Have you found ice build-ups under plastic boxes in the freezer of your Samsung? This problem is more common than it seems, and can signal both minor operational problems and serious malfunctions. Ice under containers not only reduces the usable volume of the freezer, but also makes the compressor work harder, increasing energy consumption. In advanced cases, ice can lead to deformation of plastic elements or even breakdown of the drainage system.
In this article we will analyze all possible causes - from the banal loosely closed box to failures in the system No Frostspecific to models Samsung RB, RS, RF*. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, when you can get by with simple defrosting, and in which cases you will need the intervention of a specialist. We will pay special attention to hidden defects in the seal** and the nuances of the operation of the defrosting system, which the manufacturer often conceals in the instructions.
Let us immediately note: if ice appears only under the bottom drawer, this is usually due to a clogged drainage hole. When ice evenly covers the bottom under all containers, the air circulation system or thermostat is to blame. But if there is not enough ice, but it forms constantly, even after defrosting, it is worth checking defrosting sensor or Evaporator heating element.
1. The main reasons for the formation of ice under the drawers
Let's start with the most obvious factors that users often miss. The tightness of the drawers is the first check: even a minimal gap of 1-2 mm leads to warm air entering the chamber. In models Samsung with a system No Frost (for example, RB37J5230SA or RS62R5001M9) this causes local freezing under containers where air circulation is weaker.
The second common reason is freezer overload. When drawers are filled to capacity with food, air flow is disrupted and moisture condenses at the bottom. This is especially noticeable in models with fan in the freezer camera (series RF and Family Hub), where air circulation is critical for uniform cooling.
- 🔹 Loose closure of the drawers —check the latches and guides
- ❄️ Frequent opening of the door —leads to temperature fluctuations
- 💧 Liquid ingress —defrosted food or spilled drinks
- 🌀 Clogged drainage —water does not drain, freezes in layers
- ⚙️ No Frost failure —evaporator defrosting does not work
Less obvious, but a common problem is improper installation of the refrigerator. If Samsung stands tilted forward (even 2-3°), the freezer door may not fit tightly. As a result, warm air penetrates the chamber, and moisture settles in the coldest area - under the drawers. Check the level using a building level or a mobile leveling app.
2. How to diagnose a problem based on the type of ice
The nature of the ice will tell you where to look for the root of the problem. Here are the key signs for self-diagnosis:
| Type of frost | Probable cause | Samsung models, where it is more common |
|---|---|---|
| A thin layer of frost under all drawers | Air circulation is impaired (ventilation grilles are clogged or the fan is faulty) | RF23, RS55, Family Hub |
| Ice "stalagmites" under bottom box | Drain hole or tube is clogged | RB31, RB37, RS62* |
| Dense ice only on one side | Loose fit of door seal or hinge deformation | All models with French Door |
| Ice appears after 1-2 days after defrosting | The defrost sensor or evaporator heating element is faulty | Models 2018-2022. with No Frost |
If ice forms unevenlyinspect the sealing rubber for cracks or deformations. In models Samsung s double cooling system (for example, RS62R5001M9), check whether the air channel between the refrigerator and freezer compartments is blocked - this can cause local freezing.
Critical sign: if after complete defrosting the ice appears again within 24 hours, this is a warranty case (malfunction of the defrosting system). In 80% of cases, the defrost sensor or a burnt-out evaporator heating element is to blame.
How to check the operation of the No Frost fan?
Open the freezer and listen. In normal mode, the fan should start working 1-2 minutes after closing the door (light air noise). If you can’t hear it, the fan motor may be faulty or the blades may be frozen. In Samsung models with a display, if the fan malfunctions, the error “22E” or “25E” may appear.
3. Step-by-step instructions: what to do first
Before you commit a breakdown, follow these steps. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician:
- Thaw the freezer completely (at least 12 hours with the door open). In models No Frost this is usually enough for the drainage to clear on its own.
- Check the seal: wipe it with a weak solution of soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) and lubricate it with silicone grease. In models Samsung the seal should move away from the body no more than 2 mm.
