Dear SamuraiRepairman. Thanks for posting this video. It was a huge help in enabling me to fix the clogged condensate drain in the freezer. Regarding the top tray removal and re-installation, there is a trick. There are two tabs above the geared wheel on each side that allow the assembly to be lifted up to take the wheels off the track. You then get a lot of tolerance to install the rails first, followed by the tray into its track. Finally, you drop the wheel assembly.
Thank you sooo very much!!!! At age 64 because the love of the Lord and your video, I was able to fix our fridge that was licking for 10+ years. The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
Rather than sucking up the water from the drain and pan, I took the pump spray lid (such as you'd find on a bottle of all-purpose household cleaner) and stuck it down the drain. I then sprayed the water from the drain into the bottom of the freezer and soaked it up with a towel. Worked really well.
Awesome tutorial to allow me to fix this annoying problem, My fridge (A Kenmore version of this Whirlpool) sits on a newly installed engineered hardware floor so a complete solution was critical. Initially I completed the defrosting and unclogging of the condensate drain and freezer coils and then cleaned out the rubber grommet that was plugged with gunk. I put it all back together and then ordered the W10619951 Whirlpool Extension-Drain Factory Replacement for Gromet W10309238. Once it arrived I took the back panel off again and installed the p trap. A little white rubber sleeve slides over the piece of tube the grommet was attached to. The top of the p trap fits over that but it took some muscle, twisting and turning to get it seated properly. Thank you SamuraiRepairman for helping me slay the appliance repair bill.
Excellent video. Thanks for help. I spent about 2 hrs taking it all apart and defrosting. My drain was frozen and I also had a large ice block where the frig drains/vents into the freezer compartment. I used a low wattage hairdryer for the defrost. (dont have a steamer) I also used a sponge to remove the water. I ended up cutting a V in the old style grommet, will order the new one. Thanks again for saving me a service call.
Thank you so much for this video. I have the same model and was able to follow your instructions and cleared out the drain. Took about an hour and thirty since I don't own a steam cleaner. One suggestion I have is that I had really good luck attaching about a 1/4" piece of plastic tube to the end of a turkey baster to use to suck the water out of the drain instead of using mouth power. Worked like a charm and no icky water to slurp on :) Thanks again!
Thank you!!!! Just fixed my fridge all by myself (47 yr old engie). Awesome video. I did do one creative thing. There was a rubber boot on the bottom of the drain that was clogged with "gunk". Pulled it off and cleaned it out, too. Then, victory!
Thanks for the video. Just took the last hour taking my fridge apart and deicing the drain and clearing the down tube. Your use of steam is genius and that cut my work time down to an hour and half, would have been quicker if I had grabbed all the right tools at first. Again thank you for your work.
Thank you for this video! I also watched another video of yours that explained how to more easily remove the top rack in my freezer drawer. Between the 2 videos, I was able to defrost my condensate drain with no issue! We have a wood floor in our kitchen, and yeah, water is the enemy. I hope this has finally solved the leak problem for good. Thank you for your appliance-know-how generosity!!
Great video! I did everything as you said, except I also added a copper wire coiled around the heat element and threaded down the drain to ensure no future ice jams. Thank you; this was a big help!
This guide is great! The only other thing I would point out is after having completed this process I had to also take off the bottom back of the fridge, there is a little slide in there that the water is supposed to run down to the pan, at the top of the slide there is a rubber gasket (almost like a nipple) that was clogged with "stuff". I took that off and cleaned it out. I just finished putting everything back together so I am keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks again for the great video (and for updating it with the easy rack removal).
Just finished my Job! You da man! Took me about 5 hours but did it! Only thing is I didn't clip in either of the top tray clips when putting it back. Tray slid in just fine.
Extremely helpful video. It really is necessary - mandatory - to clean out that drain valve as well, since the clogged drain valve usually is the root cause of this problem. It's easy to take out the drain valve, just remove the lower back panel, reach in and up, and pull it out. No tools required other than the nut driver to take the back panel off.
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I knew I had to defrost behind the freezer wall before I change the duckbill grommet to the redesigned p-trap. Problem was, I couldn't figure out how to get the grill shroud off the back wall! Now I know. Thanks again.
Hi Chris, letting the fridge stand until the ice is melted is an option for a DIYer but not for a professional servicer. When a customer calls me in, they expect me to get it fixed right then and there. This is Ameedika-- land of instant gratification. And that's why we professional Appliantologists makes the big money! :)
This is a really nicely done instructional video. Thanks for including the details regarding the captive upper drawer right beneath the ice maker. Another video I watched yesterday, only after discovering the way to release the drawer and wasting about 20mins in the process, didn't ever acknowledge this glaring exclusion of useful info.I've done everything up to what you demonstrate in the ice melting removal (my drain hadn't been frozen or plugged) as well as also removing the front kick panel and vacuuming off the scuzzy lint crud down beneath as well as removing the rear sheet metal panel and using paper towels sopping up the fowl water in the evaporator/waste pan.So all this is complete, but my problem isn't resolved.Here's the long and short of my specific issue: The Ice maker works, but water was for some reason has recently begun to dribble and splatter (??) somewhere in the region of the feeder hose just ahead of the ice maker unit. This is manifesting as ice accumulating along the roller tracks, the freezer baskets/trays, into the ice bin (eventually creating glaciers, and eventually it caused any of the expected results. Drawer won't open, Drawer doesn't fully close, causing condensation and that frosty crystal crap, and most importantly, food is thawing. It might be important to also mention that prior to all of this current situation, about 6 weeks ago the water outlet inside along the left wall one day ceased to want to work.I had 2-3 days prior removed the crisper bins and cleaned them out and discovered that the water supply hose is a large coil at the rear which would serve as a cooling reservoir for on demand cold water. After the dispenser was found by my wife to suddenly be broken, I removed the veg bins, and gave the water hose a few jolts and twists upon discovering it had become internally frozen. A couple hours later, all was well, and the water resumed flowing.I think I've covered everything related to this ongoing drama. FYI, I've also replaced water filters as needed.
