FRIDGE DRAIN HOLE

[Jeff613]

The drain hole on my Electrolux fridge is blocked.

I have tried the ‘special’ plastic tool without success. I have also tried pushing down plastic curtain rail (which always worked in the past) but this time the plastic rail will only go down a couple of inches and then comes up against a ‘brick wall’.

I think that something has gone down the hole (maybe some cleaning fabric ) which has then just impacted preventing the water from draining away.

It’s clear that the conventional clearing methods won’t work!

Can I try a small amount of drain cleaner ie the liquid type that is put down, say, a basin to clear out accumulated gunge?

[RocketMan]

Re: FRIDGE DRAIN HOLE

Try something like a cable tie or pipe cleaner. Things do get stuck..peas, bit of plastic wrapping etc etc.

At the back, you could also look at where it exits above the tray which is on top of the compressor (black motor). There might be a rubber vent. The vent might come off This might help to clear it.

Please don’t put anything like drain cleaner down there..not a good idea.

[Jeff613]

Re: FRIDGE DRAIN HOLE

Many thanks. Re the back of the fridge. There seems to be a long coil that goes horizontally down the length of the fridge and then disappears right at the bottom near the compressor. I can’t see any tray! The fridge is over 40 years old (Electrolux TR71) so they might have been made differently then? I did attach a photo but I got a message that it was too large to be attached. Is there any way I can send this to you?

[SAMURI]

Re: FRIDGE DRAIN HOLE

If is an old Electrolux then it should have an external drain pipe behind the condenser pipework.
If you loosen the condenser pipe work then remove the pipe you should be able to clear the pipe under the tap in your sink or from a hosepipe in the garden.

Bob

[Jeff613]

Re: FRIDGE DRAIN HOLE

Thanks Samuri and Rocketman.

I have a feeling that this is going to be something rather complicated for me to attempt on my own!

Is there any way I can send you my photo of the back of my fridge (it was rejected by the post as being oversize!)?

You might then be able to provide further help.

[SAMURI]

Re: FRIDGE DRAIN HOLE

The condenser is the big grill at the back normally held on with 4 to 6 screws you should be able to remove the screws on one side to gain access to the pipe.

Go carefull not to put to much stress on the pipework.

Not as difficult as it sounds to repair.

Bob

[Jeff613]

Re: FRIDGE DRAIN HOLE

Thanks Samuri.
I have managed to detach the top of the drainage pipe and it is completely clogged up right at the top.

As the fridge/freezer is around 40 years old (and still working well!) I suspect that it’s the accumulation of years of scale.

I will try my regular kettle/shower head de-scaler but I think I’m going to need a ‘heavy duty’ de-scaler. Do you know of any that I can buy (or anything else I can use)? I only need a very small quantity!

[Author]

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