Samsung refrigerator not draining

Common reasons your Samsung refrigerator is not draining

The most common reasons your Samsung refrigerator is not draining are a locked compressor, defective electronic control board or a damaged door.

  • 48%

    48% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 34%

    34% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 7%

    7% of the time it's the
    Door

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung refrigerator

Compressor Replacement

A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

Door Replacement

A damaged refrigerator or freezer door can prevent the door from closing and sealing properly. It may create difficulty in smoothly opening or closing the freezer drawer, requiring excessive force or resulting in a sticking sensation. It may also cause a misalignment of the drawer, where it fails to sit flush with the freezer door. A damaged door can also produce scraping or grinding noises during operation, indicating friction or misalignment issues. Additionally, the door gasket won’t be able to maintain a proper seal, allowing warm, humid air into the refrigerator. This can lead to condensation, resulting in water leaks in the refrigerator that won’t be able to drain away.

Why is there water in the bottom of my Samsung refrigerator?

Water at the bottom of the refrigerator typically indicates that the defrost drain under the evaporator fins is clogged. Water in the defrost drain tray under the evaporator can sometimes freeze and clog the hole that drains water down to the defrost drain pan.

defrost-drain-tube-image

How to fix a clogged defrost drain tube

The easiest way to fix a clogged defrost drain tube is to safely store food and then unplug the refrigerator. Open the doors and let the refrigerator compartments warm up to melt the ice clogging the defrost drain tube.

After 4 to 6 hours, the ice in the tray under the evaporator should be melted and all water should have drained down into the defrost drain pan near the compressor in the machine compartment at the bottom of the fridge.

Restore power to the refrigerator and reload your food.

If the defrost drain tube continues to clog with ice, a failure in a temperature sensor or a defective electronic control board could be restarting the compressor to quickly after the automatic defrost system melts frost and ice buildup off of the evaporator fins.

Have a service technician examine and repair your refrigerator if the defrost drain continues to clog up.

What to expect when you experience a Samsung refrigerator not draining issue

How is the not draining problem fixed?

Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the compressor, electronic control board or door. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that is not draining

When the refrigerator is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator not draining diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my Samsung refrigerator draining properly?
Check the defrost drain, drain pan, and water lines for clogs or damage.
Could a clogged defrost drain cause my Samsung refrigerator not to drain?
Yes, a blocked defrost drain can prevent proper drainage in your refrigerator.
How do I fix a Samsung refrigerator that isn’t draining?
Clear any clogs in the defrost drain, inspect the drain pan, and check the water lines for blockages.
What causes a Samsung refrigerator to not drain?
A clogged defrost drain, blocked water lines, or a full drain pan can cause drainage issues.

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Glossary Terms

A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

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