How to Replace Drain Tube DA97-04049D on a Samsung Fridge


Steven E / Monday June 16, 2025


Is your Samsung refrigerator turning your kitchen into a soggy mess with water pooling under the crisper drawers or leaking onto the floor? It might be time to tackle the culprit—a clogged or cracked drain tube. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide and an easy-to-follow video tutorial just below to help you replace that pesky drain tube and restore peace to your kitchen.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Got water pooling under your crisper drawers or leaking onto the floor? That’s a classic sign your Samsung fridge’s drain tube is clogged or cracked. The DA97-04049D drain tube is designed to direct defrost water safely to the drain pan, but when it fails—things get messy. Luckily, replacing it is a quick fix that can save you from a soggy kitchen. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove the old drain tube and install a new one step by step. Let’s get that leak under control!

Watch here: How to replace a drain tube on the refrigerator

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Why would you need to replace the drain tube?

Just like any plastic parts that allow water to flow, the quality and tightness of your fridge’s drain tubing decrease over time. After years of exposure to cold liquids, the tubes become very brittle.

  • Plastic becomes cracked
  • Junctions can pop loose from their fittings
  • Gunk buildup leads to clogged lines

Dealing with any of these typical problems can cause water to spill inside or puddle outside the unit. But don’t worry! If you catch a failing drain line early and order a replacement tubing kit, you’ll get the performance back on track. Spending a few minutes on a quick DIY installation is way better than shelling out for a pricey appliance repair visit!

Tools and materials needed

Safety first

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair. 

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
  • Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
  • Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
  • When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
  • Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
  • Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
  • If your appliance has any parts that hold water, turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Step-by-step replacement instructions

  1. Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws securing the access panel on the back of the unit.
  2. Locate the drain tube 
  3. Reach in and pull the drain hose off the tube on the refrigerator
  4. Remove the drain tube from the compartment
  5. The drain tube was redesigned so you will need to check that the size of the new drain hose against the old tube. If the tube is longer, use the scissors to carefully trim the new plastic tubing.
  6. Insert the tube into the valve body
  7. Set the tube into the fitting on the drip tray
  8. Push it onto the fitting at the top
  9. Align the holes on the access panel 
  10. Use the Phillips screwdriver to secure the access panel to the unit.
  11. Plug the unit back in 

Verify repair

With the new DA97-04049D drain tube installed, let the fridge run for an hour. Monitor underneath for any dripping water or moisture buildup. Catch leaks with a towel if the line still seems faulty or detached. Wipe dry when done.

If no leaks occur from the drain area after testing, you’ve successfully learned how to replace the drain tube in a Samsung refrigerator! 

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drain tube in your Samsung refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!