[Eliot Shulman]

Hi;
THe above unit (freezer on top) functions fiine however defrost drain water freezes in the throat of the drain right below the condenser. I have defrosted and cleaned the line two times over 6 months by running a plastic rod down it but the problem returns in a few weeks.
I did not actually test the defrost cycle timer or feel the element, but the Condenser was completely free of ice both times that I opened it up, indicating to me that the heater element was probably working. The drain line is 3" below the element.
Don't know what to do on this 9 year old unit.
Whirlpool factory repair wants to install a "drain line heater kit" to stop the problem for $150.00. That makes me suspicious.
I find in hard to believe that the unit was this way by design.
I am ok with this fix unless the real problem is a heating element that is not heating properly/enough.
I would hate to pay for a drain heater when the problem was really the element.
Don't know which way to go.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
Eliot

[woodchuck]

Inspect as much of the tube you can looking for kinks and turns that may slow the water flow allowing it to freeze before it drains. Dust, mold etc will stop it up at the bottom. Pour a solution of bleach and water to kill the mold and help it drain better. Pour water in and see if you think it drains fast enough.

If you still have a freezing problem I've heard of people wrapping a bare copper wire around the heater and running it down the drain tube a few inches. It's about $159.50 cheaper than the other one.

[Eliot Shulman]

Awesome Woodchuck. Thanks for the good idea.
I will double check the drain flow. I decided that for $29.00 I would replace the defrost heater which, after 9 years, is probably not heating as well as it should. I will include your copper wire idea which I think is excellent.
Regards,
Eliot

[al1276]

I saw another article that said do not use copper, use aluminum. Better yet there is a part for under $10 at sears - Whirlpool # 819043. I plan to buy one and try it. Something about the copper causing electrolosis and maybe a future leak in evaporator coil... Here is link to article http://www.applianceguru.com/forum1/505.html

[Eliot Shulman]

Good info! Thanks much. I will get the part.
Eliot

[ghunter]

part no. 819043 is the way to go in my opinion.have insatlled dozens of them although have used copper ground wire in a pinch.Either way should solve problem.doubt very much heater is weak.usually good or bad not weak...