Owners of refrigerators Samsung with a system No Frost often face the problem of water accumulation under vegetable drawers or at the bottom cameras. The reason lies in a clogged drain hole - a small but critical detail that many do not even suspect exists. Unlike drip refrigerators, where drainage is visible to the naked eye, in models with No Frost this element is hidden deep inside the structure.
In this article we will not only show the exact location of the drainage hole in refrigerators Samsung with system No Frost (including popular series RB, RT, RS i RF), but we will also explain why it gets clogged, how to prevent it, and what to do if water has already flowed onto the floor. You will learn what tools are needed for cleaning, how to avoid damaging plastic parts, and when the help of a service center is really needed.
We will pay special attention a unique feature of Samsung refrigerators: the drainage hole in them is often combined with a channel for draining condensate from the freezer, which complicates the diagnosis of the problem. If you notice a puddle under the refrigerator or an unpleasant odor, this article will help you solve the problem in 20 minutes without disassembling the equipment.
Why the drainage hole is so important for No Frost
The system No Frost (or Frost Free) in refrigerators Samsung works on the principle of forced circulation of cold air. The fan evenly distributes the flow across the chambers, preventing the formation of frost on the walls. However, when the door is opened, moist air enters the refrigerator, which condenses on the evaporator (hidden behind the back panel) and flows off as water.
This is where the drainage hole comes into play - it collects the condensate and directs it to a special reservoir above the compressor, where the liquid evaporates naturally. If the hole becomes clogged, the water has nowhere to go, and it begins to accumulate:
- 💧 In the refrigerator compartment —under the drawers for vegetables/fruits or on the bottom shelf.
- ❄️ In the freezer chamber —in the form of ice on the bottom (if the model is with Full No Frost).
- 🚨 Outside - puddles under the refrigerator, often mistaken for a freon leak.
In refrigerators Samsung the drainage system is more complex than in budget models of other brands. double drainage: one hole for the refrigerator compartment, the other for the freezer (in models Twin Cooling Plus there can be three of them!). At the same time, outwardly they look like a single channel, which complicates cleaning.
Where exactly is the drain hole in Samsung No Frost
The location of the drainage hole depends on refrigerator model and the type of system No Frost. Most often there are three design options: Samsung Most often there are three design options:
- Classic No Frost (one chamber) - hole located behind the back wall of the refrigeration chamber, under the evaporator. Access to it opens after removing the protective panel.
- Full No Frost (two chambers) — two holes: one in the refrigeration chamber (similar to step 1), the second in freezer (under the drawers, behind the plastic plug).
- Twin Cooling Plus — three drainage channels: one for each chamber + an additional one for the door cooling system.
For most popular models Samsung (series RB-30, RT-40, RS-55, RF-23), the following diagram is relevant:
| Refrigerator model | Type No Frost | Location of the drainage hole | Access features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung RB-30 J3200 | No Frost (refrigerator) | Behind the back wall, under the evaporator | Requires removal of the panel (4 latches) |
| Samsung RT-40 K6000 | Full No Frost | Refrigerator compartment - under the evaporator; freezer - under the ice drawer | In the freezer in the chamber, the hole is closed with a removable lid |
| Samsung RS-55 N8210 | Twin Cooling Plus | Three holes: one in each chamber + a channel in the door | Door drainage is cleaned through the technological hole in the hinge |
| Samsung RF-23 HMED | Full No Frost | Refrigerator compartment - behind the panel; freezer - under the bottom drawer | The freezer hole is often hidden under a layer of frost |
To determine exactly where the drainage is located in yours the model, follow these steps:
Unplug the refrigerator and remove everything products
Remove the bottom shelf/vegetable drawer in the refrigerator
Look behind the back panel - look for a round or oval hole (∅ 5-8 mm) under the evaporator
In the freezer, check the space under the bottom drawer (may be hidden ice)
Use a flashlight - the hole is often darkened and merges with the plastic-->
⚠️ Attention: In models with the function CoolSelect Zone (for example Samsung RF-24 FSED), the drainage hole may be duplicated in the flexible cooling zone. If you do not find it in standard places, check. documentation or use search in the FAQ at the end of the article.
Signs of a clogged drain
Clogged drainage rarely occurs suddenly - it is usually preceded by noticeable symptoms. If you observe at least one of these signs, it’s time to check the system:
- 🌊 Water under the vegetable drawers — the most obvious signal. Liquid can accumulate on the bottom shelf or flow down the front wall.
- ☁️ Steam from under the refrigerator - if the drainage channel is full, water enters the hot compressor and evaporates with a hiss.
- ❄️ Ice in the freezer (for models Full No Frost) - blockage leads to freezing of the evaporator and the formation of a snowy "coat".
- 🤢 An unpleasant odor - stagnant water in the drainage becomes a breeding ground for bacteria (especially if the refrigerator is rarely washed).
- 🔊 Unusual sounds - gurgling or "squelching" when the compressor is running indicates an overflow of water in the system.
