It is not unusual to notice that your GE refrigerator is leaking water. Undoubtedly, it is obvious that there is a problem with the defrost drain system.
This problem is not hard to fix, but you must locate the defrost drain before you can begin. In this article, I will explain how to find the defrost drain hole and tube in a GE refrigerator.
The GE refrigerator defrosts drain is at the lower back end of the refrigerator. However, you can only access it after you remove the crisper drawers and the food items. Next, you must loosen the screws from the panel before you see it. However, it would be best if you knew that the location differs slightly in each refrigerator model.
Where Is the Defrost Drain in My GE Refrigerator?
The defrost drain is underneath a plastic panel on the wall of the refrigerator. This drain, however, differs slightly in the various GE models available.
Consequently, the position in one GE brand will not be the same in the other. Because of the defrost drain’s hidden nature, you must pay close attention to the fridge interior.
The drain is a tiny hole behind the compartment, which helps remove unwanted water from the fridge.
So, if your refrigerator is leaking water, it is an indication that you need to check the drain pipe for clogs.
In addition, if there is ice buildup inside the fridge, there is a problem. Now, you must do a few things to access the drain pan.
Here are the following steps that best explain the procedure.
#1. Step One- Remove Food Items
The first thing to do before you can access the defrost drain hole is to remove food items from the refrigerator. This step allows you to work while preventing the food from falling or getting dirt.
You cannot see the panel covering the drain hole if you do not remove what you have in the refrigerator.
Although you can leave the items hanging on the door shelves, it will not obstruct you. You can also clear the shelves if you wish to clean the fridge after the drain hole.
#2. Step Two- Remove the Crisper Drawers And Trays
After you remove the food items, you must now remove the empty drawers and trays. This action creates free access to the panel that covers the drain hole.
You cannot unscrew the bolts without removing the boxes. Consequently, it would help if you took them out of the way while keeping them safe.
Ensure to place them above children’s reach as they are fragile since most of them are glass. In addition, ensure to keep them away from where you work.
You might accidentally hit them when attempting to turn or stand while you work if they are close. So, keeping the crisper drawers at a safe distance and away from your reach would be best.
#3. Step Three- Locate the Panel And Unscrew the Bolts
At least three bolts fasten the plastic panel to the refrigerator wall. But, of course, you must loosen them to access the drain hole.
To do this, use a 13-in-1 adjustable screwdriver with various head options. You can adjust it to the flat head, hex, or square nut to suit your purpose.
This screwdriver is preferable because you can use it to unscrew the panel irrespective of the type of nuts it has. On the other hand, you can observe the exact one it requires and purchase it.
After you unscrew the nuts, please place them in a container so you do not misplace them.
#4. Step Four- Locate the Defrost Drain Hole
When you remove the panel, you will see the defrost drain hole at the bottom of the opening. It is a tiny opening that allows water to pass.
Now, you can check the hole for clogs or debris and clean it to allow water to pass without obstruction.
How Do You Unclog a GE Refrigerator Defrost Drain?
Unclogging a GE refrigerator defrost drain is relatively easy. You can do this with a few tools and some hot water.
The tools are optional as hot water works in most cases. However, some clogs are stubborn and require extra force to dislodge them.
Here are a few things you might need to remove clogs from the defrost drain.
- A plastic rope
- Spray nozzle
- A thin wire
- Baking soda
- Hot water
Knowing that you can use each of these things independently would be best. So, it would be best if you did not have all of them in your possession.
As long as you have hot water and baking soda, you are on the right path. Hot water is the most essential of the rest of the items above.
You must flush the hole after you finish with the plastic rope or thin wire. The water removes the debris and particles that the wire could not remove.
Here are the following steps to unclog a GE refrigerator defrost drain.
#1. Step One- Disconnect the Refrigerator from the Power Supply
This step is crucial when working with electrical appliances to avoid electrocution. It is important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power source before you begin.
You can either turn off the socket or unplug the fridge from the socket. Furthermore, you can also turn off the circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the kitchen.
All these steps are precautionary measures to ensure you are safe from electrical hazards.
#2. Step Two- Flush with Hot Water And Baking Soda (optional)
Hot water breaks down particles faster and easier than cold or lukewarm water. So, it is preferable to use hot water down the drain hole.
Next, get some hot water in a measuring cup( so that you can pour it directly) and add some baking soda. The baking soda also helps to dissolve the clogs faster.
Pour the water directly into the drain hole until you hear it flush down the drain pipe. Then, repeat the action until you hear the water enter the drain pan at the bottom of the fridge.
#3. Step Three- Use a Thin Wire or Plastic Rope
To do a more thorough job, insert a thin wire or plastic rope into the drain hole as far as it can reach.
Push it in and pull it out repeatedly to dislodge as much debris as possible. However, you must be careful not to puncture the drain tube.
#4. Step Four- Flush with Some More Water
Afterward, flush the hole with some more hot water to clean it completely. If you do this, most clogs will go down the drain tube and into the drain pan.
You can either clean the drain pan manually or allow the evaporator coil and fan to do their jobs. But, of course, the refrigerator fan will not work when it is not in power.
Consequently, you may have to remove the drain pan and clean the water from it.
Where Is the Defrost Drain in My GE French Door Refrigerator?
The defrost drain is at the base of the refrigerator, behind the plastic panel that covers the wall. Also, it helps the fridge to drain excess water.
When the fridge defrosts after each cycle, the defrost drain transfers the liquid through the drain tube. Then, finally, it goes to the drain pan and evaporates there.
However, some people confuse the defrost drain, the drain pipe, and the drain or drip pan.
Here is a table highlighting their differences and unique features.
| Defrost Drain | Drain Tube | Drip Pan |
|---|---|---|
| It allows water into the drain tube. | It collects water from the defrost drain to the drip pan. | It stores water from the drain tube. |
| It may harbor ice buildup. | Clogs can hinder the drain tube from passing water. | It has heating coils. |
| It helps expel water. | It passes to the fridge’s bottom. | It is at the bottom of the refrigerator. |
Where Is the Drip Pan on GE Refrigerator?
The drip pan on a GE refrigerator is at the rear bottom of the fridge. To access it, you must first move the refrigerator from the wall.
You may only want to access the drip pan if your refrigerator is leaking water due to an existing problem. For example, if there is ice buildup, it is best to check if the drip pan is overflowing.
One of the reasons for the drip pan is to store excess water from the fridge. If it were not in place, there would be no proper channel for the water to pass.
In the drip pan, several heating coils evaporate the water so it does not overflow. Aside from the coils, the fan is also in place to help evaporation.
However, the water can no longer evaporate if the fan or coil malfunctions. So, unfortunately, it will leak onto the floor and create a mess in your kitchen.
Why Is My GE Refrigerator Drain Freezing Up?
Your Ge refrigerator drain may freeze due to the following reasons:
- If there is ice buildup in the refrigerator.
- If the heating coils are faulty and need replacement.
- If there are clogs in the defrost drain.
- Not regularly cleaning your refrigerator might lead to a frozen drain pan.
Fortunately, you can rectify this issue by cleaning the defrost drain system and passing hot water. But, first, you must replace whatever requires a change and test to see if it is in place.
Summary
In conclusion, the GE defrost drain is at the base of the fridge behind the wall. It is protected by a panel you must remove before accessing it. However, you must only remove it when necessary and fix it as soon as you finish.
