The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

[juliennne]

I have a Whirlpool Fridge/Freezer Model GT22DKXGW01. I keep getting a water leak in my fridge due to the defrost drain or hose being plugged up. I have defrosted the drain several times, but it just starts leaking again within a day or two. I suspect the drain tube is blocked, but don't know how to clear it. I left the fridge off for several hours in case the problem was a block of ice in the drain tube, but no luck. Is it possible there is something in the tube? If so, is there a way to unplug it or does it have to be replaced? How does one replace the drain tube? Thanks for any help you can offer.

We also have a problem with the freezer door popping open with very little pressure when closing the fridge. Anything that can be done to stop that. I'm sure that isn't helping with the defrosting problems.

[Virtual Repairman]

Your door problem is related to the freezer drain being plugged. The door burps a small amount of air thru the drain line as it closes. If the drain is blocked, it's like holding your thumb over the end of a garden hose.

To properly clear the drain, expose the drain pan and hole in the freezer. Use a hair dryer to remove any standing ice in the pan, then get some water boiling in the microwave. Pour the hot water onto the drain hole enough to cover it an inch or so. Let this stand for 3 minutes, then blot away the melted water and hit it again with hot water. I personally iuse a steam cleaning machine on my service calls to speed this process up, but using heat is the key.

Eventually, you should be able to poke a small screwdriver into the hole and hot water will begin to drain away. You can also use compressed air to blow thru the drain after the blockage is removed to assure all remnants of algae or whatever have been removed. Follow up with a capful of bleach down the hole for good measure. Adjust your thermostat to a warmer setting and turn nup the air damper for the fridge side to a higher setting. This will avoid trapping all of the freezer air on that side and let it circulate.
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[gznuttz]

I have the same problem. I have a Kenmore fridge with top mount freezer (model: 62262100 & Serial: EM0420777) that leaks. I have done what you instructed on the website by using hot water and melting the ice down the drain. This works and has done this many times. But the problem seems to occur every 3 months and have grown tired of it. Is there a part that needs to be replaced?

Thank you in advance!

[Virtual Repairman]

Most of the time, this is related to a small air leak from one of the door seals. Check them both all the way around to make sure they seal tightly. Also, do not run the internal temp control past midway or freezeups can occur. You must measure the freezer temp with a thermometer to ensure it is only at 0 degrees F. If the unit is set too cold, the drain will feeeze up more often.
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