How To Clear The Drain On Your Kenmore Freezer

If you have a Kenmore freezer, you may have noticed that sometimes there is water or ice buildup on the bottom of the freezer or on the floor underneath it. This can be a sign that your freezer’s defrost drain is clogged or frozen. The defrost drain is a small opening that allows the melted ice and water from the defrost cycle to drain out of the freezer and into a pan or tray below. If the drain is blocked, the water can overflow and cause problems.

To clear the drain on your Kenmore freezer, you need to locate the drain hole or tube, remove any debris or ice that may be blocking it, and flush it with hot water or a solution of baking soda and vinegar.

In this post, we’ll show you how to find and clear the defrost drain on your Kenmore freezer. We’ll also give you some tips on how to prevent the drain from clogging or freezing again. Read on to learn more!

How To Find The Defrost Drain On Your Kenmore Freezer

The defrost drain hole or tube of your Kenmore freezer is located at the back wall and bottom of your freezer compartment. The tube or hole is usually covered by a plastic panel held to its position by a screw; if opened, the hole will become visible to your eyes.

To access the defrost drain, you’ll need to remove the back panel from your freezer. This can usually be done by unscrewing a few screws or bolts that hold it in place. Once the panel is removed, you should see a small hole or tube near the bottom of the freezer. This is the defrost drain.

In some cases, there may be a cover over the drain hole or tube to keep debris from entering it. If so, simply remove this cover and set it aside.

How To Clear The Defrost Drain On Your Kenmore Freezer

If your freezer’s defrost drain is clogged or frozen, you’ll need to clear it to prevent water leakage and damage. There are a few ways to do this:

Method 1: Use A Paperclip Or Other Small Object

This method works for most Kenmore freezers with a small hole as the defrost drain. Here are the steps:

• Unplug your freezer from the power outlet.
• Locate the defrost drain hole on your freezer. It’s usually near the bottom of the freezer compartment.
• Use a paperclip or other small object to clear any debris or ice that may be blocking the hole. You can also use a small brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or dust.
• If the hole is completely blocked, you may need to use a plunger or other tool to dislodge the obstruction. Be careful not to damage the hole while doing this.
• Once you have cleared the hole, plug your freezer back in and check if the water drains properly.

Method 2: Use Hot Water Or A Solution Of Baking Soda And Vinegar

This method works for most Kenmore freezers with a tube as the defrost drain. Here are the steps:

• Unplug your freezer from the power outlet.
• Locate the defrost drain tube on your freezer. It’s usually near the bottom of the freezer compartment.
• Remove any debris or ice that may be blocking the tube. You can use a paperclip or other small object to poke through it, or a small brush or vacuum attachment to clean it.
• If the tube is still clogged, you may need to flush it with hot water or a solution of baking soda and vinegar. You can use a turkey baster, a funnel, or a syringe to inject the liquid into the tube.
• If you use hot water, make sure it’s not boiling, as this can damage your freezer. If you use baking soda and vinegar, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of vinegar in a bowl. This will create a fizzing reaction that can help dissolve any clogs.
• Inject enough liquid into the tube until you see it coming out of the other end. This means that the tube is clear.
• Once you have cleared the tube, plug your freezer back in and check if the water drains properly.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clear my Kenmore freezer’s defrost drain?

A: You should clear your Kenmore freezer’s defrost drain whenever you notice water or ice buildup on the bottom of your freezer or on the floor underneath it. This can happen due to various reasons, such as high humidity, frequent door opening, power outage, or faulty components.

Q: How can I prevent my Kenmore freezer’s defrost drain from clogging or freezing?

A: You can prevent your Kenmore freezer’s defrost drain from clogging or freezing by following these tips:

• Keep your freezer at the recommended temperature, which is usually between 0°F and 5°F. If the temperature is too low, the defrost cycle may not work properly and cause ice buildup. If the temperature is too high, the defrost water may not evaporate and cause clogs.
• Avoid overloading your freezer with food items, as this can block the airflow and prevent the defrost water from draining. Leave some space between the food and the walls of the freezer.
• Check and clean the drain pan or tray regularly, as this can collect dust, dirt, or mold that can clog the drain. The drain pan or tray is usually located beneath the freezer and can be accessed by removing the front kick plate or grille.
• Install a drain strap or heater if your freezer doesn’t have one. A drain strap or heater is a small device that attaches to the defrost heater and extends into the defrost drain. It helps to melt any ice that may form in the drain and prevent it from freezing. You can order a drain strap or heater online or from a local appliance store.

Q: What should I do if my Kenmore freezer’s defrost drain is still not working after clearing it?

A: If your Kenmore freezer’s defrost drain is still not working after clearing it, you may have a problem with one of the components that control the defrost cycle, such as the defrost timer, the defrost thermostat, the defrost heater, or the control board. These components are responsible for turning on and off the defrost heater and regulating the temperature and duration of the defrost cycle. If any of them are faulty, they may cause the defrost water to freeze or overflow.

To check these components, you’ll need a multimeter and a screwdriver. You’ll also need to refer to your freezer’s manual or wiring diagram for their location and testing procedures. If you find any of them to be defective, you’ll need to replace them with new ones.

Conclusion

We hope this post has helped you learn how to clear the drain on your Kenmore freezer and what to check if it keeps clogging or freezing. By following these simple steps, you can fix this common problem yourself and save money on repairs.

Remember, if you need any parts for your Kenmore freezer, you can order them online or from a local appliance store. Just make sure you get the right model for your freezer.