The heating coil is wrapped among the freezer coils. The heater melts the ice off the coils. When all of the ice is gone, the temperature sensor senses the temperature rising above 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) and turns off the heater.
Cleaning Defrost Drain Tube
You can flush out the drain hole with a solution made of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of hot tap water. Use a meat/turkey (bulb) baster to squeeze the solution into the drain hole and flush out the drain tube. When clear, you will hear water running down into the drain pan below.
A blocked defrost drain, a damaged defrost pan, or a detached water hose are three of the most common reasons why refrigerators leak.
When condensation forms in your fridge, that water runs down the drain hole into a tray at the bottom of the appliance. The hole is usually behind the salad drawers, though this varies depending on your fridge's make and model. Check your machine's user manual if you're unsure of its location.
Place a towel, old newspapers at the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer compartment to soak up the melting liquids. A slim pan that can hold a little water is even better.
In appliances with Auto Defrost functionality, the normal refrigeration cycle is temporarily paused and an alternative defrost cycle is automatically activated to reduce ice build-up on the evaporator coils.
Usually, the fridge drain hole can be found at the base of the back wall, with ridges leading down towards it to guide beads of moisture. It is usually found as a small opening that is located at the back of your fridge's freezer compartment, normally behind the salad drawers.
Most refrigerator models have the defrost drain on the inside back of your freezer, so finding it shouldn't be too difficult. Once you find the drain, look and see if there is anything blocking the drain, like frozen meals, ice build-up, etc., and if there is, simply move them out of the way to allow proper airflow.
Under normal circumstances, this water runs down a drain hole and collects into a tray at the bottom of the appliance, close to the compressor. The heat from the compressor then usually evaporates the water inside the tray.
If the ice isn't very thick, it might only take as little as 2 hours for it to melt away. If it's glacier-like, you could be looking as much as 24 hours with the fridge freezer off and the doors open. If it's only light ice, we've got some suggestions that will help you get your defrost done fast.
It's leaking water
This happens when food particles or other debris clog up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator. Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel.
The defrost heater heats up, the frost on the evaporator coils liquefies, and the water drips off the coils into the trough. The water then drains through a hole in the trough where it travels down a hose to a drain pan located at the base of the refrigerator.
On most modern refrigerators the drain tube and hole are usually located inside the refrigerator at the bottom in the back. To protect the hole, there may be a panel made from plastic that can be removed with a screwdriver. Once it is removed you'll be able to see the drain tube and drain hole.
Some Side-by-Side Refrigerator models have a defrost drain hole located on the interior back wall of the freezer compartment. It is just up from where the floor slopes up to the back wall, in the center.
It's time to clean the inside of the freezer once all of the ice has melted while it has fully defrosted. The walls, shelves, and refrigerator drawers should be cleaned using warm water and mild detergent. Before plugging it back, please thoroughly clean it using a moist cloth.
Flush with Warm Water: Fill a turkey baster with warm water and gently flush the drain tube to dislodge any remaining debris. You won't need any drain cleaners or harsh chemicals. Baking soda is enough to break up difficult clogs. Repeatedly flush the drain until the water flows freely.
Water leaking inside your fridge is usually due to excess condensation or a minor blockage. Sometimes, it might be a leaking container or a sign to clean your fridge and water dispenser. Although a minor concern, excess water in the refrigerator can be annoying.
The drain hole is a small opening located at the back of your fridge's freezer compartment. Its primary function is to allow water generated from defrosting to drain out of the fridge and into the drain pan.
If the water line is clogged, it can usually be cleaned out by running vinegar and baking soda through the line. Clogs are likely to occur if there is a flaw in the water line or if the water filter is not updated.