Whirlpool WRT318FZDW (Top Freezer) – Water leaking inside Repair Guide

🔧 Step 1: Locate defrost drain tube

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet or turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit.
2. Open the refrigerator door and remove all items from the fresh food compartment shelves to access the back wall.
3. Locate the temperature control panel on the ceiling of the fresh food compartment, approximately 2 inches from the back wall.
4. Remove the 2 Phillips-head screws (using a #2 Phillips screwdriver) securing the light lens cover on the ceiling panel.
5. Pull the light lens cover straight down and set it aside.
6. Remove the 4 Phillips-head screws (#2 Phillips screwdriver) securing the upper back panel inside the fresh food compartment.
7. Lift the upper back panel up approximately 1 inch, then pull it forward and away from the back wall to release the bottom tabs.
8. Look at the exposed evaporator coil area behind the panel you just removed.
9. Direct your flashlight to the bottom center of the evaporator coil housing—you’ll see a V-shaped channel or trough running horizontally where condensation collects.
10. Locate the small opening at the lowest point of this trough, positioned in the center bottom, approximately 12 inches from either side wall—this is the entrance to the defrost drain tube.
11. The defrost drain tube is a white or clear plastic tube, approximately 3/8 inch in diameter, that extends downward from this opening.
12. Trace the tube downward with your flashlight—it runs behind the rear wall insulation and exits through the bottom of the refrigerator cabinet.
13. You have successfully located the defrost drain tube when you can see both the upper entrance opening in the evaporator trough and identify the flexible plastic tubing descending from it.

🛠️ Step 2: Clear ice blockage with hot water

1. Fill a turkey baster or large syringe (60ml or larger) with hot tap water between 120-130°F.
2. Open the freezer door and locate the defrost drain hole at the back wall of the freezer compartment, centered horizontally and positioned approximately 2 inches above the floor of the freezer.
3. Remove any frost buildup around the drain hole using a plastic scraper, exposing a circular opening approximately 3/8 inch in diameter.
4. Insert the turkey baster tip into the drain hole, pushing it approximately 1/2 inch into the opening.
5. Squeeze the baster slowly, releasing 2-3 ounces of hot water into the drain hole while holding the baster in place for 5 seconds.
6. Wait 30 seconds, then repeat the hot water application 3-4 more times until you hear water flowing freely down the drain tube.
7. Look underneath the refrigerator at the rear, approximately 6 inches from the left side, where you’ll see water dripping from the drain tube into the drain pan – this confirms the blockage is cleared.
8. Pour one final baster-full of hot water into the drain hole to flush any remaining ice particles.
9. Use a clean towel to wipe away any water pooled around the drain hole area inside the freezer.
10. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of hot water in a cup.
11. Pour 4 ounces of the baking soda solution into the drain hole using the turkey baster to prevent future algae or mold growth in the drain line.
12. Leave the freezer door open for 5 minutes to allow any residual moisture around the drain area to evaporate.

⚙️ Step 3: Inspect drain opening

1. Locate the drain opening at the bottom rear of the refrigerator compartment, directly beneath the evaporator cover and centered left-to-right, approximately 2 inches above the crisper drawer frame.
2. Use a flashlight to illuminate the drain opening, which appears as a circular hole approximately 3/8 inch in diameter with a white or tan plastic grommet.
3. Insert a turkey baster tip or your index finger into the drain opening and press downward to check if water flows freely—you should feel the opening extend down 1-2 inches before reaching the drain tube.
4. Look for visible ice buildup around the drain opening’s perimeter, which appears as white or clear frozen accumulation forming a ring or complete blockage.
5. Check for debris inside the drain opening by shining the flashlight at an angle—look for food particles, mold (black or green spots), or mineral deposits (white crusty material).
6. Pour 1/4 cup of warm water directly into the drain opening using a turkey baster or small cup while observing if water drains immediately or pools around the opening.
7. If water pools and doesn’t drain within 5 seconds, the drain is partially or fully blocked and requires clearing.
8. Examine the drain pan area by pulling the refrigerator away from the wall 12 inches, then looking at the bottom rear panel where the drain tube exits—you should see a black plastic tube approximately 1/2 inch diameter extending downward.
9. Check if water drips from this tube when you pour water into the drain opening—water should exit within 10-15 seconds if the drain path is clear.
10. Note the condition: Clear drain shows immediate water flow; partial blockage shows slow dripping; complete blockage shows no water exit and pooling at the drain opening.

Step 4.

🔩 Step 4: Test drainage after clearing

1. Locate a container that holds at least 2 quarts of water and fill it with 1.5 quarts of warm tap water (90-100°F).
2. Open the refrigerator door and remove all items from the top shelf to access the rear wall of the fresh food compartment.
3. Look at the back wall, approximately 12 inches from the bottom – you’ll see a small rectangular drain opening, typically 1 inch wide by 0.5 inches tall.
4. Pour 0.5 quarts of the warm water slowly into the drain opening using a funnel with a 0.25-inch spout, allowing 10-15 seconds for the water to drain through.
5. Walk to the back of the refrigerator and pull the unit 12 inches away from the wall to access the drain pan.
6. Crouch down and look beneath the refrigerator at the rear – the drain pan sits directly above the compressor, which is a black cylindrical component on the lower right side.
7. Slide the drain pan forward by grasping the front lip with both hands – it will pull straight out without any clips or fasteners.
8. Inspect the water level in the pan – you should see approximately 0.5 quarts of clear water that you just poured, indicating successful drainage.
9. Pour the remaining 1 quart of warm water into the fresh food compartment drain opening, again using the funnel.
10. Return to the drain pan within 60 seconds and verify the additional water has drained completely into the pan – total water volume should now be approximately 1.5 quarts.
11. Slide the drain pan back into position under the refrigerator until it sits flush against the back wall.
12. Push the refrigerator back to its original position against the wall.

📋 Step 5: Prevent future clogs

1. Locate the drain pan underneath the refrigerator by pulling the unit 12 inches away from the wall and tilting it backward 15 degrees to access the bottom.
2. Remove the cardboard or plastic access panel covering the compressor area at the rear bottom using your hands – it slides straight out toward you.
3. Identify the drain pan – a black or white rectangular plastic tray measuring approximately 18 inches wide by 12 inches deep, positioned directly beneath the compressor.
4. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 cup of warm water in a separate container.
5. Pour this bleach solution directly into the drain opening inside the refrigerator compartment (the same hole you cleaned in the previous steps).
6. Wait 5 minutes for the solution to flow through the drain tube and into the pan below.
7. Pour 2 cups of clean water down the drain opening to flush the bleach solution completely through the system.
8. Locate the drain tube exit point where it enters the drain pan – this is a white or clear plastic tube approximately 1/4 inch in diameter.
9. Insert a 6-inch length of copper wire (14-gauge or 16-gauge) into the end of the drain tube opening in the pan, pushing it upward 3-4 inches into the tube.
10. Pull the wire out and repeat this action 3 times to remove any residual debris at the tube exit.
11. Schedule monthly maintenance by marking your calendar to pour 1 cup of hot water mixed with 1 tablespoon of baking soda down the drain opening.
12. Replace the rear access panel by sliding it back into the mounting slots until it stops.
13. Return the refrigerator to its original position against the wall.

⚠️ Safety Reminders

• Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair work
• Allow the unit to warm up if working with frozen components
• Use proper tools and safety equipment
• If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional

← Back to Top 20 Refrigerators Guide

🛒 Recommended Products

Here are the recommended products for this repair:

• W10619951 Refrigerator Drain Tube, Replacement for Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Replace 2887289 AP5780744 W10210987 with Instruction

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