Why is ice forming on the back wall of my freezer?

Author: Dr. Monica Thompson IV  |  Last update: Thursday, February 27, 2025

Freezer frosting can be caused by a variety of factors, including temperature fluctuations, air drafts, and humidity levels. When warm, moist air enters the freezer, it turns into cold water droplets that freeze on contact with the walls and shelves of the freezer.

Why is the back wall of my freezer freezing up?

If frost buildup is most noticeable around the back wall of the freezer or in the vents, you might have an issue with the defrost thermostat. This can be a complex problem, as the defrost thermostat is a sensitive component that's triggered by changes in the evaporator.

Should there be ice at the back of my freezer?

If you have a little ice at the bottom shelf of your freezer, its probably normal. It when your sheet of ice starts to look like an Ice berg, is the trouble. I have a house fridge, and a garage fridge. Both have a freezer section, both have a blowing fan in the freezer section.

How do I fix my freezer ice build up?

Follow these steps to remove ice and frost in your freezer:
  1. Move Your Freezer Foods to a Cooler. ...
  2. Line Your Fridge and the Floor With Towels. ...
  3. Fill a Bucket With Hot Water. ...
  4. Pour Hot Water Into the Freezer. ...
  5. Scrape the Ice With a Wooden Spoon. ...
  6. Repeat Steps 3, 4, and 5 As Necessary.

How to stop ice forming at the back of the fridge?

Inspect the door gasket and clean the mating surfaces. The door must close fully and the gasket needs to seal all around. If it leaks it will make the ice accumulation worse. Other than this there is little you can do but try to keep the door closed.

How to Fix a Leaking Refrigerator/Freezer | Samsung

Why is the back of my fridge freezing up?

During the cooling process, the humidity/moisture starts to condense on the back wall as this is one of the coldest places in the fridge. These droplets can be frozen, and ice can build up on the back wall.

Where is the defrost drain on my fridge?

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.

How to avoid ice formation in the freezer?

Make sure the freezer is properly sealed to keep warm air and humidity out, so you can reduce the risk of frost forming. Keep the temperature consistent, and regularly clean the inside of your freezer to remove any existing frost. Ensure your freezer's thermostat is set properly.

How do you know if your defrost drain is clogged?

The usual evidence of a clogged drain in a Side-by-Side Refrigerator is ice under the bottom basket in the freezer compartment in addition to a puddle of water on the floor. Built-In models and most Freestanding models require service to correct the issue.

What number should my freezer be on?

It is recommended that a 4-star freezer needs to operate at -18 degrees Celsius as a minimum. This will prevent bacteria from growing and will keep your frozen food fresher for longer. Whilst it is recommended to keep your freezer below -18 degrees Celsius, it is important to not drop the temperature too low.

What is the most common reason for ice build up in a refrigerator freezer?

Each time you open your freezer door the cold air would flow out and warm air will find its way inside. This humidity in the warm air is the most common cause of frost build up in the freezer. Humidity can also be introduced into the freezer when you put hot foods into it.

How do you defrost the back of a freezer?

Let the ice melt

After you unplug your appliance, leave the door open and wait for the ice to melt on its own. If you want to expedite the melting process, you can put a fan near your freezer to help it defrost. Open the freezer door and position the fan so that air circulates into the freezer.

Should I clear the ice from my freezer?

You should defrost when the ice thickness reaches ¼ or ½ inch. Otherwise, your freezer is working harder to cool your food, wasting energy and raising your bills in the process. Plus, the more ice you let build, the longer the eventual (and inevitable) defrosting process will be!

Is ice build-up in the freezer bad?

Frost accumulation in your freezer can harm both the appliance and the food that is kept there in a number of ways.

How often should you defrost a freezer?

Defrosting your freezer is an essential part of looking after your food and ensuring you have enough space to store all the items you want to keep in cold storage. The good news is that when you are wondering how often should you defrost your freezer, the general consensus is just once a year.

Why is my freezer freezing back to the compressor?

What Can Cause a Frozen Compressor? A clogged air filter that's limiting the amount of air that's moving over the cooling coil. Insufficient refrigerant or too much refrigerant that are causing icy buildup while destroying your compressor. A broken blower motor that's not funneling warm air over the cooling coil.

How do you tell if drain is clogged or frozen?

5 Signs You Have a Frozen Sewer Pipe
  1. No Running Water. If you turn on the tap on your sink and nothing comes out, or it comes out in a slow trickle, it's a sure sign you have a problem with your plumbing. ...
  2. Visibly Frosty Pipe. ...
  3. Strange Sounds. ...
  4. Sewage Smells. ...
  5. Leaks.

Where is the drain hole in my freezer?

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.

How to fix freezer ice build up?

Basically removing all your food, unplugging the unit, allowing all the frost to melt and then drying out the compartment. Plugging it back in, allowing it to cool down and then restocking it with your food.

How do I stop my fridge from freezing on the back?

The smart solution of why is my fridge freezing up at the back due to no air circulation is to tactically rearrange your fridge's contents. The golden rule? Keep those air vents and circulation paths clear to maintain optimal airflow. Leave some breathing room between items, especially towards the back of the fridge.

What temperature should a freezer be set at?

Freezer Temperatures

The temperature of a freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit so everything stays very cold. A freezer should be cold enough to keep food frozen and preserve it until they are ready to be cooked or reheated.

How do I clear the back drain on my refrigerator?

To clean the drain hole:
  1. Switch off your fridge's power source.
  2. Take out the food and any drawers.
  3. Mop up the excess water and remove the drain hole cover if yours has one.
  4. Use the unblocking tool that came with your fridge to prise out the food residue or grease.
  5. Replace the cover and turn your fridge back on.

When defrosting a freezer, where does the water go?

Full-Size Models (9 Cubic Feet Capacity or Larger): All full-sized Refrigerators have defrost drains tubes except for some older manual defrost models. 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.

What happens if the defrost drain is clogged?

A blocked defrost drain can cause water to back up into the fridge, creating a mess and potentially damaging your food. Regularly monitoring and cleaning your clogged fridge drain can help prevent these issues and keep your refrigerator running smoothly.

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