Thanks so much for the video and the comments. I would not have been about to remove the racks with out all the help. We actually had turned of the freezer for 24 hours so all the ice was melted but I still wanted to see if there was something causing this to keep happening. It seems to keep leaking every few months. After we cleaned it all out we pushed a wire through the drain hose to see if it was plugged. We found a check valve at the bottom of the drain hose and removed it. We will see
Thanks for this video! The problem was just as you said: ice in the trough preventing the water from draining. I have a GX5FHDXVQ07. The top rack was really easy to remove and replace. I took out the two screws, then pushed some tabs at the back of the rack that allowed me to raise the cog/axle assembly right up. As for the bottom, I just removed the front door (4 screws) and basket and left the sliders in place.
I would kiss you if it wouldn't be super weird!! We have had nothing but problems with our Maytag fridge. We don't have the money to call a repair guy so just by chance I googled the problem. This video and the one about the black duckbill thing getting plugged was what was wrong with mine. It took me about three hours to fix it but that's mostly because my two year old was "helping". Best part is that my husband is going to think I'm super awesome for doing it! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
thanks, directions worked like a charm! Now it will be interesting to see how long until the freezer freezes up, freezing the fan in place, making the refrigerator section warm.
I did this! The only things I changed is that I used a hair dryer. Then I used a turkey baster to suck out the water around the drain. Finally, I sleuthed out that the mention of using salt water is to make a salt water solution and with the turkey baster squeeze it into the drain to flush it out of any extra ice or particles! Thank you SamuraiRepairman!
Very helpful video. I have a similar model Maytag freezer with the same issue. After watching this I was able to resolve the problem. weeks later everything is still good.
Just watched your video and thank you. It helped. My husband did the work himself. OK thing I'm concerned about is if it will do it again and in how long?
Samurai...great vid. Qustion though, my Whirlpool is not even 2 years old and this has started...I'm handy but can I avoid all this by just un pluging my fridge for seveal day and let everthing melt? Thanks
39 year old female and I had no problems fixing my fridge with these instructions. Hopefully it'll last a while. I did have to use a wire to push through the last little bit and it took awhile with the blow dryer.
Repair went exactly as you showed. Thanks for all the "Samurai" tricks! I am with Mike Pace on trying to find a prevention so that this doesn't continue to occur!
Thanks so much,I had a problem with my bottom freezer and did not know how to remove the door, after watching your video I was able to easily remove it an fix the issue! I will clean the drain now from the frig I have in the garage...
You are the man! Thank you so much. Very clear and easy to follow videos. Saved me a pile of money being able to do the repairs myself. A million thanks to you SamuraiRepairman! Whirlpool must have been smoking something when they designed this fridge. How hard could it be to design something that would drain properly? You da man!
I did all the same things, however it’s still not making ice and still making a humming sound(it was quiet for a few days, but then started humming again). Could there be ice build up in the hose or somewhere else that must be accessed from the back of the fridge/freezer? I’ve removed the bottom back cover but that doesn’t seem to access the hoses well. Looks like I’d need to remove the entire giant metal back plate that runs from the top of the fridge to roughly 10 inches from the floor… thoughts ?
Thanks for the video. I find it easier to remove and re-add the top rack if you slide up the plastic cogs on the basket. This is done by supressing 4 plastic clips (2 on each side) and sliding up. If you do it this way, you reduce the risk of breaking anything. Maybe this helps
Love the video, thank you so much! Fixed my refrigerator within 30 minutes. Seems the drainage pan also has a heating element, but I wonder why they wouldn't string one through the drainage hole to prevent it freezing closed?
I have this same model of Maytag, and it repeatedly freezes up and leaks water out the front. I have completely thawed the drain twice and modified the rubber drain grommet in the back to flow better. Water droplets freeze up in the pan before it even has a chance to drain out. Changing the freezer temperature to a warmer setting doesn't seem to affect anything. What the heck do I do now? Great video by the way, I wish I had seen it first.
hi Sam man> In just 8 mos our bott freezer whirlpool froze up 4 inch thick across the condensor in freezer> its a 2 yrs old only model > our last fridge side x side went for 23 yrs strong NO Problemo> Just a lite bulb! R these bottom freezers all problematic in new tech for fridges? Have any been recalled? where do i check for recalls? Last: Our drain ran down fine thru freezer when thawed with hair dryer> Can it block somewhere Else? we did it ourself last pm cause warrty is out . TY Great VID!
Thanks for the upload, this is exactly the same problem I have with the exact same fridge. I'm not sure if I am confident about doing it myself but I can at least narrow down the problem for a professional.
Good video with a few modifications for the model of the fridge. The only downfall, and the hardest part for me, is removing the clip on the vent grill on the back panel. The removal clip is in the bottom vent in the centre. Then slide a screwdriver in the holes near the top on either side to work away at the other big clips holding the vent grill.
Was it an aluminum strip that attached to the calrod heating element and extended into the drain? If so, that's a common kit that is installed in the field to prevent drain clogs. If that's not it, I'd love to a see a photo or video of it!
Is this a major design flaw with bottom mount refrigerators? I just fixed the issue on my Kenmore, and it seems that a lot of other people with bottom mount units have this problem all the time. I very rarely hear about this happening to normal style fridges though.
Just did this this morning, thanks for the great video! Had a little bit of something in the duckbill and I guess it plugged it up. Cut a notch as per your other video, hopefully it stays good for a while.
I totally understand. I'm a home owner, so I hate paying people like you! ;) FYI, you can get that upper freezer rack back in by taking each side rail in each hand , the rack on your lap, slide the two rails onto the end of the rack that goes in the back of the freezer. Push the entire thing in at the same time. When it gets to the slots at the rear, push each tab in one at a time into the slots.
Many thanks for posting this super informative video! I watched before tackling the frozen drain on my fridge and just knowing where it was and how to reach it was a huge help. I attacked from both the front and back, and found something that may be contributing to the freeze-up. After I took the back panel off the fridge I found a black rubber check valve that slips over the drain outlet. Pulling it off, the rubber seemed to be degraded; it's sticky to the touch and I bet that it doesn't open like it's supposed to anymore. Anyway I used a length of solid copper wire (8 or 10 gauge) pushed into the drain to clear it; it took a while, 30 mins or so, but the heat from my hand was enough to let the wire melt its way into the ice plug, eventually penetrating and restoring the drain flow. I've left off the check valve, we'll see if that that helps.
