Where does the water go when you defrost a refrigerator?

Author: Mrs. Sharon Bruen MD  |  Last update: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Fridges have drain pans where water collects as melted water is removed during the defrost cycle.

Where does defrosted fridge water go?

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.

Where does the water from the defrost drain go?

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.

Where does the water go in a frost-free fridge freezer?

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.

Will a defrosting fridge leak water?

Defrost implies there is water frozen on the freezer and cooling parts of the fridge. If you defrost it then that water has to go someplace. So, yes, there will be water draining out.

WATER at the Bottom of your FRIDGE .....EASY FIX

Where does the fridge drain hole go?

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.

Why is there water in my fridge after defrosting?

A blocked defrost drain, a damaged defrost pan, or a detached water hose are three of the most common reasons why refrigerators leak.

How long does it take to completely defrost a refrigerator?

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.

What happens to water in frost-free refrigerator?

The water vapor condenses -- turns to liquid water. Think of the water beading up on a glass of iced tea on a summer day -- that is an example of water vapor in the air condensing. The same thing happens on the ice-cold freezer coils, except that when the water condenses onto the coils it immediately freezes.

What is the most common failure of a frost-free refrigerator?

The most common frost-free fridge freezer fault is a build-up of ice on the evaporator. If evaporator ice builds up, it's going to affect the airflow, resulting in the temperature never getting low enough.

Where can I find the defrost drain on my refrigerator?

Locate the Drain Tube: Typically, the drain tube is found at the back of the fridge or freezer compartment. Consult your refrigerator's manual if you're unsure.

What is the little hole at the back of the fridge?

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.

Where does the water go when defrosting an upright freezer?

A drain hose (on models so equipped) located behind the grille carries defrost water out from the appliance to where it can be drained in a pan. Sponge the excess water from the bottom of the Freezer as it collects to prevent overflowing.

Do all fridges have a defrost drain?

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.

Where does the water from the refrigerator go?

Condensation runs down the back of the fridge and collects in the gully sitting at the back of the fridge where the water is then channelled through the drain hole into a container which sits on the compressor, it's then evaporated away.

How to defrost a freezer without getting water everywhere?

The safest and easiest way of defrosting a freezer is to simply let the ice melt on its own. After you unplug your appliance, leave the door open and wait for the ice to melt on its own. 6. If you want to expedite the melting process, you can put a fan near your freezer to help it defrost.

What is the disadvantage of a frost-free refrigerator?

Disadvantages of a frost-free refrigerator

These refrigerators are on the costlier side when compared to a traditional refrigerator. They use technology that is more expensive, and they also tend to be double-door fridges, making them more expensive. They also consume more energy than traditional refrigerators.

How to clean a refrigerator defrost drain?

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.

Why does my frost-free fridge have water in the bottom?

Water drainage channel is blocked.

After drying the area, clean the drainage outlet hole with the supplied plunger or similar item. To prevent the water drainage channel being blocked in the future, it is important to clean the drainage channel regularly to prevent water collecting inside your appliance.

What happens when we defrost the refrigerator?

The defrost system activates a defrost heater in the evaporator section at the rear of the freezer compartment. This heater melts frost off of the evaporator coils and then turns off. During defrost there will be no running sounds, no fan noise and no compressor noise.

Should I leave the fridge door open when defrosting?

Leave the door open during defrosting to let warm air circulate and help expedite the process.

Do you unplug a refrigerator to defrost it?

Turn off the refrigerator and unplug the unit. Leave the door open to start the defrosting process. Remove all the food from the freezer and refrigerator compartments, discarding expired or old food.

When a refrigerator defrosts, where does the water go?

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.

Where does fridge water drain to?

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.

Where does the water go in a frost free freezer?

Most modern fridges have a drain hole located towards the back. This moves water to a pan under the fridge, where it's evaporated by the heat of the fridge freezer.

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