Discovering a pool of water in your Kenmore refrigerator? The culprit could be the defrost drain, a small but essential part that prevents ice buildup. Let’s locate this key component in your Kenmore fridge and solve the mystery!
Key Takeaways
- Defrost Drain Location: Back wall, bottom of the freezer, behind a plastic panel.
- Cleaning the Drain: Turn off electricity → Locate the defrost drain → Remove debris → Flush with hot water and bleach/bicarbonate of soda solution → Clean the drip pan.
- Common Causes of Leakage: Clogged/frozen defrost drain, cracked drain pan, faulty water filter, malfunctioning water inlet valve, broken water tank assembly.
- What to Check: Defrost drain for blockages, drain pan for cracks, water filter and inlet valve for damages.
- Maintenance Tip: Perform cleaning annually to extend the lifespan of your fridge.
Kenmore Fridge: Defrost Drain Location
Your Kenmore refrigerator has a defrost drain that is crucial in the automatic defrost process. This drain can be found in the freezer compartment, at the back wall, and bottom.
To spot the defrost drain:
- Remove the plastic panel at the back of the freezer with a screwdriver.
- Look for a small hole or tube at the bottom—this is the defrost drain.
When your fridge runs its defrost cycle, water flows through this tube into a pan where it evaporates. It’s hidden, so leaks might be tricky to notice at first.
Key Points:
- Location: Back wall, bottom of the freezer.
- Access: Behind a plastic panel.
- Purpose: The water from defrosting flows through it.
Remember, the placement of the Kenmore refrigerator defrost drain helps protect the fridge’s components.
How to Clean Defrost Drain On Kenmore Refrigerator
Firstly, ensure your safety by turning off the electricity. Either unplug your refrigerator or switch it off from the circuit breaker. This step is crucial to avoid any electrical accidents.
Next, locate the defrost drain tube. Its location may vary depending on your Kenmore model.
Often, you will find it beneath the freezer compartment or behind a false panel at the bottom of the fridge.
Follow these steps for a clear defrost drain:
Locate and Remove Obstructions:
Use a stiff wire or a screwdriver to gently remove any visible debris from the drain opening. Be careful not to damage the tube.
Cleaning Solution Preparation:
Prepare a mixture of hot water and a pinch of bleach or bicarbonate of soda.
Unclog with a Solution:
With a turkey baster, squirt the hot water mixture into the defrost drain. This will help remove mold and leftover food particles.
Ensure you do this process repeatedly with patience, as tough clogs may require several attempts. When you see the water draining smoothly, you’ve successfully unclogged the drain.
Clean the Drip Pan:
Finally, clean the pan located under the refrigerator where water collects. Wipe it dry before putting it back in place.
Once you’ve completed these steps, reconnect your fridge to the power source.
Your Kenmore refrigerator should now run more efficiently, and you have taken a big step in maintaining your appliance.
Remember, performing this cleaning routine annually can prolong the lifespan of your refrigerator.
Why Does My Kenmore Refrigerator Leak Water Inside?
Your Kenmore refrigerator could be leaking water inside for various reasons. One common issue is a clogged or frozen defrost drain.
Ice or debris blocking this drain can cause water to back up and spill into your fridge.
When water can’t flow through the drain during the defrost cycle, it may gather and freeze, leading to more ice buildup.
As this ice melts, it can lead to water leaks inside your refrigerator. Another problem might be with the drain pan.
Cracks or damage in the drain pan could prevent it from catching defrost water, causing leaks.
Issues with temperature control and high humidity in the environment can also make the defrost cycle less effective, increasing the risk of freezing and leakage.
Keep your refrigerator at the right temperature to make sure everything works well.
Possible Causes
- Clogged or frozen defrost drain
- Cracked drain pan
- Faulty water filter
- Malfunctioning water inlet valve
- Broken water tank assembly
To fix the leaks, check the water filter and inlet valve for cracks or looseness. Replace any cracked parts immediately. And make sure the water line is clear and has no foreign objects blocking it.
What to Check
- Defrost Drain: Look for ice or food particles causing blockages.
- Drain Pan: Examine for any damage or cracks.
- Water Filter: Replace if damaged or if it has reached the end of its lifespan.
- Inlet Valve: Ensure it’s not loose and has no cracks.
By keeping an eye on these components and maintaining them, you can prevent water from leaking inside your Kenmore refrigerator.