Yup, so after reading more of the other comments and responses I ordered and installed the P trap kit from Appliance Part Pros. Highly recommend, went in very easily.
Jay Miller NO ONE should have to pay for the p-trap. Whirlpool put out a TSB November 2013 saying they will pay to have the replacement done within 2 years of refrigerator purchase and will send the p-trap free after that: docs.google.com/file/d/0BzIiBNwRIV4NNWJNNmx0andROGs/edit
+Bruce Alvarez Thank you so much for the link and info. Do you have any idea where I can order the part from. I don't want to call the wrong place and have them tell me I owe money.
Do you have any suggestions as to how to get the shelves/door off when I can’t get the bolts loose? I’ve tried a butter knife, screwdriver, ratchet, and nothing. Please help!!!
Had a little trouble with the tabs on the rack, but a little elbow grease (and some cursing) helped. The only thing I can't figure out now is how to get the air grill off. The video skips right over that step. Now I can't get the back panel off to get to the drain. Looks like there are some tabs or something, but sticking a screwdriver in to push anything around isn't working. What's the trick to getting the back panel off?
Thanks for this wonderful video. I didn't have ice build up on the outward part of the freezer. I had tons of ice build up behind the back panel. I used my steamer to remove the ice safely. I had to do this twice. Will the P-trap drain eliminate this ice build up and keep it from coming back? I don't believe my drain was clogged because all the water ran down the drain with no problem when I melted all the ice on those sharp blades in the back. I had a lot of water of mop up. This refrigerator has become a huge headache. What do you suggest as far as keeping this ice from building back up?
Sounds like your refrigerator has had a defrost system failure. That's where it's no longer fire up that heater around the evaporator coil every few hours to melt the accumulated off the evaporator coil. To prevent this from happening in the future, you'll need to troubleshoot the defrost system to find out the bad part. We can help you do this in the Appliantology repair forums. appliantology.org
I went to the appliantology.org website, but I'm a little confused on how to ask for help. I registered with the website. Can you give me a little assistance on how to ask for help, please? I really want to get this fix. I have taken that freezer apart over 3 times.
SamuraiRepairman I posted my question today :) for some reason Chrome wouldn't allow me to do it before. Look forward to the help on solving this problem.
Do you think it was just the defrost drain being clogged alone that was causing all the other ice to form on the ceiling or could the freezer door have been slightly ajar by an obstruction (food item) as well?
Awesome video!! Your instructions are perfect and I am dealing with this exact issue right now. Can I leave the ice maker out? We never use it and it has never been plumbed anyway! It is just a bulky POS!! I would just put the three screws back in and maybe tape over the connection at the back of the freezer. Does this effect the operation of the freezer? Thanks again for doing this video!!
Thanks man!! You are quick with the replies!! Now I am thinking I probably have a clogged defrost check valve. That is more involved for me!! Our fridge is not sitting on its wheels so I would have to do some lowering, etc....Then find room to pull fridge out from the cubby hole. Oh the joys!!
Sam, We called Maytag and they gave us two options. a short term fix and a complete shut off fix. We tried the short term and ice is back with in 1 week. Will completely shutting off the unit for 24 hours fix this problem? Could dog hair collecting under the refrig be part of the problem?
Domo origato!! I just finished fixing my whirlpool refrigerator with your help. Ice is gone, drain is cleared, and duckbill is notched (per your other video). Has the notching you did on your repair calls before the P-trap came out been sufficient or should I go ahead and order the new P-trap?
Larry Herring Hi Larry, I've not had any call backs from the notching procedure but the P-trap is a superior solution. I would go ahead and install the P-trap.
Thanks. Found the OEM P-trap from a solid eBay appliance parts seller for $15 w free ship. Received and installed it in short order. Truly appreciate your guidance.
That steamer idea is ingenious. Don't have one, I just might need to get one. The guilty culprit was a totally clogged drain valve in the back. Thanks for the videos.
I have gotten to the end of the process (using your helpful video) and cleared all of the ice down in the drain but when I pour hot water into the drain to make sure it is clear, it just sits there. I have repeated this several times now. Any ideas?
Removing the check valve altogether can cause excessive frosting problems. I show a better technique for dealing with the check valve in a more recent video I made-- see the video description above for the direct link.
I've since refined my technique and now just stick the nozzle of my steamer down the drain and hold it there for a minute or so. I will blast the drain clear with steam power. Easy peasy!
Just completed fixing my own Maytag bottom freezer that leaked water. The problem was a plugged "duck-billed grommet" as described herein. The grommet is a thermoplastic elastomer that was likely not adequately tested prior to its selection. The material contains a sticky liquid that over time exudes to the surface and attracts anything in the air. Over time, the various little dust particles accumulate into enough material to clog the drain slot. Replacement grommet seems to be OK...so far.
So we just picked up a free 2000 whirlpool side by side, that leaks from underneath. I noticed that there is some freeze over on the pipe on the back side of the fridge, I also noticed that the door frame is hot to touch, fan is working, freezer and fridge needed to be turned down, for in the fridge part was freezing up everything, the freezer was freezing stuff very fast. I have them turned down below level that is recommended. I have been looking for a solution to this problem and so far have not found any. Any idea on what is going on and how to fix this.?
Thanks for watching, Mike, and glad the video helped you! Great suggestion on the turkey baster. I've actually refined my technique since making this video and now use a 45 degree nozzle on my steamer to stick it right down into the drain and let the steam do all the work. Works awesomely!
Hey Samurai ! - Same Maytag freezer set up - I have an intermittently overflowing drip pan causing water damage to kitchen floor, leaking to basement ceiling tiles. Took back off; drain pipe drips into pan just fine, no ice inside freezer. Don't have ice maker hooked up. Just cleaned a gross door seal filled with debris. Think this could have been the culprit ?Trying to avoid the freezer surgery you performed on the video. Thanks.
