Water Leaking From Your Sub-Zero Refrigerator?
Don’t Panic. The Drain Tube Might Be Clogged or Frozen.
If you see water on the floor near your Sub-Zero refrigerator, water dripping from the door, or water inside the refrigerator compartment, the culprit may not be a leak in the plumbing connection or water lines. Often, the cause of water buildup is simply a clogged drain tube.
Note: For Sub Zero Refrigerator needs without any risks, get in touch with Appliance Cowboys. We’ve got you covered!
Where Does the Water Come From?
When you open the refrigerator door, warm air carrying water vapor rushes into the compartment. As that warm air cools down, it and the water vapor it takes loses energy, and when water vapor loses power, it turns from a gas back into a liquid. This is condensation, and it happens in every refrigerator to some degree.
Your Sub-Zero refrigerator is designed with a drain trough and drain tube at the bottom of the fridge, and a drain pan below, to remove this condensation. Sometimes, food debris may clog the drain tube, or the water in it may freeze. In either case, this prevents the Sub-Zero from draining, water begins to pool under the crisper drawers, and if enough water accumulates, it can pool against the door and drip when it is opened.
What Can I Do to Troubleshoot?
First, determine which model refrigerator you own:
- Read on if you have a 200, 300, 500, and 600 Series refrigerator.
- If a Classic (formerly Built-In), Designer (formerly Integrated), 700, 400, or 648PRO refrigerator, Sub-Zero requests that you contact Appliance Cowboys to have them diagnose and fix the issue, as troubleshooting these models requires more profound expertise.
1. For those with a 200, 300, 500, and 600 Series refrigerator, we encourage you to run through all the following steps. Turn the fridge off with either the Unit On/Off button or the control dial down from 1 to Off.
2. Remove the crisper glass shelf and crisper drawers. Dry off any water on these parts and soak up any standing water in the drain trough with a towel, sponge, or turkey baster. If there is little to no water in the refrigerator compartment, call Appliance Cowboys, as another issue may be at play.
CAUTION: do not disconnect the drain tube from the drain trough; this may void your warranty.
3. If there is ice on the floor of the refrigerator section, the drain tube is likely frozen. Use a hair dryer on low to defrost the Unit.
4. To remove food debris or other obstructions, use a pressurized air source, such as a compressed air duster, to blow out the drain.
CAUTION: Do not put anything down the tube, such as the tip of the air can or a brush, as it may pierce the tube and void your warranty.
5. Next, uncover the drain pan below the refrigerator. To do so, remove the two screws holding the kickplate and remove it. On 201, 501, and 601 models, remove the lower grille by removing the screws on the bottom corners, then pull the bottom of the grille out and up to release.
6. Mix one quart of warm water with two caps of bleach and a few drops of dish detergent. Using a turkey baster or a similar tool to squirt or pour the solution slows down the drain. Let the solution rest, then rinse the drain tube with clean, warm water using a similar method.
7. Locate and empty the drain pan, then clean it out since the solution can damage the plastic if left to sit.
If water accumulates in your refrigerator after following these troubleshooting steps, contact Appliance Cowboys. We got you covered!
Preventative Measures to Take Next
After following these steps, the water leaking from your Sub-Zero refrigerator should cease. If this is a recurring issue, your refrigerator may be generating more condensation than it should. Here are a few causes to check out:
- Verify the temperature settings of your Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer compartments. Too cold in your refrigerator, and you may be causing excessive condensation of the warm air that enters. Too warm in your freezer, and you may be defrosting water.
- Verify that the door is shut tightly and that the gasket seal is tight. If the door opens too quickly, it’s likely due to a worn door gasket that can no longer maintain a proper vacuum seal. This can lead to warm air seeping in when the door is closed. If you’re facing this issue, seek assistance from the experts at Appliance Cowboys. They’re just a call away and ready to help you with your needs.
- Clean your condenser regularly. Schedule a condenser clean today if it has not been cleaned in the past 6-12 months.
In Conclusion
Is your Sub-Zero refrigerator leaking water? It might not be a plumbing issue but a clogged or frozen drain tube. The above explains the possible causes of water buildup and provides troubleshooting steps to fix the problem. If you need professional help, contact Appliance Cowboys, and they will take care of your Sub-Zero refrigerator needs. Remember to take preventative measures to minimize condensation and keep your refrigerator running smoothly.