- Clean the drainage hole. In most models it is located under the bottom drawer. Use a special brush (included) or a cocktail straw.
- Level the refrigerator. Use the adjustable legs to achieve a tilt 1-2° back (the door should close on its own from the half-open position).
To clean the drainage in models Samsung RB remove the bottom panel of the freezer (snaps off by moving upward) and rinse the hole with warm water from a syringe. In series RS i RF*** the drainage is often hidden behind the back wall - you will need to unscrew 4 screws.
Unplug the refrigerator
Remove all food and drawers
Place towels on the floor to collect water
Leave the door open for 12+ hours
After defrosting, wipe all surfaces dry -->
Important for models with No Frost: after defrosting, turn on the "Power Freeze" mode for 3-4 hours. This will help the system stabilize the temperature and prevent re-icing. In refrigerators Family Hub this mode is activated via the touch display or mobile application Samsung SmartThings.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting the ice appears again within 24 hours, do not try to repeat the procedure. This is a sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system, and further attempts to “defrost” may lead to compressor failure.
4. Problems with the No Frost system: when you can’t do without a specialist
If simple measures do not help, the problem lies deeper. In refrigerators Samsung with a system No Frost three components are most often responsible for freezing under the drawers:
- 🔥 Evaporator heating element — burns out or does not work correctly, not thawing the ice
- 📡 Defrost sensor — gives incorrect readings, disrupting the defrost cycle
- 🌀 Fan —freezes or breaks, disrupting air circulation
In models RB37J5230SA, RS62R5001M9 i similar checking the heating element requires disassembling the back wall of the freezer. Signs of its malfunction:
Ice grows evenly along the entire back wall,
The refrigerator works without stopping,
The display shows an error "25E" or "28E".
The defrost sensor (defrost sensor) is usually located next to the evaporator. Its malfunction leads to the fact that the system Samsung usually located near the evaporator. Its malfunction leads to the fact that the system defrosting does not turn onand ice accumulates in layers. The problem can be diagnosed by the following symptoms:
The freezer works, but does not turn off,
Ice appears even when the chamber is half empty,
The temperature in the freezer is below -24°C (at standard -18°C).
Independent repair of these components is only possible if you have experience working with refrigeration equipment. To replace the heating element or sensor you will need:
Soldering iron for connecting wires,
Multimeter for checking resistance,
Original spare parts (part numbers are indicated in the service manual).
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung 2020 and newer (series Bespoke, Family Hub+), the No Frost system is integrated with an electronic control unit. Incorrect replacement of sensors can lead to firmware failure - in this case, flashing via the service port will be required.
5. Hidden defects that are not written about in the instructions
The manufacturer is often silent about design features that can cause icing. Here are three little-known reasons typical for Samsung:
1. Defect of the drainage tube. In models RB31 i RB37 the tube runs along the back wall and can freeze at the bend. This leads to the fact that the condensation does not go into the pan, but freezes under the bottom drawer. The solution is to insulate the tube with foam rubber or replace it with a shorter one (article DA61-01263A).
2. Incorrect operation of the switching valve. In refrigerators with dual cooling system (for example, RS62R5001M9) the valve can jam, directing all the cold into the freezer. This causes freezing and icing. Signs:
The refrigerator compartment does not cool well,
The freezer works without stopping,
Ice is formed in waves (sometimes a lot, sometimes a little).
3. Problems with the electronic unit. In models with a display (series Family Hub), a firmware failure may disrupt the defrosting algorithm. For example, after a power outage, the unit may “forget” the defrosting cycle. In this case, resetting the settings helps. data-i="206">3. Problems with the electronic unit
Turn off the refrigerator for 1 minute,
Hold the "Power Cool" + "Power Freeze" buttons for 10 seconds,
Wait for reboot ("0°C" appears on the display).
