How to replace the drain tube on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your refrigerator leaving an unexpected puddle on the floor? This common mishap could be due to a clogged drain tube, and if left unchecked, it might lead to more than just water woes. Luckily, tackling this nuisance is a breeze with our comprehensive guide and accompanying how-to video just below, helping you get your Whirlpool fridge back in top shape in no time!

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The drain tube connects the freezer condensation pan with the drip pan inside the machine compartment. Over time, the old-style drain tube, known as the duckbill grommet, can become prone to blockages, leading to recurring issues with the condensation drain. One common sign of a clogged drain is the formation of ice buildup at the bottom of the freezer, which can result in water leaks on the floor in front of the fridge. Fortunately, replacing the drain tube is a relatively easy repair that should only take a few minutes of your time. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to resolve the issue and restore drainage in your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Drain Tube W10619951

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.

What you’ll need

• Heat gun or hair dryer
• 1/4″ nut driver
• Towel

Safety precautions

• 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 injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

1. Start by removing any ice buildup at the bottom of the freezer. If there is ice present, remove the drawers and use a heat gun to melt the ice behind the rear evaporator cover. Be careful not to melt the plastic lining.
2. Once the ice is melted, remove the bottom drawer and set it aside.
3. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to loosen the four screws that hold the freezer door. Leave the door out for now.
4. With the door removed, use the heat gun to melt any ice and defrost the drain. Again, be cautious not to melt the plastic lining.
5. Reinstall the bottom drawer.
6. Reinstall the freezer door by aligning it with the four screws and using the nut driver to secure it.
7. Place a towel on the floor under the inlet tube.
8. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the single screw that holds the tube to the rear access panel.
9. Remove the seven screws that hold the access panel in place. Lift up and remove the panel.
10. Slide out the power cord.
11. Clean the access panel grill for better airflow.
12. Pull out the old drain tube.
13. If there is a duckbill grommet present, remove it and set it aside. The new drain tube will replace it.
14. Take the spacers supplied with the new drain tube and slide them onto the short drain tube that sticks out. It may be tight, but try to slide it all the way up.
15. Install the top of the new drain tube onto the spacer. It’s important to pull the tube up so that its flat surface will be touching the machine compartment, creating a seal.
16. Install the bottom of the new drain tube onto the drain pan.
17. Reinstall the access panel. Make sure the water line is positioned outside of the panel.
18. Slide the power cord into the designated cutouts on the access panel.
19. Secure the access panel with the seven screws.
20. Secure the water inlet line to the access panel using a single screw.
21. Plug the refrigerator back in and check if it’s cooling down properly.

That’s it! You have successfully replaced the drain tube in your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drain tube on your Whirlpool 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.

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