Refrigerator owners Samsung sooner or later face the problem of water accumulation under vegetable drawers or at the bottom of the chamber. Most often, the culprit is a clogged drain hole, which is responsible for removing condensate from the cooling system. But where exactly to look for it in models with No Frost or a drip system? And why in some refrigerators Samsung is this hole hidden so that it is almost impossible to find it without instructions?
In this article we will understand how the drainage system works in refrigerators Samsung of different series (including the popular ones RB, RT, RL**), we will show its exact location in diagrams and photos location, and also explain how to clear the blockage without the risk of damaging the equipment. We will pay special attention models with hidden drainage under the back wall —their owners most often encounter flooding of the chamber due to improper cleaning.
Why is drainage needed in a Samsung refrigerator and how does it work
The drainage hole is a key element of the drainage system condensation that forms during operation of the refrigerator. In models Samsung it performs two main functions:
- 💧 Collection of melt water — during the defrosting cycle (even in systems No Frost), condensation forms on the evaporator, which flows into a special tray through the drainage.
- 🌀 Prevention of icing —if the hole becomes clogged, the water stagnates, freezes and forms ice plugs, which leads to malfunctions of the compressor.
- 🚫 Protection against mold —stagnant water in the pan becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to to an unpleasant odor in the chamber.
In refrigerators Samsung the drainage system is designed differently depending on the type of defrosting:
| Type of system | Where the hole is located | Frequent problems |
|---|---|---|
| Drip (Direct Cool) | On the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, under the evaporator | Clogged with dust, food residues, rapid mold growth in the pan |
| No Frost (Full/Frost Free) | Under the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment or behind the protective lid | Ice plugs in the drainage channel, water under the vegetable boxes |
| Side-by-Side | Separate holes in each chamber (refrigerator and freezer) | Clogged drainage of the freezer due to ice, water leaking into the refrigeration section |
B models Samsung with technology Twin Cooling Plus (for example, RF23 or RS6*) the drainage systems of two chambers are completely autonomous, so a blockage in one does not affect the operation of the other. However, this complicates diagnostics - if water accumulates only in the freezer, you need to look for the problem in its drainage channel.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung manufactured before 2018, the drainage hole could be located under a plastic plug on the back wall. In new models (2019–2026), it is often hidden behind a removable panel - do not try to clean it with a needle or wire without removing the protection, this may damage the evaporator!
Where to look for the drainage hole in a Samsung refrigerator: step-by-step instructions with photos
The location of the drainage hole depends on the model and type of defrosting system. Below we will provide the exact coordinates for the most common series Samsung, and also show how to find it if the design is non-standard.
1. Refrigerators with a drip system (Direct Cool)
In models Samsung RB31, RB37, RT28** and similar ones, the drainage hole is located openly on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. It is easy to identify by the following features:
- 🔍 Located under the evaporator (a plastic grill that is covered with frost).
- 🕳️ It is a round or oval hole with a diameter of 5–8 mm, often with a plastic side.
- 💦 Underneath it is usually visible a groove or channel leading to a tray above the compressor.
To find it:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove all food and shelves from the refrigerator cameras.
- On the back wall, approximately in the center or just below the middle, you will see a small hole. In some models it is covered with a removable lid.
Photo of the drainage hole in Samsung RB37J5230SA
On the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, under the evaporator, there is a round hole with a diameter of ~6 mm with a plastic rim. There may be a small sticker next to it warning you about cleaning.
2. Refrigerators No Frost (Full Frost Free)
In models Samsung RL38, RL44, RS55** and others with the system No Frost the drainage hole is hidden behind the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment. This complicates access, but protects the system from accidental clogging. Search algorithm:
Remove shelves and drawers from the refrigerator compartment|
Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and wait until it completely thaws (if there is ice)|
Carefully pry up and remove the back plastic panel (usually secured with latches)|
Find the hole under the evaporator - it can be covered with a small lid or mesh|-->
Attention: In some models (for example, Samsung RS62R5001M9), the drainage channel is not a hole, but narrow gap along the rear wall. You need to clean it with a special brush, and not with wire!
3. Side-by-Side and French Door (RF models, RS)
In two-door refrigerators Samsung drainage holes are located separately for each chamber:
- 🍎 Refrigerator compartment: the hole is located under the back panel, similar to models No Frost.
- ❄️ Freezer compartment: the drainage is hidden behind the bottom panel (sometimes under the ice box). In models with Ice Maker the hole can be covered with a lid with the inscription
DRAIN.
A feature of such refrigerators is double drainage channelwhich requires cleaning on both sides. If water accumulates in only one chamber, check its drainage.
Signs of a clogged drainage hole: when it’s time to clean
Clogged drainage in the refrigerator Samsung Does not appear immediately. accumulate in the tray, then puddles appear under the vegetable drawers, and in the later stages, ice appears on the back wall or even leaks from under the refrigerator. Here are the key symptoms:
- 💦 Water under the vegetable/fruit drawers. data-i="133">(in models - the most obvious sign. Liquid can accumulate even when the door is closed.
