Brand: Whirlpool Model Number: WRS555SIHZ00 Main Symptom: icemaker sporadic & ice builds bottom of freezer What happens & when: In April 2026, we installed a new diffuser as the refrigerator was freezing in addition to ice build up on freezer side and icemaker not working. The repair worked and no more freezing on the refrigerator side. There was no change in our icemaker issue. The icemaker has been randomly making ice since we bought it several years ago. It will work for 2-4 weeks and then not for 1-2 months and then it will start working again. The ice build up in the bottom of the freezer started slowly but now we break up almost an inch of ice every few days. At times we get leaking onto the floor of the kitchen at the front left corner of the refrigerator. We do not get any error code messages but we do change the filter regularly when that alert comes on.
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The ice buildup on the bottom of the freezer is most likely caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain. This can also contribute to excessive frost and ice buildup around the freezer evaporator, restricting airflow.
Restricted airflow can prevent the freezer and ice maker from reaching the proper temperature for consistent ice production. Occasionally, the defrost cycle may melt enough of the frost buildup to temporarily improve airflow and cooling, which could explain why the ice maker works intermittently.
Have you noticed any problems with the refrigerator temperature as well?
To clear the defrost drain, you will need to remove the evaporator access panel at the rear of the freezer compartment. If there is significant ice buildup, the panel may be frozen in place. You can carefully use a hair dryer to melt enough ice to remove the panel.
Below the evaporator coils, you will find a drain trough with a drain hole. This drain connects to a tube that carries water from the defrost cycle to the drain pan underneath the refrigerator, where the water evaporates with the help of heat from the compressor and airflow from the condenser fan.
You may need to melt a considerable amount of ice before you can access the drain hole. Once accessible, pour hot water into the drain to thaw it. I typically use a syringe or similar device with a small hose to force hot water through the drain. This helps melt the remaining ice and flush out any debris causing the blockage.
Once the drain is completely clear, water poured into the drain trough should flow freely into the drain pan underneath the refrigerator.
Finally, completely melt and remove the remaining frost and ice from the evaporator area, reinstall the evaporator cover, and test the refrigerator and ice maker for proper operation.