Undoubtedly the condensate drain is the problem. You need to install the new P-Trap drain. See this video: th-cam.com/video/jCdJsMDWjUE/w-d-xo.html You can buy the new P-trap here: bit.ly/1ok8Rbl
How do you prevent it from reoccurring? I cleared it out, it worked for a month or so and the ice build up at the bottom of freezer started again. I'm thinking about trying the copper wire trick, but wondering if there is an official solution...
I have a maytag plus fridge over freezer. No ice build up but the fridge doesn't want to stay cold. If I unplug it a few hours it will work, for a week or so and then get warm again. As much as I spent for this thing I would hate like hell to purchase another. Whatcha think?
My compressor is constantly running and both units are not cold enough. I suspect a refrigerant leak. Is there a common leak on these bottom freezer maytags?
Can u do this from behind instead of having to go through the hassle of removing the back panel . Heat the drain tube or just blow it out with light air preassure.
Yes good shows thank you-Nice clear ice forms in the bottom part of my whirlpool I've been breaking it out once a week with the spatula before it melts out through the door. There's no drain pan. So I've got another problem I guess???
John James You have the same problem and you have a drain pan, it is in the back, accessible only by taking off the back panel. And it doesn't come out, the water is PRESUMABLY evaporated by all the heat generated down there. Fixing the actual problem - a clogged "duckbill" in the drain is not addressed in this video. My 26 Y/O Amana has a drain pan that pulls out from the front once the "grill" is removed.
Samurai, I have a Scunci stearmer (1000 Watts) that has a hose with a tiny tip (not as small as 1/4'') but almost. I'm able to stick it in any condensate drain and clear it with just pressure from the steamer. I've never had one I couldnt blast out. How does salt water help clear an obstainate plug?
dear thanks too much for that vedios..i wanna know where is the heating wire in National super big NR-B57BE refrigerator also the timer for it cuz i face the same problem and i dont know whic it not worked,,the timer ot the heating wire....thanks
How much would it cost for some repair man to fix this. Our is leaking but only frozen on bottom, not yet as frozen all over. Can I just unplug and put everything in our spare fridge and just let it thaw naturally without disassembling.?
murraydeluxxxe I did it that way by pouring small amounts of near boiling water in the vent above the drain. I had let it "soften" while I cleaned (as best I could) the "fins" under the freezer. That is a whole other Whirlpool ROYALLY BAD DESIGN FLAW. After I finished fixing my "in use 20 months" refrigerator and found that Whirlpool WILL replace the "guaranteed to plug up and wet your floor" (both original and redesigned) duckbill with a P-trap, I called Maytag. If the refrigerator was purchased within 2 years, free fix in your home, after 2 years, they will send you the trap FREE.
The way I clear drains with a steamer is to shoot the steam down the drain directly. I use the Scunci Steamer with the direct attachment which fits nicely in the drains and forces hot steam down to melt any ice. Before the steamer I always uses a turkey baster with as hot of water as I could get at a customers house.
Hi, I did exactly as your youtube shows...but the drain in the back would NOT drain! I put warm water in it several times, yet it never drained! Any suggestions what to do next? The thick layer of ice on the bottom of my bottom freezer has returned...it took a couple of weeks to build up and then start leaking out of the freezer door...again! (we are able to remove the ice...but we're leaving on a trip next month that's longer than 2 weeks!) Please...help!
After watching the second video, I removed the grommet and cleaned it, although it was surprisingly clean. I'll report back in a couple of weeks if the ice and water come back!
How can you tell if the drain has been completely cleared? will I hear the water draining into a pan or something? I need to do this to my freezer asap
Not your fault, Michael-- TH-cam keeps changing the interface and they don't allow links in comments or I'd post it here. But if you scroll up to the video description, that description is truncated. Mouse over the "Show More" words and click it. You'll see the rest of the description and the link to that nifty steamer I use. I like it so much I bought a second one to keep as a backup!
Thanks, Bob! Yep, all these videos are shot on my iPhone while I'm on real-life service calls. So what they lack in production value and "slickness" I hope they make up for in action-packed, hand-to-machine appliance repair combat excitement! And the brown gookus you describe was a common problem the condensate drain of some models, the older GE top-and-bottom units come to mind.
Dear SamuraiRepairman. Thanks for posting this video. It was a huge help in enabling me to fix the clogged condensate drain in the freezer. Regarding the top tray removal and re-installation, there is a trick. There are two tabs above the geared wheel on each side that allow the assembly to be lifted up to take the wheels off the track. You then get a lot of tolerance to install the rails first, followed by the tray into its track. Finally, you drop the wheel assembly.
Thank you sooo very much!!!! At age 64 because the love of the Lord and your video, I was able to fix our fridge that was licking for 10+ years. The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
Rather than sucking up the water from the drain and pan, I took the pump spray lid (such as you'd find on a bottle of all-purpose household cleaner) and stuck it down the drain. I then sprayed the water from the drain into the bottom of the freezer and soaked it up with a towel. Worked really well.
I bought the steamer via Amazon yesterday and got it today. I wish I had that tool 25 years ago. Man, that is one nice tool! Thanks for that.
Awesome tutorial to allow me to fix this annoying problem, My fridge (A Kenmore version of this Whirlpool) sits on a newly installed engineered hardware floor so a complete solution was critical. Initially I completed the defrosting and unclogging of the condensate drain and freezer coils and then cleaned out the rubber grommet that was plugged with gunk. I put it all back together and then ordered the W10619951 Whirlpool Extension-Drain Factory Replacement for Gromet W10309238. Once it arrived I took the back panel off again and installed the p trap. A little white rubber sleeve slides over the piece of tube the grommet was attached to. The top of the p trap fits over that but it took some muscle, twisting and turning to get it seated properly. Thank you SamuraiRepairman for helping me slay the appliance repair bill.
Nothing beats the speed and power of The Steamer! And it won't damage the plastic liner or other parts.