- ❄️ Ice or frost on the back wall (in models No Frost) - indicates that the water does not go into the drainage and freezes.
- 🧊 Continuous operation compressor - if the drainage is blocked, the refrigerator spends more energy on cooling.
- 🤢 Unpleasant odor —stagnant water in the pan becomes a source of bacteria and mold.
- 🚨 Error on the display (in models with electronic control) - for example, code
22Eor25Emay indicate problems with drainage.
In refrigerators Samsung with a display (series Family Hub or Bespoke) or a message flashing light or message Check Drainmay indicate a drainage blockage. In budget models without a screen, the only diagnostic method is a visual inspection.
⚠️ Attention: If in the refrigerator Samsung s No Frost ice has appeared on the back wall freezer compartment, the problem is not in the drainage, but in a malfunction of the defrost system (heating element or sensor). Do not confuse these breakdowns - cleaning the drainage will not help here!
How to clean the drainage hole in a Samsung refrigerator: 3 proven methods
You can clean the drainage yourself, without the help of a technician. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to damage the plastic parts or the evaporator. Below we will describe three methods, from the simplest to the more labor-intensive.
Method 1: Cleaning with a cotton swab or brush (for light blockages)
Suitable for models with drip system, where the hole is open. You will need:
- 🧼 Cotton swabs or a special brush for cleaning the drainage.
- 💧 Warm water with soap or soda solution (1 tablespoon per 200 ml of water).
- 🧴 Hydrogen peroxide (for disinfection).
Procedure:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Find the drainage hole (see instructions above).
- Moisten a cotton swab in a soap solution and carefully clean the hole with rotational movements.
- Rinse the canal with warm water using a syringe (without a needle!) or a syringe.
- Pour 5-10 ml of hydrogen peroxide into the hole for disinfection.
This The method is effective if the blockage is caused by the accumulation of dust or small food particles. If the water still does not drain, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Cleaning with a wire or tube (for severe blockages)
If the cotton swab did not help, a plug of ice or dense deposits has probably formed in the drainage channel. In this case, you will need:
- 🔧 Flexible wire with a diameter of 2-3 mm (for example, from a hanger) or a special cable for cleaning the drainage.
- 🧴 Pipe cleaner (for example,
Mole) or citric acid. - 💦 Hot water (not boiling water!).
Cleaning algorithm:
- Turn off the refrigerator and wait until the ice (if any) melts.
- Remove the back panel (in models No Frost).
- Carefully insert the wire into the drainage hole to a depth of 10–15 cm. Do not press too hard so as not to pierce the channel!
- Pour citric acid solution into the hole (2 tablespoons per glass of water) and leave for 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse the channel with hot water (temperature no higher than 60°C) using a syringe.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with a plastic drainage channel (for example, models RB30 or RT25) metal wire can damage the walls. Use a flexible silicone tube or brush instead!
Method 3: Complete disassembly and washing (for difficult cases)
If the first two methods did not produce results, there may be a blockage. deep in the drainage system or the pan is full. In this case, you will need:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (for removing the back panel and pan).
- 🧽 Warm water with detergent.
- 🧻 Absorbent wipes or rags.
Work order:
- Turn off the refrigerator and remove all food.
- Remove the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment (in models No Frost).
- Find the drain hose leading to the pan above the compressor and disconnect it.
- Rinse the hose and pan with warm water and detergent.
- Check whether the water flows freely through the channel - if not, clean it with a wire or a brush.
- Assemble everything in the reverse order and check the operation of the refrigerator.
How to clean the drainage: safe and prohibited products
Not all products are suitable for cleaning the drainage system of the refrigerator Samsung. seals or even cause corrosion of metal parts. In the table below we have collected permitted and prohibited options.
| Remedy | Can be used? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warm water with soda | ✅ Yes | Safe for all models. Proportion: 1 tablespoon of soda per 200 ml of water. |
| Citric acid | ✅ Yes | Effective against limescale. Dilute 1-2 tablespoons in a glass of water. |
| Hydrogen peroxide (3%) | ✅ Yes | Disinfects well, but does not dissolve grease. |
| Special brushes for drainage | ✅ Yes | The best option for models No Frost with narrow channels. |
| Vinegar (table, 9%) | ⚠️ Caution | Can be used diluted (1:1 with water), but not more than once a year - vinegar corrodes rubber seals. |
Household cleaning products (Mole, Tiret) |
⚠️ Careful | Only in diluted form (1 cap per 1 liter of water). Do not leave for long - rinse after 5-10 minutes. |
| Boiling water | ❌ No | Can deform plastic parts of the drainage system. |
Abrasive powders (Pemolux) |
❌ No | They scratch the plastic and clog the channel with small particles. |
Chlorine-containing products (White) |
❌ No | Destroy plastic and rubber, leaving a durable odor. |
For models Samsung with antibacterial drainage coating (series Bespoke or Family Hub) it is not recommended to use aggressive chemicals - they can damage the special coating. In this case, limit yourself to warm water with soda or lemon. acid.
