Kenmore Fridge - Finding puddle of water in fridge on lowest shelf

[Adam/]

Ok as my appliances continue the attack, my wife says that she every now and again is finding a small puddle of water on the lowest shelf. I looked and can see an small ice build up (see photo below with red arrow pointing at ice build up) in the fridge at the top where the cold air comes into the fridge with wetness down the inside back of the fridge from that point down. I checked the fridge (40degrees) and freezer (0 degrees) operating temps and they are correct. I removed the back panel inside panel of the freezer and I could find nothing there, was thinking maybe when the fridge does it auto defrost maybe there is a crack in the drain tray that is letting the water leak below? Did not see anything and pouring water into the tray did not result in any entering the fridge.
We purchased the fridge new in 1986 and I have cleaned the coils and fridge every 3 months. Up till now its been trouble free although some of the plastics as you can see in the photo are turning a bit yellow.

Additional info on fridge
Kenmore Model 106.8670380 with no ice maker or water feature.

[machinist]

This sounds like a classic defrost drain issue that is pretty common with older refrigerators, and the good news is that it is usually fixable. The ice buildup at the air vent and water pooling on the bottom shelf strongly suggest that the defrost drain is clogged or partially blocked. Even though you did not see anything obvious when you removed the back panel, the blockage might be deeper in the drain line.

I recommend locating the drain hole behind the back panel, usually near the bottom of the freezer compartment. Try flushing it with warm water using a turkey baster, or gently clearing it with a flexible wire or pipe cleaner. Sometimes debris like food particles or mold can cause a partial clog that only backs up during the defrost cycle. Also, check the drain pan underneath the fridge to make sure it is not cracked or overflowing.

If the DIY approach does not work, a repair technician can usually clear stubborn clogs and check for any damaged components.

[Adam/]

Ok finally got back to this, life got busy for a while. I was able to remove the back panel and lower panel in the freezer. With the better view above and below I could see that the freezer drain has a hole that allows the water to drain down into the lower area but has no tube to direct it through both layers into the open catch piece. so its gets between the two layers and had caused a small rust hole in the fridge box.



I was unable to remove the insulation without damaging as my first idea was to clean and repair the damage with some epoxy so my next plan was to make a drain tube out of a piece of 3/4" copper pipe to direct the water from the freezer to the catch area in the fridge.



I added some sealer to the top and installed in down through the drain hole into the cup.



Now time will tell if its fixed, just have to wait until the next defrost to happen.

[machinist]

Adding the copper-pipe guide tube should help. From what I’ve found about how these older Kenmore fridges are designed, the defrost water is supposed to drain through a small hole at the bottom of the freezer back wall, then flow down a tube into a drip pan or cup underneath the fridge. If that tube is missing or rusted out, the water can leak into the insulation or the fridge section instead, which matches the puddles and ice you’ve been seeing.

This setup should help the water flow properly. During the next defrost cycle, it’s worth checking to make sure the water drains all the way into the pan and doesn’t freeze or leak around the drain opening. It’s also a good idea to look at the drip pan under the fridge to be sure it’s not cracked and that the water can evaporate normally.

Because this fridge has been running for many years, simple maintenance now and then can help prevent the problem from returning. Pouring some warm water through the drain hole every few months keeps it clear, and keeping an eye out for new rust or ice buildup can catch small issues early.

It seems like the main cause was the missing drain path, so with the new tube in place, the defrost water should now drain correctly and stop the puddling inside the fridge.

[Adam/]

Thanks for the reply. I really wish I could of figured out a way to get that foam insulation removed under the lower freezer liner as I would of used an epoxy to cover all the lower area permanently fixing the rust damage. I did pour some water down the drain I installed to make sure it worked and ran all the way to the pan under the fridge. Every 3 months I roll out the fridge since new and clean the coils, evap pan, blower fan and general lower area. I want this fridge to last a life time, I know it won't but so far its lasted a long time!

[machinist]

You’re welcome. You’re right, that foam insulation is tricky to remove without damaging it. Sealing around the new drain and guiding the water into the pan should really help with the puddles. It might also help to check the drain every now and then to make sure it stays clear after defrost cycles. You’ve done a great job keeping the fridge in good shape, and this fix should hopefully keep it running smoothly.