Excellent video. Thanks for help. I spent about 2 hrs taking it all apart and defrosting. My drain was frozen and I also had a large ice block where the frig drains/vents into the freezer compartment. I used a low wattage hairdryer for the defrost. (dont have a steamer) I also used a sponge to remove the water. I ended up cutting a V in the old style grommet, will order the new one. Thanks again for saving me a service call.
This may have been 11 years ago, but this video helped me today. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video. I have the same model and was able to follow your instructions and cleared out the drain. Took about an hour and thirty since I don't own a steam cleaner.
One suggestion I have is that I had really good luck attaching about a 1/4" piece of plastic tube to the end of a turkey baster to use to suck the water out of the drain instead of using mouth power. Worked like a charm and no icky water to slurp on :)
Thanks again!
Thank you!!!! Just fixed my fridge all by myself (47 yr old engie).
Awesome video. I did do one creative thing. There was a rubber boot on the bottom of the drain that was clogged with "gunk". Pulled it off and cleaned it out, too. Then, victory!
Thanks for the video. Just took the last hour taking my fridge apart and deicing the drain and clearing the down tube. Your use of steam is genius and that cut my work time down to an hour and half, would have been quicker if I had grabbed all the right tools at first.
Again thank you for your work.
I have a Kitchen aid that is the same kind of bottom freezer and your video saved me some money for sure. Thank you very much. You Rock!!!
Thank you for this video! I also watched another video of yours that explained how to more easily remove the top rack in my freezer drawer. Between the 2 videos, I was able to defrost my condensate drain with no issue! We have a wood floor in our kitchen, and yeah, water is the enemy. I hope this has finally solved the leak problem for good. Thank you for your appliance-know-how generosity!!
Great video! I did everything as you said, except I also added a copper wire coiled around the heat element and threaded down the drain to ensure no future ice jams. Thank you; this was a big help!
This guide is great! The only other thing I would point out is after having completed this process I had to also take off the bottom back of the fridge, there is a little slide in there that the water is supposed to run down to the pan, at the top of the slide there is a rubber gasket (almost like a nipple) that was clogged with "stuff". I took that off and cleaned it out. I just finished putting everything back together so I am keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks again for the great video (and for updating it with the easy rack removal).
Just finished my Job! You da man! Took me about 5 hours but did it! Only thing is I didn't clip in either of the top tray clips when putting it back. Tray slid in just fine.
Extremely helpful video. It really is necessary - mandatory - to clean out that drain valve as well, since the clogged drain valve usually is the root cause of this problem. It's easy to take out the drain valve, just remove the lower back panel, reach in and up, and pull it out. No tools required other than the nut driver to take the back panel off.
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I knew I had to defrost behind the freezer wall before I change the duckbill grommet to the redesigned p-trap. Problem was, I couldn't figure out how to get the grill shroud off the back wall! Now I know. Thanks again.
Hi Chris, letting the fridge stand until the ice is melted is an option for a DIYer but not for a professional servicer. When a customer calls me in, they expect me to get it fixed right then and there. This is Ameedika-- land of instant gratification. And that's why we professional Appliantologists makes the big money! :)
This is a really nicely done instructional video. Thanks for including the details regarding the captive upper drawer right beneath the ice maker. Another video I watched yesterday, only after discovering the way to release the drawer and wasting about 20mins in the process, didn't ever acknowledge this glaring exclusion of useful info.I've done everything up to what you demonstrate in the ice melting removal (my drain hadn't been frozen or plugged) as well as also removing the front kick panel and vacuuming off the scuzzy lint crud down beneath as well as removing the rear sheet metal panel and using paper towels sopping up the fowl water in the evaporator/waste pan.So all this is complete, but my problem isn't resolved.Here's the long and short of my specific issue: The Ice maker works, but water was for some reason has recently begun to dribble and splatter (??) somewhere in the region of the feeder hose just ahead of the ice maker unit. This is manifesting as ice accumulating along the roller tracks, the freezer baskets/trays, into the ice bin (eventually creating glaciers, and eventually it caused any of the expected results. Drawer won't open, Drawer doesn't fully close, causing condensation and that frosty crystal crap, and most importantly, food is thawing. It might be important to also mention that prior to all of this current situation, about 6 weeks ago the water outlet inside along the left wall one day ceased to want to work.I had 2-3 days prior removed the crisper bins and cleaned them out and discovered that the water supply hose is a large coil at the rear which would serve as a cooling reservoir for on demand cold water. After the dispenser was found by my wife to suddenly be broken, I removed the veg bins, and gave the water hose a few jolts and twists upon discovering it had become internally frozen. A couple hours later, all was well, and the water resumed flowing.I think I've covered everything related to this ongoing drama. FYI, I've also replaced water filters as needed.
Fantastic! Watched the video twice and was able to fix the problem in no time. Thanks so much for taking the time!!
Thanks for watching, Mike!
Thanks so much for the video and the comments. I would not have been about to remove the racks with out all the help. We actually had turned of the freezer for 24 hours so all the ice was melted but I still wanted to see if there was something causing this to keep happening. It seems to keep leaking every few months. After we cleaned it all out we pushed a wire through the drain hose to see if it was plugged. We found a check valve at the bottom of the drain hose and removed it. We will see
Thank you! There's no way I could have done this without your excellent instructions. It took me an hour and a half but my drain is now running!
Thanks for this video! The problem was just as you said: ice in the trough preventing the water from draining.
I have a GX5FHDXVQ07. The top rack was really easy to remove and replace. I took out the two screws, then pushed some tabs at the back of the rack that allowed me to raise the cog/axle assembly right up. As for the bottom, I just removed the front door (4 screws) and basket and left the sliders in place.
Been working on my fridge using your videos for a bit, and I think this one ultimately did the trick. Thanks yet again!
I would kiss you if it wouldn't be super weird!! We have had nothing but problems with our Maytag fridge. We don't have the money to call a repair guy so just by chance I googled the problem. This video and the one about the black duckbill thing getting plugged was what was wrong with mine. It took me about three hours to fix it but that's mostly because my two year old was "helping". Best part is that my husband is going to think I'm super awesome for doing it! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Carly Thueson You are super awesome! Great job!
thanks, directions worked like a charm! Now it will be interesting to see how long until the freezer freezes up, freezing the fan in place, making the refrigerator section warm.
