How to Replace Refrigerator Drain Pipe (Part # W10619951)

If you notice water under the crisper drawers, a puddle under the fridge, or heavy frost in the freezer, the defrost water is probably not reaching the drain pan. The most common cause is a clogged or warped refrigerator drain tube. On many Whirlpool family models, including select Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Kenmore bottom-freezer and French door units, the fix is to clean or replace the tube with part W10619951.

What the Drain Tube Does

During automatic defrost, melted frost drips into a channel, down the defrost drain, through the rear drain tube, and into the evaporator pan near the compressor where it evaporates. If the tube is blocked by debris or deformed by heat, water backs up and leaks inside the fresh food section or out onto the floor.

Typical Symptoms of a Bad or Clogged Drain Tube

• Water pooling under crisper drawers or on the kitchen floor
• Sheet of ice on the freezer floor or frost buildup around the drain
• Musty odor from standing water
• Leak returns a few days after manual defrost

Safety First

• Unplug the refrigerator and turn off any water supply to the unit
• Pull the refrigerator straight out for safe rear access and protect the floor
• Wear gloves and eye protection

For model specific diagrams and service notes, see Whirlpool Product Help. For basic electrical safety, review the CSA electrical safety tips.

Tools and Parts

• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Small flat blade screwdriver
• Turkey baster or squeeze bottle and warm water
• Pipe cleaner or soft nylon brush
• Towels and a shallow tray
• Replacement drain tube W10619951 (verify by model)

Quick Diagnosis Before You Replace

1. Empty the freezer floor and remove the lower freezer bin. If you see a solid sheet of ice, the defrost drain is likely blocked.
2. With power off, remove the rear freezer panel to view the evaporator area. Melt any ice gently with warm water. Do not use sharp tools.
3. Pour a small amount of warm water into the drain trough. If it backs up quickly or does not flow to the pan, the tube is blocked or misshapen.

If the blockage is light, flushing from the inside with warm water may restore flow. If leaks return or the tube looks deformed, replace it.

Step by Step: Replace Drain Tube W10619951

1. Disconnect power and water. Unplug the refrigerator and turn off the supply valve if present.
2. Access the rear lower panel. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Remove the rear lower access panel screws with a 1/4 inch nut driver and set the panel aside.
3. Locate the drain tube. Find the tube where it connects to the bottom of the drain pan or to the cabinet drain outlet above the compressor area.
4. Disconnect nearby harness if it blocks access. Use the flat blade screwdriver to release any wiring retainer in front of the tube and move the harness aside without stressing the wires.
5. Remove the old tube. Depress the locking tabs at the base of the pan and pull the tube straight down and away from the cabinet outlet. Catch residual water with a tray.
6. Clear the drain outlet. From the rear, insert a soft brush or pipe cleaner a short distance into the cabinet drain outlet. From inside the freezer, pour a small amount of warm water into the trough to verify the path is open.
7. Install the new tube. Seat the upper end firmly into the cabinet drain outlet. Engage the lower end into the pan bracket or grommet until the locking tabs click. Ensure the tube points into the evaporator pan and is not kinked.
8. Reassemble. Reclip the wiring harness if moved. Reinstall the rear access panel and tighten all screws.
9. Restore power. Plug in the refrigerator and push it back into place with clearance for airflow.

After Installation Checks

• From inside, pour a cup of warm water into the freezer drain trough and confirm it flows freely into the pan without leaking
• Verify the evaporator fan runs and there are no rubbing noises from the rear panel
• Monitor for 24 hours to confirm no new water accumulates under the crisper drawers

When It Is Not the Drain Tube

If leaks continue after replacing W10619951, check for a cracked drain trough, loose door gaskets that cause heavy frost, or a blocked exterior house drain that backs water into the pan area. If temperatures are unstable or frost returns rapidly, see our related guide Common Problems for a Refrigerator Not Working or schedule professional help.

Professional Service

Prefer a guaranteed fix with OEM parts and full diagnostics? Book our refrigerator repair service, or browse our full appliance repair services if you are restoring multiple appliances.

FAQ

Why does the drain tube clog?

Food debris, mineral residue, or microbial growth can narrow the tube. A deformed outlet can also trap water and refreeze it.

Can I just pour hot water down the drain?

Yes for light ice, but recurring leaks usually need a tube replacement and a full clean out of the trough and outlet.

How do I prevent future clogs?

Keep door gaskets clean and sealing well, avoid overpacking around the rear air tower, and flush the drain annually with a small amount of warm water.

Need help today Call 866 415 3937 or book refrigerator repair. We serve Toronto, the GTA, and nearby communities.