6. Prevention: how to prevent re-icing
To prevent ice under the drawers. did not appear again, follow these rules:
- 📅 Defrosting: even for No Frost - once every 6 months for 12 hours
- 🧊 Food storage: do not place liquids in open containers on the top shelves
- 🔄 Air circulation: do not stuff drawers "under" tie"
- 🧴 Seal care: wash with soda once a month, lubricate with silicone
- 🌡️ Temperature mode: in the freezer not lower than -18°C, in the refrigerator +4°C
For models Samsung with the function CoolSelect Zone (for example, RF23HCEDBSR), make sure that the middle drawer (with adjustable temperature) is not set to the "Freezer" mode. disrupts the air balance and can cause icing of the lower containers.
If your region has hard water, wash the drainage hole with a solution of citric acid (1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water) once every 3 months. This will prevent the formation of limescale, which narrows the hole and leads to freezing.
For owners of refrigerators with a display: activate. function Smart Diagnosis in the mobile application Samsung SmartThings. It analyzes the operation of the compressor and fan, warning of potential problems before they occur.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung Bespoke (modular models) icing under the drawers can be caused by an incorrect combination of modules. If the freezer is installed above the refrigerator, check that there is an original gasket between them DA97-17396A - it prevents air flow.
7. technicians: signs of serious damage
Not all problems can be solved on your own. Contact the service center if:
- 🔧 Ice appears less than 24 hours after defrosting
- ⚡ The refrigerator works non-stop more than a day
- 📛 The display shows an error
22E,25E,28Eor33E - 💨 The fan does not turn on even after resetting the settings
- ❄️ Ice forms only on one side (a sign of freon leakage)
Cost of repairs in official service centers Samsung (for 2026):
Replacing the evaporator heating element — from 3500 ₽,
Replacing the defrost sensor — from 2800 ₽,
Repairing freon leaks — from 5000 ₽,
Replacement of the electronic unit —from 7000 ₽.
For models under warranty (usually 1 year for the refrigerator, 10 years for the compressor), repairs are free, provided that the problem is not caused by mechanical damage. Before visiting the technician not defrost refrigerator - this can hide the symptoms of the malfunction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a hair dryer to speed up the process? defrosting?
Yes, but with caution. Keep the hairdryer at a distance of 30-40 cm from the surfaces, use cold or slightly warm air (not hot!). Do not direct the air flow onto the sealing rubber - it may become deformed in models Samsung with electronic control (series Family Hub) before using a hair dryer unplug the refrigeratorto avoid short circuit.
Why does ice appear only under the bottom drawer, while the rest of the freezer clean?
This is a typical sign. Water from defrosting does not go into the pan, but freezes under the lower container. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by cleaning the hole with a brush or washing with warm water. In models clogged drainage hole. The water from defrosting does not go into the pan, but freezes under the lower container. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by cleaning the hole with a brush or rinsing with warm water. In models Samsung RB*** the drainage is often clogged with food crumbs or dust. - it needs to be cleaned once every 6 months.
After defrosting, the refrigerator began to operate loudly. Is this normal?
In the first 1-2 hours after switching on increased noise this is normal: the compressor works in increased mode to restore the temperature. if loud operation continues for more than a day, this may indicate:
Increased load due to a faulty fan,
Evaporator freezing (requires checking the heating element),
Incorrect installation (refrigerator is standing still) uneven).
In models Samsung with an inverter compressor (series RS***), constant noise may be a sign of a failure in the electronic control unit.
Is it possible to put hot foods in a Samsung freezer?
Categorically not recommended. A sharp temperature change causes intense formation of condensation, which then freezes at the bottom of the chamber. No Frost this additionally loads the defrosting system. If you urgently need to freeze a hot dish, divide it into small portions and let it cool to room temperature (you can use an ice bath).
How often should you defrost a Samsung refrigerator with No Frost?
Despite the stated “automatic defrosting”, the manufacturer recommends manual defrosting once every 6 months. This is due to the fact that the system No Frost removes only visible ice from the evaporator, but cannot cope with:
Condensation in drainage tube,
Ice under the drawers due to leaks,
Dust and grease deposits on the fan.
For models with the function Twin Cooling Plus (for example, RS62R5001M9) is enough defrosting once a year.