Whirlpool refrigerator drain issue (not clogged)

[juggernaut18]

I apologize in advance for my lengthy post...

I have a Whirlpool refrigerator model GT22DCXJB01 (7 yrs old) that has the drain continuously freezing up. This of course leads to ice in the bottom of the freezer and water in the refrigerator portion. The drain tube is not clogged. Every time I "defrost the drain plug" I use bleach/water to flush and run a 1/4 cable down the length to verify there is no clog. Within a month or so it is frozen over again. I am ready to chuck this thing out to the street.

I have replaced the clip-on defrost thermostat because I thought I was getting bad resistance when it was cold, but I may have just had bad contact as replacing it did not fix it.

I really do not know where to go next...I will mention a few things I have noticed over the past year. Whenever the drain does freeze up I can now tell because when it stops running the compressor, I hear a louder than normal "whump." I'm not sure why, but this is constant with the freeze up.

In addition, when I remove the coil cover to begin defrosting the drain plug and getting the ice out, the coils have no ice on them, except for one spot. There are two pieces of Styrofoam; one each side of the coils about 1"x2" in size and look to be used to keep various wires from touching the coils. Well, on top of one of the pieces of Styrofoam there is always a large chunk of ice (1"x1") sitting on top and wrapped around a coils end. I think it is from the water spout for the ice maker, but should it melt away when defrosting? Oh, and I did removed the icemaker water supply and the drain still froze over, so it isn't the cause.

The defrosting heater is in the space between the coils and the floor of the pan with the drain hole...Has anyone seen a partially working defrost heater cause this type of issue?

Any ideas would be appreciated,
James

[richapplyguy]

You have a metal defrost heater. Try wrapping a heavy piece of wire, alluminum or copper wire around the heater and down the drain. This should solve the problem.
Also measure the freezer temperature, you may have the controls set to a super cold freezer temperature.

[juggernaut18]

Wrap a piece of wire around the heater and place into the drain hole you say ... Sounds like a stellar idea! So simple, yet sounds like it would be extremely effective. Thanks for the idea!!

[1ftdad]

juggernaut18 Sorry to use your thread but I have the same problem with my Kenmore, which is actually a Whirlpool. I see all the various parts you are talking about except I can't find any drain hole. There is an aluminum tray below the fins but no hole. Am I missing something. The whole bottom of the freezer floor had a layer of ice that I chipped and removed but I could not find a drain hole. How big is this illusive drain hole. My refrigerator is about 11 or 12 years old. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks

[richapplyguy]

Post model# and will check where drain hole is. To effectively clear drain must keep pooring water in drain area and remove with sponge, eventually you will get to the drain hole, just be patient!!

[mizqueen]

I too have some problem with the drain in my refrigerator. It's a Kenmore about 5 years old Model 60984991. Water is dripping from the roof of the frig compartment from the holes at the back. There's styrofoam, and 2 holes from which the water drips. There's not ice in the bottom of the freezer compartment, and I've tried sticking a wire up where the water comes from and it doesn't go in far. Are the drains you are all speaking of on the back of the frig? I haven't looked back there as the water is clearly dripping inside - a cup or so every day. :confused:

[Furyme]

I have a 5 year old Whirlpool fridge with this issue I have been fighting for years (almost since new). I have posted numerous times looking for a solution but have just learned to deal with it. I melt the ice, clean the coils, make sure the drain is clear, put everything back together and like magic in 3 or 4 weeks I have water in the fridge again.
I too will try the wire from the heater into the drain trick and let you know if this works.
Sure a new fridge is only $1500, did I say only? And I may look forward to a whole new set of problems. So it would be nice to get my old clunker working properly once and for all.

[richapplyguy]

Another thing to consider: Once the drain freezes,the surrounding styrofoam gets soaked with water and will make the drain freeze up sooner. Solution there is to thaw out the freezer for a few days!
Best solution is the wire thingy.