Side-by-Side Refrigerator - Drain Tube

Side-by-Side refrigerators with an automatic defrost system have a drain tube that carries water created during the defrost cycle to a fixed drain pan underneath the refrigerator.

 

It is possible for a defrost drain tube to become clogged. The usual evidence of a clogged drain in a Side-by-Side refrigerator is the discovery of ice build-up under the bottom basket in the freezer compartment. You may also see a puddle of water on the floor when defrost water runs out from the freezer door.

 

Some Side-by-Side refrigerator models have a defrost drain hole located on the interior back wall of the freezer compartment. It is just up from where the floor slopes up to the back wall, in the center. In some models it is behind a plastic panel along the back wall and is held in place by a screw. You can remove the screw and panel and the drain hole will be visible.

 

If the drain tube is clogged, it can be cleaned or flushed out on models with access to the drain hole. If the drain tube can be cleaned on your model without service, instructions for cleaning or flushing out the drain tube will be in the Owner's Manual for your specific model.

• Allow the ice accumulation to thaw and inspect the lower rear interior of the freezer compartment.

• If visible, flush out the drain hole with a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 cups of hot tap water. Put the solution into a meat/turkey (bulb) baster and use the baster to flush out the drain hole. When clear, you will hear water running down into the drain pan below.

• Once the drain has been cleared by using this procedure, this condition can be prevented from recurring by flushing a solution of baking soda and hot tap water into the drain opening once or twice a year.

 

If these tips did not resolve the concern, service is most likely needed. For service, please schedule an appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.