Our 21-year-old Kenmore refrigerator has had water running down the back and running into the troughs under the produce bins for that past two weeks. We used cups and towels to collect the water. Finally, my wife checked TH-cam to see if anyone had a suggestion to fix the problem and found your video. We followed your directions, and the drain tube is now free from the ice that had been clogging it up and the water is flowing down to the water tray under the refrigerator. Thanks so much for your video.
I had been wanting to fix this issue for a year. Your video saved me some bucks. Did it and problem is resolved. Couldn't get hubby to do it. Without your video I would have had to pay someone to do it. Thank you, very much.
Your video is excellent, Jim. I'll give it a whirl on my Kenmore refrigerator-freezer. Thanks a lot for making your very informative video which helps a lot of people like me.
That was a huge pain in the patootie, but your advice was excellent. I almost missed the drain hole at the back, so I'm glad I watched this several times. Thank you sooooo much!!
Spot on man. Thanks for the vid. Also, the copper wire fix is terrific. Have to clean ours out about every 5 months but the copper wire keeps it freeze free. Thanks again
I am about 3 months late saying this but thank you 🙏🏾 thank you 🙏🏾 thank you 🙏🏾 for this! After about 6 months of using towels @ back of fridge, decided i gotta do something, came across your video @Oct2022, figured whats to lose, and was successful in implementing this actions, result: no more leaking, no more towels needed! 🤓👍🏾 Again, Thank You for sharing this!
Jim, Thank you sooooo much for this video. I easily fixed my water in the refrigerator issue with your brilliant help. The copper wire from heat element to the drain hole is a really excellent permanent fix. Kuodos !!!!!
@@bbbjim1fixedit Jim, My freezer is on the BOTTOM. I looked around its ice maker and saw a frozen chunk of ice. I unplugged it as you wisely said and will let it thaw tonight and then remove the freezer's back panel and clean everything. I am unsure how so much water got into the upper compartment through the dampener in the UP direction. Any thoughts? Thanks so much, Jim.- Johnny
@@healthfullivingify If too much frost and ice build up, the fan may contact the ice and be noisy. Sometimes it helps to lubricate the pivot points on the dampener.
This was working perfect, I had an extra layer of Ice and it took about an hour to get to the actual drain in the freezer. and after using this method I was getting frustrated, the Ice was melting very slow so I used a can of compressed Air used to clean computers, and that cleared what ever the object was ice or something else. Thanks for the Video.
Awesome video, I' be been dealing with this problem for years and could never find the answer. Thanks for the very informative video and that cure with the copper wire God bless
Why does it have to be a copper wire? before I saw you were going to leave it there I already grabbed a old wire hanger, but like I said pretty sure it's not repairable had the maintenance guy listened it wouldn't have gotten to this point!
Thanks for your tips. My problem actually not only caused by the frozen ice, but also the clogged drain. After I melted all ice, the hot water still didn't get down. I took the back off and cleaned the drain tube which was super nasty. Finally, it solved my problem. I will wait few months to see if it gets frozen again. If it does so, I will get a copper wire for long term fix. Thanks again.
Going to try this today, thank you so much! Update- was able to get all the ice melted and it is no longer collecting in the bottom of my fridge. Thank you!!!
This video was great and I was able to fix the problem by following your step by step video. I added a copper wire so heres hoping I wont have the problem again. Thanks.
Thanks, very helpful! For once the fridge I was working on looked EXACTLY like the one in the video, only easier because no wire to the back piece, it was all contained.
Thanks for the tip. This is what I was looking for. I have to defrost mine about 4 times a year. It’s a garage fridge so not too big of a deal but still annoying. I’m currently trying your copper wire method.
Add a 14-year-old Maytag to the list that has that same design. I'm waiting for the ice plug to melt out of that tube as I write this. Will also install the copper wire "defrost probe" as a part of the job. Thanks for the video!
I find it hard to believe that the ice clog cleared with a mug (or 2 or 3 or 4) of hot water. Time, about 24 hours, will do the trick. I unplug the frig and leave the freezer door open. Come back the next day and we're all clear. Now, that copper wire inserted into the drain tube may be the key to not having to clear the line of ice once a year. I'll definitely try that.
