If water accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator, and ice forms on the back wall, the problem is almost certainly a clogged drainage hole. This system is responsible for removing condensate from the chamber into a special tank, where the liquid evaporates. When the drainage becomes clogged with crumbs, mold or food debris, the water stops draining, creating puddles under the vegetable drawers and increasing the humidity in the chamber. Samsung water accumulates and ice forms on the back wall - the problem is almost certainly a clogged drain hole. This system is responsible for removing condensate from the chamber into a special tank, where the liquid evaporates. When the drain becomes clogged with crumbs, mold or food debris, the water stops flowing, creating puddles under the crisper drawers and increasing the humidity in the chamber.
You can clean the drainage in refrigerators Samsung (models RB, RT, RL, RS and others) yourself in 20-40 minutes - without disassembling the equipment and special skills. In 90% of cases, available means are enough: a cotton swab, a syringe or wire. But it is important to act carefully: improper cleaning can damage plastic parts or dislodge the drain tube, which will lead to even more serious leaks.
This article contains step-by-step instructions for different types of blockages, a list of tools with photos, and tips on how to avoid repeated problems. If after cleaning, water continues to accumulate, check additional reasons in FAQ-block.
Signs of a clogged drainage system in a Samsung refrigerator
The drainage hole in refrigerators Samsung is located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, under the evaporator (plastic panel with ribs). Normally, condensate flows through this channel into a container above the compressor and evaporates. If the system becomes clogged, characteristic symptoms appear:
- 💧 Puddles under the boxes for vegetables/fruits —water does not go into the drainage and accumulates at the bottom of the chamber.
- ❄️ Ice crust on the back wall —due to increased humidity, ice freezes on the evaporator (especially noticeable in models with
No Frost). - 🦠 Unpleasant odor —bacteria multiply in the blockage, causing a putrid odor.
- 🔊 Gurgling sounds —water passes through the blockage with difficulty, creating air bubbles.
In refrigerators Samsung with a system Total No Frost (for example, RS62R5001M9 or RB37J5240SA) the drainage hole may be located behind the protective panel - it is not visible during a quick inspection. In such cases, the blockage appears. ice freezing on the bottom of the freezer (if the freezer drain is also blocked).
⚠️ Attention: If water accumulates only in the freezer compartment the problem is not in the drainage of the refrigerator compartment, but in the defrosting system No FrostThis will require diagnostics. evaporator heater or defrost timer.
Before you start cleaning, make sure that:
- The refrigerator is level (check the level - a misalignment of more than 2° can move drain tube).
- The door closes tightly (check the seal - if it is damaged, moisture condenses more).
- The temperature in the chamber is not lower than +2°C (at lower values, condensation turns into ice, blocking drainage).
Preparation for cleaning: tools and measures safety
To clean the drainage in the refrigerator Samsung you don’t need professional tools. What you have at home is enough:
| Tool | What is needed | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton swabs | Cleaning the visible part of the hole | Toothpick, match with cotton |
| Syring (bulb) | Rinsing the channel with water under pressure | 20 ml syringe, children's enema |
| Soft wire (∅ 1.5-2 mm) | Pushing through dense blockages | Bent paper clip, guitar string |
| Soap solution or citric acid | Disinfection and mold removal | Hydrogen peroxide (3%), vinegar (diluted) |
| Flashlight | Lighting the drainage channel | Flashlight on your phone |
Before starting work:
Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains (unplug it from the socket)|Remove all products from the refrigerator|Remove shelves and drawers that interfere with access to the drainage|Prepare rags to collect water|Wear gloves (the drainage may there may be mold)-->
If a system is installed in the refrigerator Samsung system installed No Frost, before cleaning, let it stand turned off for 1-2 hours - this will help melt the ice in the drainage channel. In models with a drip system (for example, RL38**) the ice will melt. on the back wall can be carefully removed with a plastic spatula without damaging the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal objects with sharp edges (needles, knives, screwdrivers) to clean the drainage - they can damage the plastic tube or puncture the evaporator. Also avoid aggressive chemicals (for example, "Mole"), which corrode the plastic and leave behind. toxic residues.
