Drain hole in freezer keeps icing and blocking, resulting in water overflowing to bottom and eventually leaking on floor.

Flushed drain multiple times with hot water, it will clear up but always comes back.

I would like to remove the drain hose from the back to inspect / clean, or replace.

I have removed the rear panel and can see the drain tube, but not the connection to the drain pan in the freezer.

Anyone know if this is just a "nipple" connection? (and just pull off with a tug?)

Thanks for any feedback.