Regardless of how much hot water it takes, I currently have that problem so will use up all/most of the freezer stuff and then unplug/leave freezer open for a day (or even 2, why not). I live in a year round high humidity place so lot's of water on the fridge's defrost cycle. Ultimately, would like to do a full clean (and then add copper wire) because God knows what's growing in that drain tube now... haha
This is a great solution, but if you aren't comfortable wanting to disassemble, a simpler solution is to unplug the fridge, leave the freezer open, blow a fan into the freezer and just wait 3-4 hours and you'll find that everything is melted and you'll end up with the same result. It takes longer, but less skill is needed.
I am going to try your advce with copper wire tomorrow,. I have a 22 year old Maytag side by side and it has been a great fridge. I'm in Australia and the appliances available here nowadays are mostly asian imports which are designed to be thrown away rather than maintained. Trying to hang on to this one.
Wow! I came across your video and it makes the repair look so easy. Some videos I saw said to unplug the fridge first and let it sit for 30 minutes+ depending on the age of the fridge. In your experience, is this necessary? I'm new to this, any help would be greatly appreciated!
Is the heater element not working correctly, is that why the drain hole is frozen, or i it because the heat only rising? Thanks for the copper wire tip.
The copper wire is to transfer the heat from the defrost heating element to the drain opening. Whirlpool sells an aluminum version of the copper wire hack. Since this is only to transfer the heat you are not at risk for a sc or electrocution. I wish you the best on your repair
Loved you video... thought I could do this myself BUT I don't have the screws in freezer like you do. I can't find any screws. Whirlpool 2009 model. Any suggestions?
on the inside of the refrigerator should be a decal with the model number, put that number into Searspartsdirect or ereplacement parts and it will give you an exploded diagram of your frig. I wish you the best on your repair
during the defrost cycle the frost will melt into water when the heating element is on, run down a small tube and collect in a tray under the frig. what water collects in the tray just evaporates in the air. I wish you the best on your repair
Does the softness of the copper (dead soft, half hard) or gauge of the copper matter? Will soft copper melt from the heat of the defrost element? I don’t know how hot they get. Thanks
I am unsure of how hot it gets, yet I do not think it gets hot enough to melt anything. Whirlpool does make a drain heater kit which is a flat piece of aluminum that fits inside the drain hole, the idea is the same with using a wire to keep the drain hole from freezing over. I wish you the best on your repair
it may be frozen, or the wire hanger is too stiff of metal and if the tube has a bend in it, the hanger can't bend enough to follow the tube. I wish you the best on your repair.
@@bbbjim1fixedit Tried to pass plastic ice maker tubing without success also. I thought The drain tube might take a 90° bend but surely the plastic icemaker tubing should’ve passed through.
@@bbbjim1fixedit Fridge has been off for more than 24 hours so I figured any ice should have melted by now. There does appear to be water in the drip tray periodically.
@@alansegal4185 Another problem is due to the plastic tube connected to the drain is clogged. You need to open the back of the refrigerator and remove the plastic tube, clean it and put it back. My tube turned nasty clogged and it finally solved the problem after unclogged and melting ice.
Thanks bbbjim1, Your generosity of knowledge to your fellow man is outstanding , this simple hack did the trick , no more leaks . Good karma to you ,man . May I suggest that you put a payment link on this and other hacks so we can send you some bucks.
Thanks for the kindness. I do have a link on my channel page called buy me a coffee for anyone wishing to give a donation. I'm glad to hear you found this helpful
Well pretty sure it's too late it's been going on for years and as long as it's the proper temperature the inspection will pass I've had it off for 2 weeks and I couldn't reach the back to unplug it and hurt myself pulling it around 2 feet and even bruised my kidney so it's been sitting with the food water and what ever loads of paper towels to soak up the water and that hole was getting bigger and the foam was being forced into the fridge from the ice! Wish I found this last year I shouldn't have to do this! That's why people rent!
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Our 21-year-old Kenmore refrigerator has had water running down the back and running into the troughs under the produce bins for that past two weeks. We used cups and towels to collect the water. Finally, my wife checked TH-cam to see if anyone had a suggestion to fix the problem and found your video. We followed your directions, and the drain tube is now free from the ice that had been clogging it up and the water is flowing down to the water tray under the refrigerator. Thanks so much for your video.
glad to help
Was there any mold when you dealt with yours? I always worry that happens when something gets clogged.
