Brand: Samsung Model Number: RB196ACRS Main Symptom: ice forming on bottom of freezer compartment What happens & when: Water starts to leak from freezer compartment about every 4 weeks
Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried: checked drains from fridge and freezer - both appeared clear. Did an ohms check on defrost heater in freezer. Seems to be in spec (56 ohms - serviceable range is 10 to 150 ohms). Drain appeared to be plugged with ice in spite of running a defrost cycle. Not sure if drain is clear, but looks clear from the bottom and where the drain enters the freezer compartment under the evaporator. It appears to take a 90 degree turn to get to evaporation tray underneath the fridge. How often should I be running a defrost cycle on the fridge?
Photos / video link:
Based on what you’ve already tested, it sounds like you’ve confirmed the defrost heater is good. On this Samsung model, you should not have to manually run a defrost cycle every few weeks. Under normal operation, the refrigerator automatically enters defrost several times per day. If the drain keeps freezing over, it’s usually because the drain tube is partially restricted, the drain grommet/check valve is clogged, or the drain isn’t being completely cleared.
Here’s how to access and thoroughly clean the defrost drain.
Tools Needed
Phillips screwdriver
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Hair dryer or heat gun (low setting)
Turkey baster or large syringe
Hot water
Flexible plastic tubing or weed trimmer line
Towels
Wet/dry shop vacuum (helpful but optional)
1. Disconnect Power
Unplug the refrigerator.
Remove all food, shelves, and freezer drawers.
2. Remove the Rear Freezer Panel
Remove the screws securing the evaporator cover.
Carefully pull the cover forward.
If it’s stuck, don’t force it. It’s usually frozen in place by ice.
Use a hair dryer on low heat until the cover comes free.
3. Expose the Drain
Below the evaporator coil is the drain trough.
If it’s covered with ice, completely melt the ice until you can see the drain opening.
4. Verify the Drain is Actually Clear
Even if it looks open from the top, these Samsung drains commonly plug at the 90° bend lower in the cabinet.
Fill a turkey baster with very hot water.
Force several basters full down the drain.
The water should immediately run into the drain pan underneath the refrigerator.
If it backs up, the blockage is still present.
Feed a length of flexible plastic tubing or weed trimmer line down the drain while flushing with hot water. Do not use metal wire, as it can puncture the drain tube.
Continue until the water flows freely.
5. Access the Drain Tube from the Rear
Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
Remove the lower rear access cover.
Locate the drain tube that empties into the drain pan above the compressor.
On many Samsung models, the end of the drain tube has a rubber duckbill/check valve.
Pull the drain tube off.
Clean out any sludge, mold, or debris inside the tube.
If equipped with a duckbill valve, squeeze it open and clean it thoroughly. Many technicians trim a small amount off the tip of the duckbill or replace it if it’s hardened or clogged, as this is a common cause of recurring drain freeze-ups.
6. Flush the Drain Again
With the drain tube still removed, pour hot water into the drain from inside the freezer.
You should see a strong stream of water exiting the bottom of the drain.
Continue flushing until the water runs clean and unrestricted.
Reinstall the drain tube.
7. Reassemble
Reinstall the evaporator cover.
Reinstall the drawers and shelves.
Restore power.
If the Drain Freezes Again
Since you’ve already confirmed approximately 56 Ω through the defrost heater, the next things I’d inspect are:
The defrost thermostat (or thermistor, depending on production version)
The evaporator drain heater/heat probe (if equipped), which helps keep the drain opening from freezing
The rubber drain check valve at the bottom of the drain tube for restrictions
Air leaks around the evaporator cover or door gasket that allow excess moisture into the freezer
One question: When you removed the evaporator cover, was the evaporator evenly coated with a light layer of frost, or was there a heavy block of ice around the evaporator? That will help determine whether this is simply a drain issue or if the refrigerator also has a defrost system problem.