Why is my Freezer Not Working: Ice Build Up?

The most common reasons for your freezer not working and having ice build-up are a faulty door seal or a problem with the evaporator drain.

Let's break down each of these issues in more detail:

1. Faulty Door Seal

A damaged or improperly sealed freezer door allows warm, moist air to enter. When this warm air comes into contact with the cold surfaces inside the freezer, the moisture condenses and freezes, leading to ice build-up. The more air that leaks in, the more ice accumulates, and the harder your freezer has to work, potentially leading to it "not working" effectively (or at all).

• How to Check the Door Seal:
  • Visual Inspection: Look for cracks, tears, or gaps in the rubber seal around the door.
  • Paper Test: Place a piece of paper between the door and the freezer frame. Close the door. If you can easily pull the paper out, the seal is likely weak in that spot. Repeat this test around the entire perimeter of the door.
• Solution: Clean the seal thoroughly with warm, soapy water. If it's damaged, you'll likely need to replace it. Replacement seals can be purchased from appliance parts stores or online retailers.

2. Evaporator Drain Failure

The evaporator drain is designed to channel melted frost away from the evaporator coils to a drain pan, where it evaporates. If this drain becomes clogged with ice, food particles, or debris, the melted frost cannot escape and will refreeze, creating ice build-up, often excessive.

• Symptoms of a Clogged Evaporator Drain: Excessive ice on the back wall of the freezer, water on the freezer floor, or a musty odor.

• How to Fix a Clogged Evaporator Drain:

  1. Unplug the Freezer: Safety first!
  2. Locate the Drain: The drain is typically located on the back wall of the freezer, often behind the evaporator coils (you may need to remove a panel to access it).
  3. Melt the Ice: Use a hair dryer (on a low setting) or hot water to melt the ice clogging the drain. Do not use sharp objects as they can damage the drain.
  4. Flush the Drain: Once the ice is melted, use a turkey baster or syringe to flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris.
  5. Clear the Drain: You can use a pipe cleaner, or a flexible wire to carefully clear the drain passage.
  6. Reassemble and Plug In: Reassemble any panels you removed and plug the freezer back in.

In summary, ice build-up leading to a freezer malfunction usually stems from a compromised door seal letting in warm air, or a clogged evaporator drain preventing proper water drainage. Addressing these issues promptly can restore your freezer's functionality.