In refrigerators Samsung with technology Digital Inverter clogged drainage can lead to false errors on the display. For example, code 22E (problem with defrosting) or 40E (fan malfunction) often appear precisely because of an overcrowded drainage channel. Before calling a technician, check the hole - this will save up to 3,000 rubles. diagnostics.
🔍 How to distinguish clogged drainage from other problems?
- If water accumulates only in the refrigeration room chamber there is a clog in its drainage.
- If ice builds up in the freezer compartment + water outside - blockage in the freezer drain.
- If refrigerator does not cool + water - problem with the evaporator (a technician is needed).
Step-by-step instructions: how to clean the drainage hole
Cleaning the drainage in the refrigerator Samsung No Frost requires care - plastic parts are fragile, and the channel is easy to damage. We have prepared step-by-step instructions taking into account the design features of the Korean brand.
Preparation and tools
You will need:
- 🔧 Plastic or silicone tube (∅ 4-6 mm) - ideal for a dropper.
- 🧴 Cotton swabs and toothpicks (not metal!).
- 💦 Syringe (20 ml) or syringe.
- 🧼 Cleanser (for example, Sano Fresh or soda solution).
- 🔦 Flashlight (required!).
⚠️ Attention: Never use to clean the drain metal wire, needles or knitting needles —they can pierce the plastic channel or damage the evaporator. In service centers Samsung for such cases, special brushes with nylon bristles are used.
Cleaning the drainage in the refrigerator camera
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network and take out all the products. Wait 10-15 minutes until the evaporator warms up to room temperature.
- Remove the back panel refrigerator compartment. To do this:
- Pull out the bottom shelf until it stops.
- Press the latches on the sides of the panel (usually there are 2-4).
- Gently pull the panel towards you and up.
- Rinse the hole with warm water from a syringe (without a needle!).
- Insert a cotton swab dipped in a soap solution and gently scroll.
- For deep cleaning, use a silicone tube: insert it into the channel 3-5 cm and rinse with water.
- Check the drain: pour 30-50 ml of water into the hole. If the liquid drains quickly and without any residue, the drainage is clean.
- Defrost the freezer (you can speed up the process with a hairdryer pointed at the back wall).
- Remove all the drawers. The drainage hole is located under the bottom drawer, behind a plastic plug (sometimes it is hidden by a layer of ice).
- Remove the plug by prying it with a flat screwdriver (carefully so as not to break the latches!).
- Clean the channel with a dropper tube, previously poured with boiling water (the plastic will become softer).
- Rinse the drainage with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) to eliminate the smell.
- Move the refrigerator away from the wall (carefully, do not damage the floor!).
- Remove the bottom decorative panel (attached with 2-4 screws).
- Find the plastic one a tube going from the drainage hole to the tank (usually black or gray).
- Disconnect the tube from the tank and rinse it under running water.
- Check the tank - if there is debris in it, clean it with a cotton swab.
Cleaning the drainage in the freezer (for Full No Frost)
The freezer hole is more difficult to clean due to low temperatures and ice. Proceed as follows:
What to do if the tube does not fit into the drainage?
If the silicone tube rests on the blockage, do not press harder - this way you risk pushing the debris deeper or damaging the channel. Instead:
1. Pour a warm soda solution into the hole (1 tablespoon per 200 ml of water) and wait 15 minutes.
2. Repeat rinsing with the syringe.
3. If it doesn’t help, use the pneumatic method: blow into a tube (like a straw) to push the blockage out with air.
In 90% of cases this is enough. If not, you will need to disassemble the refrigerator (it is better to call a specialist).
Cleaning the drainage channel behind the refrigerator
Water from the drainage hole flows into reservoir above the compressor, where it evaporates. If this channel is clogged, liquid will spill onto the floor. To clean it:
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with the system SpaceMax (thin walls) the condensate reservoir can be built into the housing. Do not try to dismantle it - just rinse the tube and dry the tank with a hairdryer (cold air!).
How to prevent clogged drainage
Cleaning the drainage is not a complicated procedure, but it is unpleasant. To avoid repeated blockages, follow these recommendations:
- 🧹 Regular cleaning: once every 3 months, wash the refrigerator from the inside, paying attention to the back wall. Use a product with an antibacterial effect (for example, Top House).
- 🥬 Proper storage of food: do not place open containers with liquids (soups, sauces) close to the back wall. Steam condenses on the evaporator and accelerates clogging.
- 🧊 Humidity control: if your model has a function Power Cool or Power Freeze, do not abuse it - sudden cooling increases condensation.
- 🔄 Checking the seal: a torn rubber on the door allows warm air to pass through, which increases the load on the drainage. Test the seal with a sheet of paper - if it falls out, it’s time to change the rubber.
- 🌡️ Temperature: maintain +4...+5°C in the refrigerator compartment, -18°C in the freezer.
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
- Remove all food and leave the doors open for 4-6 hours.
- Wipe the drainage hole with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (this will prevent mold growth).
- 🔥 Using boiling water - plastic parts of the drainage system Samsung designed for temperatures up to 60°C. Boiling water deforms the tubes and leads to leaks.