How to avoid blockages: prevention for Samsung refrigerators
Regular maintenance will help avoid problems with drainage and extend the life of the refrigerator. Here are the key rules of care:
- 🧹 Cleaning the drainage every 3-6 months - even if there are no visible problems In models No Frost it is enough to rinse the hole. warm water, in drip ones - use a brush.
- 🧊 Defrosting 1–2 once a year (even for No Frost) - this helps remove ice and condensation accumulated in the channels.
- 📦 Proper storage of products —do not place open containers with liquids close to the back wall to avoid dripping into the drainage.
- 🔍 Checking the door seal —if the rubber is worn out, warm air enters the chamber, which leads to excessive condensation.
- 🌡️ Temperature control —the temperature in the refrigerator compartment should be +4...+5°C. At lower values, the drainage may freeze.
In models Samsung s function CoolSelect Zone (for example, RS62R5001M9), pay special attention to the drainage of the middle zone - it most often becomes clogged due to intensive use.
Common mistakes when cleaning the drainage and how to avoid them
Many refrigerator owners Samsung make mistakes when cleaning the drainage, which lead to even more serious damage. Here are the most common ones:
- 🔨 Use of sharp objects (needles, knitting needles, knives) - you can pierce the drainage hose or damage the evaporator. Use only flexible wire or a brush.
- 🔥 Using boiling water - deforms plastic parts and can cause cracks in the pan.
- 🧴 Cleaning with aggressive chemicals (for example, undiluted
Mole) destroys rubber seals and plastic. - 🚫 Ignoring the back panel —in models No Frost the drainage hole is often hidden, and blind cleaning will not work.
- 💡 Incorrect assembly after cleaning —if the back panel or drain hose is poorly secured, this will lead to leaks.
Another typical mistake is cleaning the drainage when cleaning. switched on refrigeratorThis is dangerous not only due to electric shock, but also the risk of a short circuit if water gets on the electrical contacts. Always unplug the equipment before starting work!
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with electronic control (for example, Family Hub) after cleaning the drainage, an error22Eor25Emay occur. This is normal - the error will reset automatically after 1-2 cycles of operation. If the code does not disappear, check whether the drainage hose is connected correctly.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about drainage in Samsung refrigerators
🔍 How to understand that the drainage hole is clogged if there are no puddles?
In addition to visible water, about clogged drainage in refrigerator Samsung the following signs may indicate:
- Increased humidity in the chamber (foggy walls, wet food).
- Unpleasant odor, even after washing.
- The refrigerator runs longer than usual (the compressor rarely turns off).
- In models with a display - errors
22E,25Eor40E.
If you notice at least one of these symptoms, check the drainage hole.
🛠️ Is it possible to clean the drainage without removing the back panel (in models No Frost)?
In most cases, no. In refrigerators Samsung No Frost the drainage hole is hidden behind the back panel, and access to it is possible only after removing it. Attempts to clean it “blindly” can lead to:
- Damage to the evaporator (if the wire slides to the side).
- Pushing the blockage deeper into the channel.
- Breakage of the plastic panel fasteners.
The exception is models with open drainage (for example, some Side-by-Side), where the hole is visible without disassembling.
💧 After cleaning the drainage, water still accumulates. What to do?
If cleaning does not help, check the following points:
- Refrigerator level — when tilting forward, the water does not go into the drainage. Use a building level to adjust the legs.
- Integrity of the drainage hose —it could crack or fly off the mount. In this case, the hose needs to be replaced.
- Operation of the defrost system - if ice builds up in the freezer, the problem may be a faulty heating element or sensor.
- Clog in the pan - sometimes the water does not go away due to drainage, but due to an overfilled or dirty pan above the compressor.
If you cannot find the cause yourself, contact the service center Samsung —there may be a malfunction in the refrigerant circulation system.
🧼 How can you replace a special brush for cleaning drainage?
If you don’t have a special brush at hand, use the following available means:
- Cotton swabs —suitable for light blockages in drip refrigerators.
- Flexible silicone tube (for example, from a dropper) - can be put on a wire so as not to scratch the plastic.
- Toothbrush with soft bristles - will help clean the hole from plaque.
- Syringe (pear) — for flushing the channel with warm water.
Do not use metal objects (needles, nails) - they can damage the drainage channel.
❄️ Ice builds up in the freezer compartment, and in the refrigerator there is water. Is this drainage?
No, in this case the problem is not in the drainage of the refrigerator compartment. Most likely, the defrost system is faulty freezer compartment. Possible reasons:
- Failed defrost heating element.
- Does not work defrost sensor (defroster).
- Drainage is clogged freezer (in models Side-by-Side or French Door).
In this case, cleaning the refrigerator drainage will not help - it is necessary diagnostics of the freezer compartment. If you have a model with No Frost, check whether the fan is working (it should stop when the door is open).