Did you know that your refrigerator may be leaking? It’s true. Over time, the seal around the door gaskets can deteriorate, which allows moisture to seep into the fridge. When the moisture reaches the electrical components in the fridge, it causes corrosion.
And this corrosion creates an electrical charge that then attracts metal flakes that become frozen to the sides of the drain tube. This makes it very difficult (if not impossible) for the water to escape the refrigerator.
What You Will Learn
You will learn how to check your refrigerator for signs of moisture leakage. And if there are signs of moisture leakage, you will learn how to fix the problem. It really is as simple as that.
How To Fix A Whirlpool Refrigerator Drain Tube Clogged
1: Check Your Fridge For Moisture Signals
Look at the bottom of your refrigerator door. There should be a plastic or rubber strip that runs around the entire perimeter of the door. This seal helps to keep the moisture from seeping into the refrigerator. If this seal is damaged or broken, moisture can seep into the refrigerator and cause all sorts of problems.
Look at the bottom of the door inside the refrigerator. Again, there should be a plastic or rubber strip around the entire interior of the door. This interior seal works in conjunction with the exterior seal to help prevent moisture from entering the fridge.
If either of these seals is damaged or broken, moisture may enter the fridge. And when moisture enters the electrical components in the fridge, it causes corrosion.
2: Unplug Your Refrigerator For At Least 12 Hours!
The first thing you should do is unplug your refrigerator. You should do this both before you start fixing anything, and also after you have finished fixing whatever it is that needs to be fixed.
Why Is It Important To Do This?
It is important to do this because you do not want to short circuit any of the electrical components in your refrigerator. And while it is true that you can get a very small (and very expensive) tool called a multimeter that can tell you if there is an electrical short circuit in your fridge, it is even better if you simply rely on your good old fashioned common sense.
What You Will Need To Do
The first thing you need to do is remove the access panel from the back of your refrigerator. You should do this by unscrewing two or three screws. Then, lift off the access panel. Make sure you wear protective gloves when you are doing this. When you are done, you should see a series of black electrical wires running underneath the access panel.
Next, you need to remove the black cap from the end of each of these electrical wires. Then, using your multimeter, check the resistance of each of these electrical wires. If there is a high resistance (meaning a short circuit), you have an electrical short in your refrigerator. And if there is a low resistance (meaning no short circuit), there is no electrical short in your fridge.
So, if there is a short circuit, you simply need to remove the black cap from the end of each of the electrical wires. Do this by pulling off the cap. Then, simply twist each of the electrical wires individually. You should then test the resistance of each of these electrical wires again. If the resistance is now high (meaning there is no longer a short circuit), you have corrected the problem.
If there is still a low resistance (meaning there is still a short circuit), you will need to remove more screws and access panels. Keep repeating these steps until you have removed all of the screws and access panels, and until you can no longer feel any sort of resistance when you test the electrical wires.
3: Clean Out Your Refrigerator Drain Tube!
To clean out your refrigerator drain tube, you are going to need a small tool called a “crimp tool”. You can get one at any home center or hardware store. To use this tool, simply put the pointed end into the hole where the drain tube comes out of the bottom of your fridge, and then turn the tool in a circular motion. This will push outward on the metal flakes that have frozen to the sides of the drain tube. When you do this, you should be able to remove most of the metal flakes. And when you do this, your drain tube will be free and clear, and you will be able to remove the trap that is connected to the bottom of the fridge.
4: Clean Out The Trapped Gasses In Your Fridge!
To clean out the trapped gases in your fridge, you are going to need a small tool called a “carburetor cleaning tool”. You can get one at any home center or hardware store. To use this tool, simply insert the pointed end into the hole where the trapped gases come out of the bottom of your fridge, and then turn the tool in a circular motion. This will break up the clumps of gas, and allow the oxygen in the air to replace the broken up gas molecules.
5: Clean The Exterior Of Your Refrigerator!
To clean the exterior of your refrigerator, you are going to need a soft bristled brush and some dishwashing liquid. First, take off the access panel that is located on the back of your refrigerator. Then, using your multimeter, check the resistance of each of the black electrical wires that run underneath the access panel. If there is a short circuit, use your crimp tool to remove the caps from the ends of the electrical wires.