Refrigerator drain line

[gthunts]

Any tips on replacing the drain line on a Dometic refrigerator? I have researched online and watched several videos. Most indicate that you need to slide the refrigerator out to access the drain line. My drain line is completely deteriorated as appears to be a common problem. Hopefully I can fix it myself but I'm somewhat uncomfortable with pulling the fridge out.

[Ray,IN]

I've often thought how would I do that if/when our failed. My thinking is to fasten the new to old with a dowel (pull a few inches out from inside the frig) that fits tightly inside both, applying Gorilla glue or similar (even short brad nails) to hold them together. Then push the new through the back of the cabinet from inside
If that fails, then I resort to pulling the frig out enough to do the job.
I don't know if it will work or not, but that's my plan.

If you do pull the frig out, shut off the LP tank valve first! Disconnect the LP line from the frig, and water line if you have an ice-maker, and power cord.
Then find or make a sturdy stand(as large as practical) the same height, as the frig bottom to slide the frig onto. The dress trim around the sides covers the screws holding the frig in place.

[YC1]

One option might be to slide a smooth tube inside of the existing tube if some of it is still viable.

[JacknKay]

On my rig, the drain line, (plastic hose) is completely gone. I have a new one but the connection point is about half-way between the two access covers on the outside of the rig. Can't reach from the top or bottom. I don't want to pull it out either. I like the idea of attaching the hose to a dowel and possibly attaching it that way. I might try that. Now I just catch the water in a tray when it defrosts.


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[YC1]

Some drip hoses must have a low spot to contain water. This keeps outside air from warming the refer. It can make quite a difference in temps inside.

If you slide the fridge out just a short distance you might be able to reach it without taking the fridge all the way out.

[MurphyMan]

Related topic...

Cleaning all compartments on our recently acquired Winnebago Outlook. Found what I assume is the fridge drain line and the evaporator drain cup. The only thing is, the end of the line has a little plastic plug. I assume I should remove the plug, right?

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by MurphyMan

Related topic...

Cleaning all compartments on our recently acquired Winnebago Outlook. Found what I assume is the fridge drain line and the evaporator drain cup. The only thing is, the end of the line has a little plastic plug. I assume I should remove the plug, right?

Have a very close look , the plug may have a fine screen to prevent bugs from entering the fridge, by crawling up the tube.

[Yukon Jack]

MurphyMan,
That plug is designed to be there, although it should have a small hole or orifice in it to allow water from the evaporator catch pan to pass through it. The purpose of the small opening is to minimize hot air from easily traveling up to the evaporator fins.

In my opinion, a better alternative to the plug is to use a small length of copper tubing and form a P-trap configuration in it and then attach one end of the copper tubing the drain hose. You can then connect another section of hose to the outlet end of the P-trap and route this section of hose to a discharge point of your selection. As mentioned in a prior post, the water in the P-trap will totally eliminate hot air from traveling up to the evaporator fins, and does a much better job of letting water freely pass through the drain line hose.

Hope this helps.

Jack

[Waiter21]

X2 ^^ - Bug screen to keep the critters from getting in the frig and drinking all your beer.

While your working on the frig, You might want to look at your exterior cover frame to see if it can allow water to leak in. Mine did, and over the years resulted in water damage below the frig.

Fixing Frig exterior access panel door leaks | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

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