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Vtxbiker · 01-25-2014, 03:24 PM

My freezer drain line is rotten and falling apart. It comes down the back side through some coils to the drain. The line needs to be replaced as it is rotten right above one of the fuse blocks and I had a blown fuse. Pretty sure the water leaked on fuse a blew it. Anyway has anyone replaced the drain line? It is the white plastic tubing that gets brittle over time and falls apart. I have looked in the freezer and at the bottom is a drain hole. It appears it pops out and I hope it does. I don't see any way to replace it from the outside. don't want to pry on the drain to much until I know it will come out. Can anyone shed any light on this subject?

Thanks

94-Newmar · 01-25-2014, 03:38 PM

Yes I've done many of these.. but generally only when replacing the cooling unit, not the entire refrig. Unfortunately you will have to remove the unit and set it on the floor inside to re-do the tubing. Once it's out you will see how it's routed thru the formed foam. On some units there is a solid formed plastic piece that is routed thru the foam to the drain inside, that should be just fine. You can verify it's not plugged by blowing some air thru it.

Once you see it from the back it's very self explanatory. I generally replace failed drain tube with a clear tubing commonly found at the big box stores, i.e. lowes, home depot, etc.

There are most likely only 6 screws holding the refrig into the opening, a bit of wiring and the LP line. A good RV tech should be able to R&R that refrig and replace the tube in around 1.5 hrs.

Vtxbiker · 01-27-2014, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94-Newmar

Yes I've done many of these.. but generally only when replacing the cooling unit, not the entire refrig. Unfortunately you will have to remove the unit and set it on the floor inside to re-do the tubing. Once it's out you will see how it's routed thru the formed foam. On some units there is a solid formed plastic piece that is routed thru the foam to the drain inside, that should be just fine. You can verify it's not plugged by blowing some air thru it.

Once you see it from the back it's very self explanatory. I generally replace failed drain tube with a clear tubing commonly found at the big box stores, i.e. lowes, home depot, etc.

There are most likely only 6 screws holding the refrig into the opening, a bit of wiring and the LP line. A good RV tech should be able to R&R that refrig and replace the tube in around 1.5 hrs.

Thanks 94-Newmar, I am putting it on the to do list. I will not be using the same tubing. That stuff is junk!

Vtxbiker · 02-06-2014, 09:44 PM

It took me a little longer than stated above but I got the hose replaced. It was a lot of work for installing the hose. I can't believe they put that cheap plastic drain line that rots and crumbles up. I did find some water damage as the water was draining in the refrig compartment. I'm glad I decided to replace the hose.

Thanks for the info for changing the hose!

**JohnRR** · 02-07-2014, 09:34 PM

Thank you for the update.

UsualSuspect · 02-14-2014, 09:38 PM

What size of line did you get, and what type? I am going to do mine, but not sure what to replace it with.

Vtxbiker · 02-15-2014, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UsualSuspect

What size of line did you get, and what type? I am going to do mine, but not sure what to replace it with.

Shop Watts 5/8-in x 10-ft PVC Clear Vinyl Tubing at Lowes.com vinyl tubing

I used clear vinyl tubing from Lowes. Its not expensive and I think it will be a lot better than the white plastic that was installed. I attached a link to the tubing. It is 1/2" ID and 5/8"OD.

Just a few tips:
I used wire ties to secure the tubing to the connector, you could use a hose clamp.
I had an ice chest that was about the right height to pull the fridge out on to and it let me slide the fridge around and work on the back. It let me get it out by myself and make the repair. I did need help to get it back in the cabinet. Its a tight fit and two people make it easy.

I'm sorry for not getting back sooner with this info but we have had a battle with mother nature here in South Carolina. First it was a bad ice storm that shut this state down. Power loss and tree damage was severe. Then we started to recover and had something you probably know more about than I!!! We had a 4.2 earthquake that really rattled me and the house!!! It was my first and I hope it will be my last. It was scary! Anyway all is good now and I am ready to take the coach out for a drive.
I hope all goes well with your fridge, its really not that bad of a job. Good luck.

UsualSuspect · 02-15-2014, 09:29 PM

Thanks. I was planning on sliding mine onto a furniture dolly as it is in a hall, so I will need to move it to work on the backside. If needed I will build a platform on the dolly with some 2x4's. I may also replace the ice maker line while I have it out.
Earthquakes, you never get used to them, but after you have been through a few you listen for things breaking, and if you don't hear anything you go back to what you were doing.