@@broadwaybabytoin
I had been wanting to fix this issue for a year. Your video saved me some bucks. Did it and problem is resolved. Couldn't get hubby to do it. Without your video I would have had to pay someone to do it. Thank you, very much.
Glad it helped
Your video is excellent, Jim. I'll give it a whirl on my Kenmore refrigerator-freezer. Thanks a lot for making your very informative video which helps a lot of people like me.
Glad to hear, and I wish you the best on your repair
That was a huge pain in the patootie, but your advice was excellent. I almost missed the drain hole at the back, so I'm glad I watched this several times. Thank you sooooo much!!
Glad it helped
Spot on man. Thanks for the vid. Also, the copper wire fix is terrific. Have to clean ours out about every 5 months but the copper wire keeps it freeze free. Thanks again
Glad to hear this helped you out
I am about 3 months late saying this but thank you 🙏🏾 thank you 🙏🏾 thank you 🙏🏾 for this! After about 6 months of using towels @ back of fridge, decided i gotta do something, came across your video @Oct2022, figured whats to lose, and was successful in implementing this actions, result: no more leaking, no more towels needed! 🤓👍🏾 Again, Thank You for sharing this!
glad to help
Kept me from calling my landlord. Excellent, my dude. Thank you.
Glad to help
Jim, Thank you sooooo much for this video. I easily fixed my water in the refrigerator issue with your brilliant help. The copper wire from heat element to the drain hole is a really excellent permanent fix.
Kuodos !!!!!
Glad to hear this helped
@@bbbjim1fixedit Jim, My freezer is on the BOTTOM. I looked around its ice maker and saw a frozen chunk of ice. I unplugged it as you wisely said and will let it thaw tonight and then remove the freezer's back panel and clean everything. I am unsure how so much water got into the upper compartment through the dampener in the UP direction. Any thoughts? Thanks so much, Jim.- Johnny
@@healthfullivingify If too much frost and ice build up, the fan may contact the ice and be noisy. Sometimes it helps to lubricate the pivot points on the dampener.
@@bbbjim1fixedit Very good idea, Jim. After it has thawed and I clean it, what would you use to lube the damper's pivot points? Thanks, my friend.
@@healthfullivingify I use silicone spray.
This was working perfect, I had an extra layer of Ice and it took about an hour to get to the actual drain in the freezer. and after using this method I was getting frustrated, the Ice was melting very slow so I used a can of compressed Air used to clean computers, and that cleared what ever the object was ice or something else. Thanks for the Video.
Glad it helped
Awesome video, I' be been dealing with this problem for years and could never find the answer. Thanks for the very informative video and that cure with the copper wire God bless
thank you for the kind words, and I am glad you liked the video
Why does it have to be a copper wire? before I saw you were going to leave it there I already grabbed a old wire hanger, but like I said pretty sure it's not repairable had the maintenance guy listened it wouldn't have gotten to this point!
@@me4654 A copper wire transfers heat well, available in most areas and will not rust
Thanks for your tips. My problem actually not only caused by the frozen ice, but also the clogged drain. After I melted all ice, the hot water still didn't get down. I took the back off and cleaned the drain tube which was super nasty. Finally, it solved my problem. I will wait few months to see if it gets frozen again. If it does so, I will get a copper wire for long term fix. Thanks again.
Glad it helped
Going to try this today, thank you so much!
Update- was able to get all the ice melted and it is no longer collecting in the bottom of my fridge. Thank you!!!
Nice work
Thank you for creating this guide. We were able to get it done with no surprises! Thanks again!
Glad I could help
This video was great and I was able to fix the problem by following your step by step video. I added a copper wire so heres hoping I wont have the problem again. Thanks.
glad to hear this video helped you out
You don’t know how much u helped me. Thank you!
Happy to help!
Thank you so much for making this video. Followed your instructions and it worked like a charm. Much appreciated
Glad to hear it helped
Thanks, very helpful! For once the fridge I was working on looked EXACTLY like the one in the video, only easier because no wire to the back piece, it was all contained.