I did this! The only things I changed is that I used a hair dryer. Then I used a turkey baster to suck out the water around the drain. Finally, I sleuthed out that the mention of using salt water is to make a salt water solution and with the turkey baster squeeze it into the drain to flush it out of any extra ice or particles! Thank you SamuraiRepairman!
Very helpful video. I have a similar model Maytag freezer with the same issue. After watching this I was able to resolve the problem. weeks later everything is still good.
Just watched your video and thank you. It helped. My husband did the work himself.
OK thing I'm concerned about is if it will do it again and in how long?
Samurai...great vid. Qustion though, my Whirlpool is not even 2 years old and this has started...I'm handy but can I avoid all this by just un pluging my fridge for seveal day and let everthing melt?
Thanks
39 year old female and I had no problems fixing my fridge with these instructions. Hopefully it'll last a while. I did have to use a wire to push through the last little bit and it took awhile with the blow dryer.
Repair went exactly as you showed. Thanks for all the "Samurai" tricks! I am with Mike Pace on trying to find a prevention so that this doesn't continue to occur!
Nice job, Danielle! I think you nailed it.
Thanks so much,I had a problem with my bottom freezer and did not know how to remove the door, after watching your video I was able to easily remove it an fix the issue! I will clean the drain now from the frig I have in the garage...
You are the man! Thank you so much. Very clear and easy to follow videos. Saved me a pile of money being able to do the repairs myself. A million thanks to you SamuraiRepairman! Whirlpool must have been smoking something when they designed this fridge. How hard could it be to design something that would drain properly? You da man!
Glad it helped! Share this video with your friends and save them some aggravation, too!
I did all the same things, however it’s still not making ice and still making a humming sound(it was quiet for a few days, but then started humming again). Could there be ice build up in the hose or somewhere else that must be accessed from the back of the fridge/freezer? I’ve removed the bottom back cover but that doesn’t seem to access the hoses well. Looks like I’d need to remove the entire giant metal back plate that runs from the top of the fridge to roughly 10 inches from the floor… thoughts ?
Thanks for the video. I find it easier to remove and re-add the top rack if you slide up the plastic cogs on the basket. This is done by supressing 4 plastic clips (2 on each side) and sliding up. If you do it this way, you reduce the risk of breaking anything. Maybe this helps
Love the video, thank you so much! Fixed my refrigerator within 30 minutes. Seems the drainage pan also has a heating element, but I wonder why they wouldn't string one through the drainage hole to prevent it freezing closed?
I have this same model of Maytag, and it repeatedly freezes up and leaks water out the front. I have completely thawed the drain twice and modified the rubber drain grommet in the back to flow better. Water droplets freeze up in the pan before it even has a chance to drain out. Changing the freezer temperature to a warmer setting doesn't seem to affect anything. What the heck do I do now? Great video by the way, I wish I had seen it first.
hi Sam man> In just 8 mos our bott freezer whirlpool froze up 4 inch thick across the condensor in freezer> its a 2 yrs old only model > our last fridge side x side went for 23 yrs strong NO Problemo> Just a lite bulb! R these bottom freezers all problematic in new tech for fridges? Have any been recalled? where do i check for recalls? Last: Our drain ran down fine thru freezer when thawed with hair dryer> Can it block somewhere Else? we did it ourself last pm cause warrty is out . TY Great VID!
They have a new drain system out that should fix this problem: bit.ly/1ok8Rbl
Thanks for the upload, this is exactly the same problem I have with the exact same fridge. I'm not sure if I am confident about doing it myself but I can at least narrow down the problem for a professional.
Good video with a few modifications for the model of the fridge. The only downfall, and the hardest part for me, is removing the clip on the vent grill on the back panel. The removal clip is in the bottom vent in the centre. Then slide a screwdriver in the holes near the top on either side to work away at the other big clips holding the vent grill.
SamuraiRepairman,
Thank you very much. was able to fix my freezer with your detailed instructional video!!
Was it an aluminum strip that attached to the calrod heating element and extended into the drain? If so, that's a common kit that is installed in the field to prevent drain clogs. If that's not it, I'd love to a see a photo or video of it!
Is this a major design flaw with bottom mount refrigerators? I just fixed the issue on my Kenmore, and it seems that a lot of other people with bottom mount units have this problem all the time. I very rarely hear about this happening to normal style fridges though.
Just did this this morning, thanks for the great video! Had a little bit of something in the duckbill and I guess it plugged it up. Cut a notch as per your other video, hopefully it stays good for a while.
I totally understand. I'm a home owner, so I hate paying people like you! ;)
FYI, you can get that upper freezer rack back in by taking each side rail in each hand , the rack on your lap, slide the two rails onto the end of the rack that goes in the back of the freezer. Push the entire thing in at the same time. When it gets to the slots at the rear, push each tab in one at a time into the slots.
Thank you VERY VERY much!!! helped me fix my parent's refrigerator, and saved them a LOT of money!!!, my dad also thanks you!
I have this problem. How did it originally start? Is this something I'm going to have to do every couple years?
Sounds like you may be getting excess moisture into the freezer. Check the door gaskets. Also, how are you modifying the drain grommet?
Many thanks for posting this super informative video! I watched before tackling the frozen drain on my fridge and just knowing where it was and how to reach it was a huge help.
I attacked from both the front and back, and found something that may be contributing to the freeze-up. After I took the back panel off the fridge I found a black rubber check valve that slips over the drain outlet. Pulling it off, the rubber seemed to be degraded; it's sticky to the touch and I bet that it doesn't open like it's supposed to anymore. Anyway I used a length of solid copper wire (8 or 10 gauge) pushed into the drain to clear it; it took a while, 30 mins or so, but the heat from my hand was enough to let the wire melt its way into the ice plug, eventually penetrating and restoring the drain flow.
I've left off the check valve, we'll see if that that helps.
Yup, so after reading more of the other comments and responses I ordered and installed the P trap kit from Appliance Part Pros. Highly recommend, went in very easily.
