How To Clear a Sears Kenmore Refrigerator Drain Line

Unwanted water leakage from your refrigerator can cause a lot of inconvenience. The root cause of such a problem is often a clogged drain line. If you own a Sears Kenmore refrigerator, you may be wondering how to clear the drain line yourself. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step process to clear the drain line in your Sears Kenmore refrigerator, ensuring it functions efficiently without any water leakage.

Understanding the Issue

A clogged drain line in a refrigerator can manifest in several ways. The primary signs are water leaking onto the floor, water accumulation under the crisper drawers, water leaking from the freezer into the refrigerator section, and ice buildup in the bottom of the fridge or freezer compartment. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin the task of clearing the drain line, gather the necessary tools and materials. This includes:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Turkey baster
• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Glass of hot water

Preliminary Steps

The first step before starting any maintenance work is to ensure safety. Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker to avoid any electrical hazards. Next, locate the defrost drain tube, typically found at the back of the refrigerator or freezer compartment. Use the flathead screwdriver to remove any ice or debris blocking the drain hole.

Clearing the Drain Line

Now that you’ve taken the preliminary steps, you can start clearing the drain line. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove ice buildup: Carefully chip away at the ice buildup around the drain area using a plastic utensil or warm water. Avoid using sharp objects that could damage the components.
2. Clear the drain hole: Use a soft, flexible tube or a pipe cleaner to gently insert into the drain hole and clear any obstructions.
3. Melt any remaining ice: Fill a container with hot tap water and use a turkey baster to force the hot water through the drain line until you melt any ice obstructing the line.
4. Clean the drain tube: Mix one teaspoon of bleach in a pint-sized container. Using a turkey baster or cooking syringe, dispense a squirt of the bleach solution into the drain tube to sanitize it.
5. Reassemble the refrigerator: Once the drain line is clear, reassemble the refrigerator by replacing the back panel, shelves, and freezer contents.
6. Plug the refrigerator back in: Reconnect the refrigerator to the power source and monitor it for any further issues.

Preventive Measures

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can prevent the Sears Kenmore Refrigerator drain line from clogging in the future:

• Clean the refrigerator drain tube about once a year to prevent debris and mold buildup.
• Occasionally, run hot water and a little bleach down the defrost drain hole to keep it clear and prevent mold growth.
• If your freezer’s defrost drain keeps freezing over, consider installing a defrost heater drain strap, also known as a heat probe, to prevent the drain from freezing.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the problem persists after trying to clear the drain line yourself, it’s time to call a professional. Persistent clogs could be a sign of a more significant issue requiring professional help. Plumbers have the expertise to diagnose complex plumbing issues and can handle more extensive problems like main sewer line blockages.

Conclusion

Clearing a clogged drain line in a Sears Kenmore refrigerator may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance, you can do it yourself. Remember, regular maintenance and inspection will help keep the drain line clear and prevent water leaks and other issues. However, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if the problem persists.