Glad it helped
Thank you so much! My husband and I fixed our fridge just like that even though our Whirlpool was a little different than yours. 😁
We also used the copper wire hack.
Glad I could help
Excellent! Thanks. I added the copper wire hack. Hopefully I won't have to go through this again.
Glad it helped, and I have not had any issues since using the wire trick
That wire is a great idea. I'm going to see if I can find some sort of wire to do that when I attempt to repair tomorrow. 👊
I wish you the best on your repair
Thanks for making the video. Worked perfectly for me. Great videography !
glad to hear
You saved me $85.00. Tysm!
glad I could help
Thanks bbb Jim, worked great. Very easy when you know how.
glad to hear it went well
Thanks for the tip. This is what I was looking for. I have to defrost mine about 4 times a year. It’s a garage fridge so not too big of a deal but still annoying. I’m currently trying your copper wire method.
glad you liked the video
Add a 14-year-old Maytag to the list that has that same design. I'm waiting for the ice plug to melt out of that tube as I write this. Will also install the copper wire "defrost probe" as a part of the job. Thanks for the video!
Glad I could help
Thank you for the video...the detailed instructions were very helpful.
Glad to help
I find it hard to believe that the ice clog cleared with a mug (or 2 or 3 or 4) of hot water. Time, about 24 hours, will do the trick. I unplug the frig and leave the freezer door open. Come back the next day and we're all clear.
Now, that copper wire inserted into the drain tube may be the key to not having to clear the line of ice once a year. I'll definitely try that.
Regardless of how much hot water it takes, I currently have that problem so will use up all/most of the freezer stuff and then unplug/leave freezer open for a day (or even 2, why not). I live in a year round high humidity place so lot's of water on the fridge's defrost cycle. Ultimately, would like to do a full clean (and then add copper wire) because God knows what's growing in that drain tube now... haha
Just finished doing the same thing. Have done the copper wire in the drain line before, but did not do it this time.
Whirlpool makes an aluminum drain tube heater that is wider than the wire and may help keep the drain from freezing
Thank you for this how the hell you find and clear defrost drain tube!!! Hallelujah .... Pulling my hair out until I found your guidance 😎👍😉😊
Glad to help
Thanks so much for the video. It was very helpful and worked perfectly.
Glad to hear
This is a great solution, but if you aren't comfortable wanting to disassemble, a simpler solution is to unplug the fridge, leave the freezer open, blow a fan into the freezer and just wait 3-4 hours and you'll find that everything is melted and you'll end up with the same result. It takes longer, but less skill is needed.
That will work but it will be a good chance your ice cream will melt
@@bbbjim1fixedit :) You joke, but yeah, make sure you move your frozen good somewhere else for a bit.
I am going to try your advce with copper wire tomorrow,. I have a 22 year old Maytag side by side and it has been a great fridge. I'm in Australia and the appliances available here nowadays are mostly asian imports which are designed to be thrown away rather than maintained. Trying to hang on to this one.
I wish you the best on your repair
Wow! I came across your video and it makes the repair look so easy. Some videos I saw said to unplug the fridge first and let it sit for 30 minutes+ depending on the age of the fridge. In your experience, is this necessary? I'm new to this, any help would be greatly appreciated!
it is unlikely anything would melt enough in 30 minutes to clear the frozen drain. I wish you the best on your repair
Excellent information and Well Done video
Glad you enjoyed it
Is the heater element not working correctly, is that why the drain hole is frozen, or i it because the heat only rising? Thanks for the copper wire tip.
I believe the defrost only comes on once a day, and depending on how full the freezer is a build up of ice occurs plugging the drain.
Is there is risk of Short Circuit with Copper wire? I don't want to get electrocuted?