Jay Miller NO ONE should have to pay for the p-trap. Whirlpool put out a TSB November 2013 saying they will pay to have the replacement done within 2 years of refrigerator purchase and will send the p-trap free after that:
docs.google.com/file/d/0BzIiBNwRIV4NNWJNNmx0andROGs/edit
+Bruce Alvarez Thank you so much for the link and info. Do you have any idea where I can order the part from. I don't want to call the wrong place and have them tell me I owe money.
Thanks so much!!! Was getting sick of all the puddles of water in our kitchen.
Do you have any suggestions as to how to get the shelves/door off when I can’t get the bolts loose? I’ve tried a butter knife, screwdriver, ratchet, and nothing. Please help!!!
Had a little trouble with the tabs on the rack, but a little elbow grease (and some cursing) helped. The only thing I can't figure out now is how to get the air grill off. The video skips right over that step. Now I can't get the back panel off to get to the drain. Looks like there are some tabs or something, but sticking a screwdriver in to push anything around isn't working. What's the trick to getting the back panel off?
Thanks for this wonderful video. I didn't have ice build up on the outward part of the freezer. I had tons of ice build up behind the back panel. I used my steamer to remove the ice safely. I had to do this twice. Will the P-trap drain eliminate this ice build up and keep it from coming back? I don't believe my drain was clogged because all the water ran down the drain with no problem when I melted all the ice on those sharp blades in the back. I had a lot of water of mop up. This refrigerator has become a huge headache. What do you suggest as far as keeping this ice from building back up?
Sounds like your refrigerator has had a defrost system failure. That's where it's no longer fire up that heater around the evaporator coil every few hours to melt the accumulated off the evaporator coil. To prevent this from happening in the future, you'll need to troubleshoot the defrost system to find out the bad part. We can help you do this in the Appliantology repair forums. appliantology.org
I went to the appliantology.org website, but I'm a little confused on how to ask for help. I registered with the website. Can you give me a little assistance on how to ask for help, please? I really want to get this fix. I have taken that freezer apart over 3 times.
SamuraiRepairman I posted my question today :) for some reason Chrome wouldn't allow me to do it before. Look forward to the help on solving this problem.
Do you think it was just the defrost drain being clogged alone that was causing all the other ice to form on the ceiling or could the freezer door have been slightly ajar by an obstruction (food item) as well?
Awesome video!! Your instructions are perfect and I am dealing with this exact issue right now.
Can I leave the ice maker out? We never use it and it has never been plumbed anyway! It is just a bulky POS!! I would just put the three screws back in and maybe tape over the connection at the back of the freezer. Does this effect the operation of the freezer?
Thanks again for doing this video!!
Yep, no problem leaving the ice maker out. It does not affect the operation of the fridge.
Thanks man!! You are quick with the replies!! Now I am thinking I probably have a clogged defrost check valve. That is more involved for me!! Our fridge is not sitting on its wheels so I would have to do some lowering, etc....Then find room to pull fridge out from the cubby hole. Oh the joys!!
SamuraiRepairman I left the POS ice maker out!! Yay!! Freezer seems happy again.
Sam, We called Maytag and they gave us two options. a short term fix and a complete shut off fix. We tried the short term and ice is back with in 1 week. Will completely shutting off the unit for 24 hours fix this problem? Could dog hair collecting under the refrig be part of the problem?
Domo origato!! I just finished fixing my whirlpool refrigerator with your help. Ice is gone, drain is cleared, and duckbill is notched (per your other video). Has the notching you did on your repair calls before the P-trap came out been sufficient or should I go ahead and order the new P-trap?
Larry Herring Hi Larry, I've not had any call backs from the notching procedure but the P-trap is a superior solution. I would go ahead and install the P-trap.
Thanks. Found the OEM P-trap from a solid eBay appliance parts seller for $15 w free ship. Received and installed it in short order. Truly appreciate your guidance.
That steamer idea is ingenious. Don't have one, I just might need to get one. The guilty culprit was a totally clogged drain valve in the back. Thanks for the videos.
I have gotten to the end of the process (using your helpful video) and cleared all of the ice down in the drain but when I pour hot water into the drain to make sure it is clear, it just sits there. I have repeated this several times now. Any ideas?
Thank you!!!! Just fixed my fridge all by myself (51 yr old grannie)
Samurai,what caused the drain to become clogged in the first place? I guess I was expecting to see the cause of the problem.Love that steamer
Removing the check valve altogether can cause excessive frosting problems. I show a better technique for dealing with the check valve in a more recent video I made-- see the video description above for the direct link.
Great tip! I'll try that next time, which is bound to be soon!
The calrod heating element you saw is the defrost heater to melt the frost off the evaporator. You can add a drain heater as a separate kit.
I've since refined my technique and now just stick the nozzle of my steamer down the drain and hold it there for a minute or so. I will blast the drain clear with steam power. Easy peasy!
Got tips on reinstalling the bottom drawer-door, especially getting the teeth to align?
Just completed fixing my own Maytag bottom freezer that leaked water. The problem was a plugged "duck-billed grommet" as described herein. The grommet is a thermoplastic elastomer that was likely not adequately tested prior to its selection. The material contains a sticky liquid that over time exudes to the surface and attracts anything in the air. Over time, the various little dust particles accumulate into enough material to clog the drain slot. Replacement grommet seems to be OK...so far.
So we just picked up a free 2000 whirlpool side by side, that leaks from underneath. I noticed that there is some freeze over on the pipe on the back side of the fridge, I also noticed that the door frame is hot to touch, fan is working, freezer and fridge needed to be turned down, for in the fridge part was freezing up everything, the freezer was freezing stuff very fast. I have them turned down below level that is recommended. I have been looking for a solution to this problem and so far have not found any. Any idea on what is going on and how to fix this.?
Thanks for watching, Mike, and glad the video helped you! Great suggestion on the turkey baster. I've actually refined my technique since making this video and now use a 45 degree nozzle on my steamer to stick it right down into the drain and let the steam do all the work. Works awesomely!
