TechNoticed a hole in your fridge? Here's why it's crucial

Noticed a hole in your fridge? Here's why it's crucial

Every refrigerator has a drain hole.
Every refrigerator has a drain hole.
Images source: © Getty Images | Pavel Muravev

2:49 PM EDT, September 4, 2024

Each of us has a home refrigerator, an invaluable device for storing food. Thanks to it, food stays fresh longer and doesn't spoil. But have you ever noticed a small hole inside it? Its role is genuinely crucial.

The small hole in the refrigerator, also known as the drain hole, plays a critical role in the device's proper functioning. Its blockage can lead to unpleasant consequences, such as water leaking onto the floor and the risk of flooding the kitchen. Fortunately, we can take a few simple steps to prevent this.

Where is the drain hole located in the refrigerator?

In modern refrigerators, this hole is located on the back wall inside the device. If it gets blocked, water accumulates at the refrigerator's bottom and eventually leaks onto the floor. Usually, the cause is the drainage tube being clogged with food debris. Sometimes, the hole freezes—in such cases, just pour some hot water into it to unblock it.

You can unblock the hole in the refrigerator in a very simple way.
You can unblock the hole in the refrigerator in a very simple way.© Getty Images | Rockaa

How to unblock the drain hole?

First, remove all nearby items to clean the hole in your home refrigerator or the fridge in the basement. Then, using a cotton swab, remove any dirt accumulated on the hole's edge. Next, use a pressure syringe or a regular syringe to pour hot water into it. Keep adding water until you hear it dripping into the drip tray.

Remember not to pour too much water—immediately wipe any excess with a cloth. You can also use a mixture of hot water and baking soda, which will help clean the drain. Regular maintenance of the drain will prevent more serious problems.

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