How to Fix a Frost Free Freezer Defrost Drain

A few years ago I bought a used frost-free freezer, which seemed fine. But after just a few weeks of operation, it began to accumulate a sheet of ice in the bottom of the freezer case. I knew that these freezers are supposed to run their defrost liquid down and out the bottom drain, but this one would simply freeze up again each time I cleaned the drain out. Those of you with this problem know the difficulty of unclogging this drain, because the freezer has to be emptied each time - No fun! But with a little help, I learned how to fix it permanently - And it wasn't really that hard. I'll give you the generic instructions, but you may have to customize them to your freezer - my freezer is an upright model.

Things You'll Need

• About 3 to 5 feet of bare cooper wire (10 gauge or thicker is OK)
• Whatever hand tools you may need for the job

Instructions

1. This problem occurs because each time the freezer defrosts, the defrost water is supposed to run down the inside of the freezer case and drain out through the drainline in the rear of the case - but for whatever reason, the drainline freezes and the defrost water begins to collect and freeze in the bottom of the freezer case.

2. The solution is to first completely empty the freezer (sorry), unplug it and remove the cover in the back of the freezer case. This is usually a full metal sheet with screws securing it to the case. If you find it in several pieces, it is probably the bottom section you need to remove.

3. Once you've uncovered the inner workings of your freezer, you need to locate the rather obvious defrost elements - these will usually be exposed cooper rods or tubes that heat up during each defrost cycle. Find the defrost element that is closest to the freezer's drainline, and wrap one end of the cooper wire around the defrost rod about 5 or 6 times - then run it down the inside of the rear of the freezer case, and into the drain itself, about 6 or 8 inches or more if possible.

4. What you have just done is to assure that each time your freezer defrost comes on, the drain water will always have a clear and unfrozen path out. Replace the cover in the back of the freezer case, and put your food back in. Plug the freezer back in. You should never have a problem with this again!

Tips & Warnings

• If your freezer is an older model, your door gaskets may be getting dried out - use some vaseline to rub them down - it will soften them and prolong their life - don't overdo it!