Kenmore Refrigerator: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore refrigerator is not draining, water may be pooling inside the fridge or freezer compartment. This common issue often occurs after defrost cycles or due to ice buildup around the drain area. A clogged defrost drain line or a misaligned drain pan could be the culprits behind this frustrating problem.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore models may have a thin metal 'drain strap' or defrost heater element near the drain tube to prevent freezing; failure of this strap/heater can contribute to drain freeze-ups.

Possible Causes

Clogged defrost drain line

How to Identify: Water pooling inside refrigerator/freezer near bottom, visible ice buildup around drain, slow or no water flow to drain pan.

Part: defrost drain / drain line

Drain pan misalignment or full drain pan

How to Identify: Water overflowing from pan onto floor; pan not seated flat under drain tube.

Part: drain pan

DIY Solutions

Clear clogged defrost drain line

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: hot water source (cup or turkey baster), pipe cleaner or soft brush, towels
  1. Unplug refrigerator and remove food to access freezer/evaporator area.
  2. Locate the defrost drain hole (often at the back of the freezer).
  3. Use hot water with a baster or similar to thaw and flush ice/debris through the drain line.
  4. Gently push a soft brush or pipe cleaner to remove debris; avoid sharp objects.
  5. Check that water now flows down to the drain pan without obstruction.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug appliance before working near electrical components.

Thaw frozen drain hole

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: hair dryer (low heat), towels
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Open freezer compartment to expose frozen areas.
  3. Use low-heat hair dryer at safe distance to melt ice around drain hole.
  4. Collect melt water with towels.
  5. Once clear, test water flow to drain pan.
⚠️ Safety First: Keep hair dryer away from water; do not overheat components.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain line or defrost components

Estimated Cost: $80–$220

When to Call a Professional

Water continues to fail draining after DIY attempts
Signs of component failure like defrost heater not operating
Visible cracks or damage in drain line components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodically flush drain line with warm water: Ice/debris buildup causing drain clogs
    Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator not draining?
Your Kenmore refrigerator may not be draining due to a clogged defrost drain line or a misaligned/full drain pan.
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator not draining myself?
To fix it, unplug the refrigerator, access the freezer, and use hot water to clear the clogged drain line or thaw the frozen drain hole.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repairs for a Kenmore refrigerator not draining can cost between $80 and $220.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY solutions fail or if the issue persists, it's best to call a technician to avoid further damage.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain line due to food debris or ice buildup
  • Defective drain pan or improperly positioned drain pan
  • Faulty defrost drain heater that prevents melting ice from draining

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clear the drain line by removing any visible debris and using hot water to flush it. If ice is present, use a hairdryer to gently melt it. Ensure the drain line is clear and flowing properly.

  2. Check the drain pan for proper positioning and any cracks. If defective, replace the drain pan to ensure proper drainage.

  3. Test the defrost drain heater for continuity using a multimeter. If faulty, replace the heater to allow melted ice to drain correctly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore Elite refrigerator Section won't drain

Community Discussions

Section won't drain

Added salt to hot water and used an aquarium airline to clear the drain.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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