Where Is the Water Drain Located on a Refrigerator?

The Drain's Purpose

• Moisture and ice accumulate on the walls of your refrigerator and freezer faster during periods of high humidity or when the doors are opened more frequently. Some models have independent humidity controls for each crisper drawer to allow fruits and vegetables -- which require different moisture levels -- to stay fresh longer. When too much moisture or ice forms on the walls, it drips down into the water drain, where it is channeled to the evaporation pan. You can often hear ice dripping down the drainage pipe when the appliance is running an automatic defrost cycle.

Locating the Drain

• The entrance to the water drain is usually located at the bottom of the back wall of the refrigerator or freezer compartment. It is sometimes hidden behind a removable panel to reduce the chance of a blockage occurring. The piping connecting the drain hole with the evaporator pan is usually recessed inside the appliance and is only accessible by taking the refrigerator apart.

Cleaning the Drain

• Scraps of food are easily washed down the water drain where they may cause a blockage. You might notice water pooling beneath the crisper drawers or the appliance itself as a result. Fill a container with a mixture of 2 cups of hot water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Draw the fluid into a turkey baster and squeeze it out into the water drain to clear any blockages. You'll hear water trickling into the evaporator pan when the pipes are clear.

Accessing the Piping

• In the event that you need to access the piping connecting the drain hole to the evaporator pan, remove either the rear panel or one of the interior panels of the appliance. To find out which course of action suits your model, you should contact the manufacturer or your local service location. If the piping is accessed from inside the appliance, remove the shelves.