Method 1: Cleaning the drainage hole without disassembling
This method is suitable for removing shallow blockages (crumbs, mucus, small food particles). as a preventative measure every 3-6 months.
Step 1. Find the drainage hole. In most models Samsung it is located in the center of the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, under the evaporator. In refrigerators with No Frost the hole can be hidden by a plastic cover - it must be carefully pryed off with a screwdriver.
Step 2. Remove visible dirt with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water. Move in a circle, pressing lightly to draw out mucus and crumbs.
Step 3. Type in syringe warm water (you can add 1 tablespoon of citric acid per 200 ml) and sharply inject into the hole. Repeat 3-4 times until the water begins to drain freely.
Step 4. Check the result: pour 50 ml of water into a glass and pour it into the drainage hole. If the liquid leaves. without delay - the blockage is eliminated. If the water is standing or draining slowly, proceed to Step 4. Method 2.
Method 2: Deep cleaning of the drain tube with wire
If washing with water does not help, the blockage is located deeper - in the drain tube, which leads to the container above the compressor. In this case, you will need a soft wire or a flexible cable.
Step 1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove the back cover at the bottom (it is secured with latches or screws). Under the lid you will see a drain tube leading from the refrigerator compartment to the condensate container.
Step 2. Carefully insert the wire into the drainage hole from the side of the refrigerator compartment. Move it back and forth, twisting slightly to destroy the plug. Do not press hard —the tube may be damaged.
Step 3. After cleaning, rinse the tube with a syringe with warm water (you can add a little dishwashing detergent). Direct the jet under pressure to wash away the remaining clog.
Step 4. Return the lid to its place and check the operation of the drain by pouring water into the hole. If the liquid drains quickly, the problem is solved. If the clog remains, the tube may be pinched or displaced (see Method 3).
What to do if the wire does not pass?
If the wire rests on an obstacle at a depth of 10-15 cm, a blockage may have formed in the bend of the tube. Try using a more flexible tool (for example, cable from a bicycle brake) or disassemble the refrigerator to access the tube on both sides.
In refrigerators Samsung with a system Twin Cooling Plus (two separate cooling systems for the refrigerator and freezer compartments), drainage tubes may be thinner than standard ones. In this case, use a wire with a diameter of no more than 1.5 mm.
Method 3: Cleaning the drain on the compressor side
If the previous methods did not work, the blockage may be in the lower part of the drain tube - where it connects to the condensate container. To get to it, you will have to remove the back panel of the refrigerator.
Step 1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall. Remove the back cover (it is secured with screws or latches). Under it you will see a compressor and a plastic container with a tube.
Step 2. Disconnect the drainage tube from the container (usually it is simply inserted into the hole). Rinse the tube with water, directing the stream from the syringe from top to bottom (in the opposite direction - from the container to the refrigerator compartment).
Step 3. Check the condensate container itself - it may also be clogged dirt. Wash it with warm water and soap and dry it.
Step 4. Assemble everything in reverse order. Make sure that the tube is tightly connected to the container - otherwise water will drip onto the floor.
⚠️ Attention: In some models Samsung (for example, RF23 or RS21) the drainage tube is attached to the container using a clamp. To remove it, use pliers, but be careful - the plastic may crack.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator and check its operation after 12-24 hours. If water begins to accumulate again, two problems are possible:
- 🔄 The tube is pinched during assembly (check its position).
- 🧊 Blockage in the evaporator (defrosting and cleaning using a steam generator will be required).
Prevention of blockages: how to avoid reoccurrence problems
To prevent the drainage hole in the refrigerator Samsung from becoming clogged again, follow simple rules:
- 🧼 Wash the refrigerator every 1-2 months — remove crumbs and sticky stains from the walls and shelves. Pay special attention to the area under the vegetable drawers.
- 🥬 Store food in containers —open bags of cereals, flour or herbs can spill out and clog the drainage.