The copper wire is to transfer the heat from the defrost heating element to the drain opening. Whirlpool sells an aluminum version of the copper wire hack. Since this is only to transfer the heat you are not at risk for a sc or electrocution. I wish you the best on your repair
What if there are no screws in the tray under the rack?
it may be a snap in type
Loved you video... thought I could do this myself BUT I don't have the screws in freezer like you do. I can't find any screws. Whirlpool 2009 model. Any suggestions?
on the inside of the refrigerator should be a decal with the model number, put that number into Searspartsdirect or ereplacement parts and it will give you an exploded diagram of your frig. I wish you the best on your repair
Wanted to add, there are screws on top back panel but none on the bottom. Thanks again
Hey I got it fixed!! Only 2 screws to remove. The panels don't come off. Thanks for leading me in the right direction 👍
@@karenclemens4027 glad to help
So is that water supposed to flow down to an evaporator? Or what is SUPPOSED to happen to that water? Where does it go?
during the defrost cycle the frost will melt into water when the heating element is on, run down a small tube and collect in a tray under the frig. what water collects in the tray just evaporates in the air. I wish you the best on your repair
Does the softness of the copper (dead soft, half hard) or gauge of the copper matter? Will soft copper melt from the heat of the defrost element? I don’t know how hot they get. Thanks
the defrost element does not get hot enough to melt the wire, you can even use aluminum wire if you want or any copper wire
@@bbbjim1fixedit 👍🏼👍🏼…sounds good….I appreciate the quick reply!
How hot does the wire at 5:18 get. Can it melt the rubber draining tube? Thanks.
I am unsure of how hot it gets, yet I do not think it gets hot enough to melt anything. Whirlpool does make a drain heater kit which is a flat piece of aluminum that fits inside the drain hole, the idea is the same with using a wire to keep the drain hole from freezing over. I wish you the best on your repair
Thanks, I fixed my freezer.
Glad I could help
Can I use stainless weld wire? I have a ton of that.
It may work, yet stainless doesn't have high thermo transfer such as copper or aluminum
I can’t get the screw loose. What type of screw is it on the Roper?
I am sorry, I do not remember and this wasn't mine, yet I wish you the best
Awesome video thank you !
Glad you liked it
How long does it take to do this start to finish?
If I remember correctly less than an hour, I wish you the best on your repair
what if i break the styrofoam that’s in the holes ?
try to glue it with some hot glue
Thank you, sir !!!
You are welcome
Thank you, very good info.
Glad to help
Tried to pass a wire coat hangar down the drain but got resistance. What to do?
it may be frozen, or the wire hanger is too stiff of metal and if the tube has a bend in it, the hanger can't bend enough to follow the tube. I wish you the best on your repair.
@@bbbjim1fixedit
Tried to pass plastic ice maker tubing without success also. I thought The drain tube might take a 90° bend but surely the plastic icemaker tubing should’ve passed through.
@@bbbjim1fixedit
Fridge has been off for more than 24 hours so I figured any ice should have melted by now. There does appear to be water in the drip tray periodically.
@@alansegal4185 Another problem is due to the plastic tube connected to the drain is clogged. You need to open the back of the refrigerator and remove the plastic tube, clean it and put it back. My tube turned nasty clogged and it finally solved the problem after unclogged and melting ice.
I broke the Styrofoam in front of drain ahhhhhhhh what should I do ?? Any ideas
you may wish to try some hot glue
@@bbbjim1fixedit I think it's beyond that lol I put it back together without it what will happen ??
Excellent... Thanks.
Glad you liked it
Thank you!!!! Fixed!!
glad to hear
Great job
thanks, glad you liked it
Hugely helpful
glad to hear
Thamks Man !! Very Great!!
Glad you liked it
Thanks you
glad it helped
Thanks bbbjim1, Your generosity of knowledge to your fellow man is outstanding , this simple hack did the trick , no more leaks . Good karma to you ,man . May I suggest that you put a payment link on this and other hacks so we can send you some bucks.
Thanks for the kindness. I do have a link on my channel page called buy me a coffee for anyone wishing to give a donation. I'm glad to hear you found this helpful
Well pretty sure it's too late it's been going on for years and as long as it's the proper temperature the inspection will pass I've had it off for 2 weeks and I couldn't reach the back to unplug it and hurt myself pulling it around 2 feet and even bruised my kidney so it's been sitting with the food water and what ever loads of paper towels to soak up the water and that hole was getting bigger and the foam was being forced into the fridge from the ice! Wish I found this last year I shouldn't have to do this! That's why people rent!
This is a common problem with most refrigerators and I hope you have a speedy recovery.