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Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Heater by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18021744
Manufacturer Part Number: WP2315530

The Defrost Heater is an OEM replacement part for Whirlpool French door refrigerators. It is an electric heating element strategically placed within the refrigerator compartment and freezer liners. This component aids in preventing excessive moisture buildup from condensation formed during normal operation. 

Causes for heater failure include standard component degradation from prolonged use. Exposure to moisture accumulating over time can damage wiring insulation or short-circuit coil filaments as well.

Symptoms of an inadequate defrost heater involve:

  • Frost buildup interfering with door seals and interior shelving
  • Promotion of mold/mildew growth from sustained dampness
  • Food spoilage risks due to the inability to regulate proper humidity 

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Defrost Heater (Part Number: OEM18021744)

1 Answer

Ervin, If the defrost drain is iceing over then you will want to install the drain tube probe part number 819043 which will help to keep the drain from freezing.

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1 Answer

Hello Mickey. The model number you provided is invalid. The heater part number 1100434 has been permanently discontinued by the manufacturer and we don't know of any source or replacement for the part.

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Glenn for Model Number ET1MHKXMB01

My freezer drain keeps freezing up but for many years there were no such issues. If I unplug it and let it fully defrost the water seems to run freely through the tube. The last time I pulled the back panel off right away. The drain tray was frozen over again but the evaporator for the most part had very little ice and or frost on it. I took a photo of it if that would help. What is going on here. Is the heater element bad or would the evaporator be totally frozen over? I see reference to a drain hole heater which I'm guessing is a part that was not originally installed on this unit.

1 Answer

Hello Glenn. You need to blow out the drain line and clear it from any clogs. This is why it keeps freezing, there is something in the drain tube.

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Amanda

For several months now, my refrigerator occasionally leaks water from the bottom. I discovered that water is freezing under the bottom panel of the freezer and blocking the drain hole and the holes that vent down into the fridge, so I defrosted those and it started working fine. The issue seems to happen right after I get groceries, so I think it's related to suddenly having more food to cool. This last time it happened, the refrigerator got warm (58F). The freezer stayed cold, though. I defrosted everything as usual, but this time, it didn't fix the problem. I tore everything apart (bottom and back panels of the freezer) and let it defrost until there was no ice left anywhere. I tested the heater and the defrost bimetal with a multimeter, and both are working properly. Any other ideas?

Steve R for Model Number 106.71184100

Hi JC. My freezer drain continues to freeze over with ice, flooding the refrigerator. The defrost heater is working, at least some because the drain is freezing over with melt water. I have tried a home made heating strap (#12 ga copper wire) hanging onto the heater and extending down to the drain tube. It works partially, but eventually vibrations move the strap to the side and away from the tube opening. I have tried wrapping small florist wire around the heating element to keep it in place but so far this hasn't worked. I just ordered defrost drain kit (strap kind) and hoping that will correct my problem. My question are: Why has my defrost drain just started freezing over after all these years? Is the defrost heater just not hot enough any more and needs replacing? I know if the heater reads open with a meter, then it is bad. Is there a reading that will tell me if it is half bad and just not heating hot enough? Also, if I have the back panel off so I can watch the heating/defrost cycle, Is there a way to make it go into the defrost cycle so I can cut down on my wait time? Thanks for all your help and info!

1 Answer

Hello Steve. Something has the drain tube clogged. Clear it out and make sure the freezer is not to cold. Should be around 0°.

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1 Answer

Hello Nancy, If you could please send us the model number off of the units' I.D. tag we can help you much more effectively. As it is, all we can do is have you check the breaker and the electrical connection behind the kickpanel for loose or burned wire nuts. If you can please re-post and possibly include an e-mail address, we can send you illustrated instructions on checking your model. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

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1 Answer

Hello Sobrien. Sorry, but there is none listed for this model. You can measure from the heater to the drain hole and see if it is about 2" If so you can order and install the heater probe 819043 into the unit.

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1 Answer

Hello JR. It sounds like you may have a defrost problem with the unit. Check and see if there is any frost build up on the back wall of the freezer. If so, you will need to test the defrost heater and the defrost thermostat. They should read closed for continuity when cold. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. I will include a link at the end to assist you how to use the multi-meter if needed. If both parts are good, you will need to replace the defrost timer. Once the problem is repaired, you will need to thaw out the ice on the coils before the unit will operate properly. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html

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1 Answer

Hello JC! The drain tube comes equipped with the water tube fitting, unfortunately, this part is not serviceable and not available for purchase. Sorry about that!

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1 Answer

J Coop, No, it's probably not the heater, in fact it's probably working properly. You most likely have a clogged or frozen defrost drain tube. You'll need some hot water or a blow dryer to melt the ice and a 1/4 in. flexible cable to insert and push through the drain tube to clear it. Thanks and Good Luck

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