Hey Samurai ! - Same Maytag freezer set up - I have an intermittently overflowing drip pan causing water damage to kitchen floor, leaking to basement ceiling tiles. Took back off; drain pipe drips into pan just fine, no ice inside freezer. Don't have ice maker hooked up. Just cleaned a gross door seal filled with debris. Think this could have been the culprit ?Trying to avoid the freezer surgery you performed on the video. Thanks.
Undoubtedly the condensate drain is the problem. You need to install the new P-Trap drain. See this video: th-cam.com/video/jCdJsMDWjUE/w-d-xo.html
You can buy the new P-trap here: bit.ly/1ok8Rbl
SamuraiRepairman No need to buy, according to the service bulletin it's free. When you call the service hotline, they will deny there is a problem.
How do you prevent it from reoccurring? I cleared it out, it worked for a month or so and the ice build up at the bottom of freezer started again.
I'm thinking about trying the copper wire trick, but wondering if there is an official solution...
I have a maytag plus fridge over freezer. No ice build up but the fridge doesn't want to stay cold. If I unplug it a few hours it will work, for a week or so and then get warm again. As much as I spent for this thing I would hate like hell to purchase another. Whatcha think?
My compressor is constantly running and both units are not cold enough. I suspect a refrigerant leak. Is there a common leak on these bottom freezer maytags?
Can u do this from behind instead of having to go through the hassle of removing the back panel . Heat the drain tube or just blow it out with light air preassure.
Thanks for the tip, Andrew! Making a note of this for the next one. Maybe I'll get to show this trick in a future video.
Nice job on the repair, Sean!
Awesome job on the video. Saved me a ton of money. Thanks!
Yes good shows thank you-Nice clear ice forms in the bottom part of my whirlpool I've been breaking it out once a week with the spatula before it melts out through the door. There's no drain pan. So I've got another problem I guess???
John James You have the same problem and you have a drain pan, it is in the back, accessible only by taking off the back panel. And it doesn't come out, the water is PRESUMABLY evaporated by all the heat generated down there. Fixing the actual problem - a clogged "duckbill" in the drain is not addressed in this video.
My 26 Y/O Amana has a drain pan that pulls out from the front once the "grill" is removed.
Samurai, I have a Scunci stearmer (1000 Watts) that has a hose with a tiny tip (not as small as 1/4'') but almost. I'm able to stick it in any condensate drain and clear it with just pressure from the steamer. I've never had one I couldnt blast out. How does salt water help clear an obstainate plug?
+Trevor Storey Old New England secret: Salt melts ice. Shhhh!
this is a great . I did it my self and so far so good thanks for all the information
Thanks man. Just what I needed for my free Friday project!
dear thanks too much for that vedios..i wanna know where is the heating wire in National super big NR-B57BE refrigerator also the timer for it cuz i face the same problem and i dont know whic it not worked,,the timer ot the heating wire....thanks
Is this probably the same problem I am having in my freezer door is completely freezing shut?
How much would it cost for some repair man to fix this. Our is leaking but only frozen on bottom, not yet as frozen all over. Can I just unplug and put everything in our spare fridge and just let it thaw naturally without disassembling.?
I am wondering the same thing....
Do I need to remove the back panel? Couldn't I just use the steamer through the bottom vents? Thanks, Brian.
murraydeluxxxe Steaming from the bottom won't clear the ice in the trough and may cause it to plug up again soon.
murraydeluxxxe I did it that way by pouring small amounts of near boiling water in the vent above the drain. I had let it "soften" while I cleaned (as best I could) the "fins" under the freezer. That is a whole other Whirlpool ROYALLY BAD DESIGN FLAW.
After I finished fixing my "in use 20 months" refrigerator and found that Whirlpool WILL replace the "guaranteed to plug up and wet your floor" (both original and redesigned) duckbill with a P-trap, I called Maytag. If the refrigerator was purchased within 2 years, free fix in your home, after 2 years, they will send you the trap FREE.
I am having this problem too. Water on the floor and frozen lake in the bottom of the freezer. Did you ever find vid that showed your model?
The way I clear drains with a steamer is to shoot the steam down the drain directly. I use the Scunci Steamer with the direct attachment which fits nicely in the drains and forces hot steam down to melt any ice. Before the steamer I always uses a turkey baster with as hot of water as I could get at a customers house.
your video is great so I did it but 2 days later the drain is frozen and water leaking into the freezer again . any other suggestions to fix this?
Probably a bad drain check valve as explained in this video: Fixing a Clogged Defrost Drain Check Valve in a Whirlpool-built Bottom-Mount Refrigerator
Good analysis of the problem. I completely agree. Domo, Larry!
Hi, I did exactly as your youtube shows...but the drain in the back would NOT drain! I put warm water in it several times, yet it never drained! Any suggestions what to do next? The thick layer of ice on the bottom of my bottom freezer has returned...it took a couple of weeks to build up and then start leaking out of the freezer door...again! (we are able to remove the ice...but we're leaving on a trip next month that's longer than 2 weeks!) Please...help!
After watching the second video, I removed the grommet and cleaned it, although it was surprisingly clean. I'll report back in a couple of weeks if the ice and water come back!
Steamer, I never gave it a thought, brilliant!
How can you tell if the drain has been completely cleared? will I hear the water draining into a pan or something? I need to do this to my freezer asap
Thanks very much! I also have Kitchen Aid with the same problem. A tremendous help
Not your fault, Michael-- TH-cam keeps changing the interface and they don't allow links in comments or I'd post it here. But if you scroll up to the video description, that description is truncated. Mouse over the "Show More" words and click it. You'll see the rest of the description and the link to that nifty steamer I use. I like it so much I bought a second one to keep as a backup!
" I don't know what those engineers at Whirlpool were smoking". oh I'm dying of laughter here. Good video, I learned a lot.
Thanks, Bob! Yep, all these videos are shot on my iPhone while I'm on real-life service calls. So what they lack in production value and "slickness" I hope they make up for in action-packed, hand-to-machine appliance repair combat excitement! And the brown gookus you describe was a common problem the condensate drain of some models, the older GE top-and-bottom units come to mind.