How To Unblock The Fridge Drain In Cumbria

If you're experiencing issues with your fridge, particularly with water pooling at the bottom or even freezing, the cause might be a clogged drain hole. This can happen over time due to food particles, dust, and other debris that accumulate in the drain. Fortunately, it is a relatively easy problem to solve on your own. In this guide, we'll cover the steps you can take to unblock your fridge drain in Cumbria.

Who We Are

Before we dive into the specifics, we want to introduce ourselves. Drainage Cumbria is a drain unblocking company in Cumbria, serving residential and commercial customers in the North West England area. We've been in business for over a decade, and our team has the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle any drain-related issue. If you find that you're unable to clear the blockage using the steps we outline in this guide, don't hesitate to give us a call at 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected].

Locate the Drain

The first step in unblocking the fridge drain is to locate it. The drain is typically found at the bottom of the fridge, inside the freezer compartment. You might need to remove the bottom shelf or any other items at the bottom of the fridge to access it. Once you've identified the drain, take a look inside - you might see a small pool of water or ice at the bottom, which is a sign that the drain is clogged.

Check the Drain

Before you start cleaning the drain, inspect it to make sure that it's not damaged or deformed in any way. Using a flashlight, look inside the drain and check for any visible debris or blockages. If you notice any injuries, it might be a good idea to call a professional to assess the extent of the damage.

Clean the Drain Hole

Assuming there is no damage, the next step is to clean the drain hole. You can start by removing any visible debris using a small tool such as scissors or tweezers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the drain or pushing the blockage further down the pipe.

If the debris is a bit more stubborn, you can use a mixture of warm water and vinegar to help loosen it. First, boil some water and mix it with equal parts vinegar in a container. Then, use a turkey baster or a small funnel to pour the solution into the drain hole. Be careful not to overflow the drain or pour the solution too quickly. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the blockage.

After the solution has had time to work, use a small tool to remove any debris that is now loose. You might find that there is a lot of gunk built up inside the drain, so be prepared to spend some time removing it. Once you've cleared as much as you can, pour some more warm water to flush out the drain.

Use a Snake or Drain Pipe

If you're still having trouble, you can try using a snake or drain pipe to remove the blockage. These tools are readily available at most hardware stores and are relatively cheap. A snake is a flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain, and its coils will grab onto any debris or blockages, allowing you to pull them out.

A drain pipe, on the other hand, is a rigid tool with a hook at the end. Like a snake, it can be inserted into the drain to remove any visible debris. However, drainage pipes are more effective when trying to clear solid blockages.

Be Careful with the Angle

When using a tool to clear the blockage, be careful not to damage the drain or push the blockage further down the pipe. You should also be careful not to use too much force - a gentle touch is often all that is needed.

Additional Tips

There are a few extra steps you can take to help prevent future blockages in your fridge drain. One such tip is to keep your fridge clean - wipe down the interior regularly, and remove any expired or spoiled food items. Another tip is to make sure that the fridge is level. If it's tilting too much to one side, it can cause water to pool at the bottom and lead to blockages.

Conclusion

Unblocking your fridge drain might seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of patience and elbow grease, it's something that you can do yourself. If you're still having trouble after trying the steps outlined in this guide, don't hesitate to give us a call at Drainage Cumbria. We're here to support you and make sure that your fridge is free of blockages and working correctly.