- 🧲 Magnets on the door - if you hang heavy magnets on the refrigerator, this can dislodge the seal and break the seal, which will increase condensation.
- 🧼 Aggressive chemistry —bleach, acetone or concentrated acids corrode plastic and rubber gaskets. Use only mild detergents.
- 🔧 Self-disassembly —if the blockage is deep in the channel (for example, at the junction with the tank), do not try to dismantle the parts without experience. Samsung many elements are attached to latches that are easy to break.
- ❄️ Incomplete defrosting - if there is ice left in the freezer, it can block access to the drainage hole. Always wait until it is full. defrosting.
- The level of the refrigerator —if it is tilted (even 2-3°), water will drain not into the hole, but onto the floor. Use a building level to check.
- The integrity of the drainage tube - in models Samsung it sometimes rubs against the body. Inspect it for cracks.
- Fan operation —if it is broken, the evaporator freezes and the drainage cannot cope with the volume of condensate. Sign: the refrigerator hums loudly, but does not cool.
- 🔧 The drainage hole is deformed —cracks or chips in the plastic require replacement of the part.
- ❄️ The evaporator is covered with ice —this indicates a system malfunction defrost (sensor, heating element or timer).
- 💧 Water oozes out from under the refrigerator constantly, even after cleaning, a crack in the condensate tank is possible.
- 🔊 The refrigerator makes uncharacteristic sounds (grinding, knocking) - this may be due to debris getting into the fan No Frost.
- 📛 An error appears on the display
22E,40Eor41E—these codes are often associated with a malfunction of the defrosting system. - Service Plus (work under warranty).
- Iceberg (warranty + post-warranty service).
- RemBytekhnika (specialize in No Frost).
- Electric casing cable (∅ 4-5 mm).
- Cocktail straw (cut it and sand the edges).
- Plastic body from a ballpoint pen (pre-rinse with alcohol).
- Prepare a solution: 1 tbsp of baking soda + 1 tbsp of vinegar per 200 ml. water.
- Pour it into the drainage hole and leave for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the channel with clean water (100-150 ml).
- Dry with a hair dryer (cold air) for 10 minutes.
- 1 time at 6 months - if the refrigerator is used intensively (family of 3+ people).
- once a year — for lightly loaded refrigerators (1-2 people).
- Every 3 months — if the house has high humidity (for example, the refrigerator is in the kitchen with a stove).
- Compressor corrosion —constant moisture under the refrigerator leads to rust on the metal parts. details.
- Evaporator freezing —due to impaired condensate drainage, ice blocks air circulation and the refrigerator stops freezing.
- Fan failure —if water gets on the blades, they may freeze or become deformed.
- Short circuit —in rare cases, moisture penetrates the electrical contacts (especially in models with a bottom freezer).
For models Samsung with the function Auto Defrost (automatic defrosting) is recommended times. carry out forced defrosting for six months, even if the manufacturer does not require it:
💡 Advice for Samsung owners with a display: The menu of some models (for example, RF-28 R6200) has a function Eco Mode. Enabling it reduces the load on the system No Frost and reduces the amount of condensation. Activated via Settings → Energy saving → Eco Mode.
Common mistakes when cleaning the drainage
Even a simple procedure for cleaning the drainage can go wrong if you make one of these mistakes:
🔧 What to do if after cleaning water still accumulates?
If you cleaned the drainage, but the problem remains, check:
When to call a technician: signs of serious problems
Not all problems with drainage can be solved independently. Contact the service center Samsungif:
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Samsung is under warranty, do not try to clean the drainage yourself - this may be regarded as non-warranty case. In service centers, special equipment is used for cleaning (for example, a pneumatic gun for blowing channels), which will not damage the plastic.
The cost of professional drainage cleaning in Samsung (according to Moscow for 2026) is 1,200–2,500 rubles, depending on the model. If the problem is in the electronics (sensor, heating element), repairs will cost 3,000–6,000 rubles. For comparison: self-cleaning takes 20-30 minutes and does not require costs.
📌 How to choose a service center?
Official partners Samsung in Russia:
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about drainage in Samsung No Frost
Is it possible to clean the drainage without turning off the refrigerator?
No. Firstly, it is unsafe (risk of electric shock). Secondly, there is a drainage hole when the compressor is running. may be blocked by ice due to the low temperature of the evaporator. Always unplug the refrigerator and wait until it warms up to room temperature (15-20 minutes).
How to clean the drainage if there is no silicone tube?
Suitable:
The main thing is that the material is flexible and does not have sharp edges edges.
Why did a smell appear in the refrigerator after cleaning the drainage?
This means that organic deposits (food particles, mold) remained in the drainage channel. To eliminate the smell:
If the smell remains, repeat procedure with the addition of 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil (natural antiseptic).
How often should you clean the drainage in Samsung No Frost?
Recommended frequency:
Additional cleaning is required after long power outages or transportation of the refrigerator.
Can clogged drainage lead to damage to the refrigerator?
Yes, if you ignore the problem for a long time. Possible consequences:
The cost of repairs in such cases begins from 5,000 rubles.