- 🌡️ Control the temperature —in The temperature in the refrigerator compartment should be +3…+5°C. At lower values, condensation freezes, blocking the hole.
- 🍋 Use natural odor absorbers - lemon slices or soda solution (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) will prevent mold growth in the drainage.
For models with No Frost it is additionally recommended:
- 🔄 Defrost the refrigerator once every 6-12 months (despite the automatic system).
- 🧊 Regularly check the condition of the door seal - if it is worn out, the humidity is the chamber rises.
If your area has hard water, limescale may form in the drainage system. In this case, once every 3 months, rinse the hole with a solution of citric acid (20 g per 1 liter of water).
Common mistakes when cleaning the drainage
Incorrect actions can aggravate the problem or damage the refrigerator. Avoid these mistakes:
- Use of sharp objects. Needles, knives or screwdrivers puncture the drain tube or scratch the evaporator, resulting in freon leakage.
- Cleaning without turning off the power. If water gets on the electrical contacts (for example, in models with a display on the door), a short circuit.
- Use of boiling water. Hot water deforms plastic parts and can damage seals.
- Ignoring checks after cleaning. If you do not make sure that the water flows freely, the blockage may remain unnoticed.
- Independent repair of the drainage tube. If the tube is cracked or has come off the fastenings, it is better to entrust its replacement to a specialist - incorrect installation will lead to leaks.
Another common mistake is cleaning the drainage only on one side. The blockage may be in the middle part of the tube, so you need to wash it both sides (from the refrigerator compartment and from the compressor side).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning the drainage in Samsung refrigerators
After cleaning the drainage, water still accumulates. What is the reason?
If the drainage hole is cleaned, but puddles remain, check:
- 🔧 Position of the drain tube —it could have moved during cleaning and now does not connect to the container.
- 🧊 Evaporator —if it is covered with ice, condensation is not flows into the drain. Defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
- 🚪 Door seal —if it is damaged, warm air enters the chamber, increasing condensation.
- 🌡️ Thermostat —if it is faulty, the temperature in the chamber drops below normal and water freezes in the drainage.
If the problem is not solved, it may be clogged freezing drainage branch (in models with Total No Frost). This will require disassembling the rear panel of the freezer.
Can vinegar or soda be used to clean the drainage?
Yes, but in a diluted form:
- Vinegar: 1 tbsp. l. 9% vinegar per 200 ml of water. Pour the solution into the drainage, wait 10 minutes and rinse with water.
- Soda: 1 tsp. soda per 1 liter of water. Clean the hole with a cotton swab dipped in the solution.
⚠️ Do not use undiluted vinegar or dry soda - they corrode plastic and rubber seals.
How to clean the drainage in the freezer Samsung?
In the freezer, the drainage hole is located under the evaporator (behind the back panel). To get to it:
- Unplug the refrigerator and defrost the freezer (8-12 hours).
- Remove the back panel (attached with screws or latches).
- Find the drain hole under the evaporator and clean it with wire.
- Rinse the channel with warm water (you can add alcohol for disinfection).
In models with No Frost clogged freezer drainage is often accompanied by ice freezing at the bottom cameras i constant operation of the fan.
What to do if the drain tube is cracked?
If the tube is damaged, it must be replaced. Temporary solution:
- Disconnect the tube from the container and the refrigerator compartment.
- Cut the cracked area with scissors (if the crack is closer to one of the ends).
- Connect the parts of the tube using a silicone hose of a suitable diameter and clamps.
For a complete repair, order an original tube from the manufacturer (specify the model of the refrigerator, for example Samsung RB37J5240SA). Self-replacement requires care - errors in connection will lead to leaks.
Do you need to clean the drainage in new Samsung refrigerators?
Even in new refrigerators, the drainage hole can become clogged due to:
- 🏗️ Manufacturing defects (shavings or glue getting into tube).
- 📦 Transportation (dust or packaging material may penetrate the system).
- 🍎 Incorrect first downloads (crumbs from unpackaged products).
Check the drainage 1-2 weeks after purchase. If you notice an accumulation of water, clean the hole with a cotton swab.